Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women’s rights at the centre of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

The UN Women Egypt Country Office is based in Cairo, and works in the following priority areas:

• Leadership and Political Participation;
• Economic Empowerment;
• Ending Violence Against Women;
• Governance and National Planning.

In October 2012, UN Women signed a Contribution Agreement with the European Commission to implement a project entitled “Spring Forward for Women: Regional Programme for the Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in the Southern Mediterranean Region”. Operating in 7 Countries, this regional women’s economic and political empowerment program provides a mechanism to advance the economic empowerment of women in the Southern Mediterranean region and to assist them to reposition themselves in the political and decision making spaces so that they may have greater influence in shaping the future of their countries in the ongoing democratic transition while protecting their previous gains.

In the framework of the implementation of the Spring Forward for Women programme objectives, UN Women intends to support Cairo University to establish a full one-year accredited diploma on gender studies targeted towards an internal (students and faculty) and external (civil society, government and private sector corporations) public with the aim of strengthening their conceptual and analytical skills in gender policy and equipping them with specialized knowledge and competencies to be capable of advocating for legislations, policies, and budgets that are gender sensitive and rights based.

Cairo University (CU), established in 1908, is the largest University in Egypt as well as the Arab region. Among other universities in Egypt, CU comes first in terms of the number of faculties and institutes (43 faculties and institutes covering a wide range of subjects under the Sciences; Humanities, Basic Sciences, Medical and Engineering) as well as its number of students who account for about 15.7 percent of total public university students. The professional staff for Cairo University represents about 14.2 percent of all professional staff in public Universities. CU offers undergraduate as well as graduate (Diplomas, Masters and PhD) degrees. Its mission is to achieve excellence in providing higher education services to meet the needs of the national, regional and international communities, and the effective continuous contribution achieving Egypt’s social and economic development. "Its mission is to be accomplished through a commitment to international standards of excellence in the fields of education, research and community service, as well as the integration of personnel, technology and business systems, and the development of the university’s human resources.” Cairo University does not yet have a gender policy statement nor a gender strategy or action plan. Also, within Cairo University a Gender Studies and Research Centre is present but operationalisation of its activities needs capacity building support.

The context of this mission both within the envisaged Gender Studies diploma at CU and the Egyptian society as a whole is influenced by factors which are difficult to predict. Public universities witnessed a late start to the 2014-2015 academic year amidst increased security measures on campus and debates surrounding amendments to the law regulating university affairs. The past year witnessed violent clashes between security forces and students inside university campuses across the country. Nominations for CU Faculty Heads, including the two important Faculties for this diploma – Faculty of Economics and Political Science (FEPS) and Faculty of Arts (FA) - are on-going at this very moment. The Egyptian Parliamentary elections will also likely take place by December 2014. The new electoral law guarantees that 69 seats will be reserved to women (i.e. 12 percent of total seats). Political parties and the President are also encouraged to include more women than the quota which increases the chances of women winning in elections.

Gender equality as a fundamental human right is a prerequisite for the establishment of democratic societies. A World Bank study on gender equality and women’s empowerment shows that greater gender equality, aside from being a development objective in its own right, is also smart economics as it enhances productivity and improves other development outcomes, including prospects for the next generation and for the quality of societal policies and institutions. Despite the increased opportunities for women to participate in public life, Egypt ranks low on the Global Gender Gap Index produced by the World Economic Forum. In 2013, it ranked 125 out of 134 countries.

Though Egypt has made impressive gains in reducing the gender gap in education, female labor force participation rates have been relatively stagnant and remain very low, with less than a third of women of working age actually participating in the labor force. Indeed, according to the most recent findings of the Egypt Labor Market Panel Survey (2012 ELMPS) female unemployment rates were 23.7 percent in 2012 with young women (aged 18-29) representing 19 percent of the Egyptian workforce compared to more than 50 percent for young men, according to recent statistics by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). Additionally, total female unemployment rates are nearly four times those of males according to the most recent findings of the ELMPS. Many observers, however, believe that the female unemployment rate is much higher, given the general slowdown in economic activity in the wake of the global economic crisis and the political unrest that ensued following the January 25, 2011 Revolution. Women-owned micro and small enterprises make up 18 percent of the total number of micro and small enterprises, according to recent literature, while around two thirds of privately employed women are active in the informal or the agricultural sectors. These women typically do not have access to job security and social insurance benefits. The informal employment has expanded rapidly from 4.8 million in 1996 to 8.3 million in 2008, of which an estimated 1.8 million workers are females.

The envisaged results is for Cairo University to have a gender studies programme which responds to policy and labor market demands and coordinates and supervises a multidisciplinary team of competent male and female academics, researchers and staff.

The intended programme results consist of the following activities:

• An accredited diploma in gender studies directed towards an internal and external public (in English and/or Arabic and/or e-learning) aimed at strengthening the conceptual and analytical skills of its target group in gender policy and raising awareness of gender gaps;
• A research programme to contribute to the production of new knowledge on challenges to gender equality and to enhance student and faculty knowledge, capacity and skills in conducting research and studies and, evaluating projects, programmes and policies in various gender-related fields;
• A gender advocacy and policy advice programme that draws on specialized research, externally directed towards governmental institutions, society and other universities, internally directed towards CU faculties;
• A self-sustaining publication strategy which provides Egyptian scholars interested in gender issues with space to publish their research and to meet the demand for serious research on gender issues in Arabic;
• Linkages with other women/gender studies centers and programmes both nationally and internationally;
• Development and consolidation of networks for future collaboration and knowledge sharing amongst people who are engaged in gender equality.

Objective of the Assignment

The purpose of these Terms of Reference is to contract an experienced international consultant to support the establishment of a full one-year accredited diploma on gender studies at Cairo University to enhance the capacity of policy makers, civil servants, NGOs, journalists, private sector and others working to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment by strengthening their conceptual and analytical skills in gender policy and equipping them with specialized knowledge and competencies to be capable of advocating for legislations, policies, and budgets that are gender sensitive and rights based.

Scope of the Assignment

In accordance with UN Women Evaluation Policy and UNEG Norms and Standards, the consultant will work under the overall guidance of the National Project Coordinator.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Mapping and analysis of existing gender studies programmes (accredited diplomas, MA degrees) in major universities in the Arab region (Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, Palestine and Sudan) and identification of course outlines (core and elective courses) and best practices and making recommendations on how these can be adapted to the expectations and administrative requirements of Cairo University;
• Identify similar interventions that exist in Egyptian public universities, challenges faced and how this was overcome as well as propose mechanisms to create synergies between these existing interventions/programmes and the envisaged gender studies diploma at CU;
• Specify the accreditation process for the gender studies diploma in CU; how it’s done, which department/line ministry is responsible for the accreditation, what are the law(s) governing this process, how long does the process take, who needs to do it, etc.;
• Carry out regular consultations with relevant faculty and staff of CU to define the details of the gender studies diploma, get their acceptances for the diploma structure and the feasibility of course offerings and ensure their complete buy-in and ownership from the start.

Develop a concept paper for the gender studies diploma in close cooperation and coordination with CU. The concept paper should include the following information which must be discussed and approved by the university:

• Most successful yet feasible format for an accredited degree in gender studies at CU,
• Objectives of the diploma;
• Target participants;
• Admission requirements for participants;
• Diploma curriculum including requirements for core and elective courses, practicum and suggested schedule for proposed classes;
• Preliminary general framework and course outline for the content of the curriculum and identification of resources for reading material;
• Diploma evaluation criterion;
• Content of educational toolkits: student and instructor;
• Modalities for collaboration with universities in the region and local and regional institutions to partner with;
• Management structure for implementation of the diploma at CU, including development of Terms of Reference (example for the Steering Committee, Project Coordinator);
• Proposals for multi-disciplinary seminar and lecture series including the identification of thematic topics and experts. Seminar and lecture series to be topic specific and targeting the specific audience;
• Work plan and budget for implementation of points: a-k.;
• Prepare a communication plan to publicize the diploma and promote it to an internal (students) and external audience (private sector, CSOS, line ministries);
• Provide periodic technical support and guidance to the CU designated focal person and other concerned departments/faculties on the implementation of the agreed upon concept note with a view towards full institutionalization of the diploma within CU.

Deliverables

• Report on mapping and analysis of existing gender studies programmes in major universities in the Arab region;
• Report on similar interventions that exist in Egyptian public universities;
• Report on the diploma accreditation process;
• Concept note that has been approved by CU;
• Quarterly narrative progress reports on the process of institutionalization of the gender studies diploma within CU and the technical support and guidance provided to realize the ToRs objectives;
• Detailed final report comprising an explanation of the activities undertaken, accompanied by a hand-over note summarizing all pending issues, to be presented to the CU diploma focal person/coordinator.

Monitoring and Reporting Requirements

• Report on mapping and analysis of existing gender studies programmes in major universities in the Arab region;
• Report on similar interventions that exist in Egyptian public universities;
• Report on the diploma accreditation process;
• Concept note that is approved by CU;
• After obtaining approval of CU on the concept note, quarterly progress reports to be prepared on the follow up steps taken towards institutionalization of the Gender Studies diploma, including status of accreditation granting;
• Final report including hand-over note.

Competencies

Core Values and Guiding Principles:

• Integrity: Demonstrating consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UN Women in actions and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct;
• Cultural Sensitivity/Valuing diversity: Demonstrating an appreciation of the multicultural nature of the organization and the diversity of its staff. Demonstrating an international outlook, appreciating differences in values and learning from cultural diversity.

Core Competencies:

• Ethics and Values: Demonstrating / Safeguarding Ethics and Integrity;
• Organizational Awareness: Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
• Developing and Empowering People / Coaching and Mentoring : Self-development, initiative-taking;
• Working in Teams: Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;
• Communicating Information and Ideas: Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
• Self-management and Emotional intelligence: Creating synergies through self-control;
• Conflict Management / Negotiating and Resolving Disagreements;
• Knowledge Sharing / Continuous Learning: Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others.

Functional Competencies:

• Creates, edits and presents information in clear and presentable formats, using appropriate IT functionality;
• Ability to contribute to change management and business re-engineering processes;
• Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks by establishing priorities;
• Ability to handle a large volume of work possibly under time constraints;
• Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships with clients, demonstrating understanding of client’s perspective; anticipates client needs and addresses them promptly;
• Ability to perform variety of administrative tasks related to human resources, finance, general administration, support, procurement, logistic; programme support; ICT; collecting preparation of documentation and data input;
• In-depth knowledge of office software applications relating to word processing, data management, presentation and ATLAS;
• Thoroughly and methodically collects, verified and records data, demonstrating attention to detail and identifying and correcting errors on own initiative; maintains databases.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• PhD. in Political Science, Economics, Social Sciences, Gender Studies or related fields.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years, at the international level, of professional experience with mainstreaming gender in higher education;
• Strong academic links with universities in Egypt and the Arab region;
• Prior experience in developing and introducing new academic courses at the university level;
• Substantive experience in researching, planning, implementing, and evaluating projects related to gender equality and women’s empowerment;
• A strong skill set in areas of research methods, teaching and training;
• Good knowledge of rights-based approach and results-based management;
• Experience related to UN Women’s mandate and activities;
• Sound knowledge of international standards on human rights, women’s rights and related instruments;
• A proven ability to liaise with a myriad of stakeholders and partners, including government, civil society, international organizations and grassroots organizations.

Language:

• Fluency in English and Arabic.

Evaluation Criteria:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:
Cumulative analysis:

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
• Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Technical Criteria weight; 70%.

Financial Criteria weight; 30%.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the technical evaluation would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Criteria Weight Technical: 70%:

• Criteria: PhD. in Political Science, Economics, Social Sciences, Gender Studies or related fields.  (Weight: 20%. Maximum obtainable Points: 20);
• Criteria: A minimum of 3 years, at the international level, of professional experience with mainstreaming gender in higher education. (Weight: 20%. Maximum obtainable Points: 20);
• Criteria: Substantive experience in researching, planning, implementing, and evaluating projects related to gender equality and women’s empowerment. (Weight: 20%. Maximum obtainable Points: 20);
• Criteria: Prior experience in introducing and developing new academic courses at the university level.  (Weight: 20%. Maximum obtainable Points: 20);
• Criteria: Links with universities in Egypt and the Arab region. (Weight: 10%. Maximum obtainable Points: 10);
• Criteria: Excellent written and spoken English and Arabic. (Weight 10%; maximum obtainable points 10).

Financial: Lowest financial proposal: 30%.

Contract will be awarded to the technically qualified consultant who obtains the highest combines score (financial and technical). The points for the Financial Proposal will be allocated as per the following formula:

(Lowest Bid Offered*)/ (Bid of the Consultant) x 30
*"Lowest Bid Offered" refers to the lowest price offered by Offerors scoring at least 49 points in technical evaluation.

Applications

Documents to be included when submitting the proposal

Interested Individual Consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

Proposal

To be included as part of the proposal:

• A cover letter with a brief presentation of your consultancy explaining your suitability for the work;
• A brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work. Applicants are encouraged to define an approach and the specific deliverables based on their experiences. (limit to under 1500 words);
• UN Women Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from http://www.unwomen.org/about-us/employment; and
• Personal CV.

Financial proposal:

• Proposed daily fee.