Jobs - 52365- Consultant for Study on Climate Resilient and Empo

Consultant for Study on Climate Resilient and Empowering Livelihoods for Women

Location :

Dhaka, BANGLADESH

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

25-Dec-2014

Application Deadline :

21-Dec-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

20 working days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Bangladesh, with its 157 million population (World Population Review, 2014) and its geographical location and topography, is one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. The Global Climate Risk Index (2014) ranks Bangladesh as one of the five countries most affected by extreme weather events between 1993 and 2012. While natural disasters remain a regular, annual occurrence in Bangladesh, the intensity of these disasters has increased in recent years and the forecast is even worse for the coming years.

In Bangladesh, women form 49% of the population. Bangladesh has made significant progress in recent decades when it comes to gender equality and women’s participation and opportunities in both public and private spheres of society although the country ranks poorly on the Gender Inequality Index, placing itself 111th out of 148 countries (UNDP Human Development Report, 2013). Repeated natural calamities reduce the ability of families to cope with the economic and environmental shocks in the post disaster scenario, thereby increasing women’s vulnerability every year. The Government of Bangladesh identifies, ‘Realising Gender Equality and Empowerment” as one of the seven priority areas in the Outline Perspective Plan and the Sixth Five-Year Plan (2011-2015).

The country is also lagging in achieving the MDG indicators of goal 7 on ensuring environmental sustainability. The MDG analysis has revealed that broad challenges remain in terms of gender equality and women’s advancement. A study by the World Bank (2012) highlighted how social norms, power relations and decision making process influence the impact of climate change on women . According to the study, vulnerability to natural hazard, adaptive capacity, internal migration/displacement and access to institutions that build adaptive capacity – all have gender dimensions. While there has been gender based shifts in economic opportunities for women that are slowly changing family and social norms, new set of challenges emerge in terms of better access to resources or opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

To generate evidence and knowledge about opportunities and challenges of pursuing and implementing empowering and resilient livelihoods, green livelihoods/jobs for the women living in most climate vulnerable areas of Bangladesh.

Scope of Work

Literature Review (e.g. BRAC and BCAS’ Needs Assessment and baseline reports, Action Aid’s resilience framework, and reports on women’s livelihoods from the Asia Pacific region, and green jobs/technology);
Carry out field research in the climate vulnerable south west costal belt of the country: Khulna region (Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira) to assess the current scenario with regards to women’s livelihood practices;
Identify challenges and opportunities, and analyse the context and interventions required to create enabling environment to introduce and implement livelihoods for women which would be both empowering for them and increase their resilience;
Recommend appropriate pilot green technologies and green jobs for the target women, the poorest living in most climate vulnerable areas, while set the rough guide/criterion on green livelihoods and green jobs.

Specific Tasks

Draft research methodology and finalise it through consultation with UNW;
Do literature review and submit a report to UNW;
Carry out the field study;
Draft Report submission to UNW with recommendations and way forward;
Finalise report;
Carry out assessment of UNW’s pilot initiative of resilient and empowering livelihoods

Timeframe

Twenty two working days within the period of 25 December 2014 to 30 November 2015:
2 days for producing methodology by 05 Janaury, 2015;
4 days literature review and report by 15 Janaury, 2015;
4 days field research by 22 Janaury, 2015;
3 days report preparation by 26 Janaury, 2015;
1 day to finalise the report by 31 Janaury, 2015;
8 day for assessment of the pilot intervention by November, 2015.

Contribution to DRF Outputs

Impact 2: Women, especially the poorest and most excluded, are economically empowered and benefit from development;
Outcome 2.2: Women’s sustainable and empowering livelihoods enhanced through gender-responsive services and access to resources;
Output 2.2.2: Women, including migrant workers, entrepreneurs and women affected by climate change, have increased capacity (skills, access to evidence and knowledge and alliances) to lobby for women friendly services, mechanisms and policies and to increase their leadership in market institutions.

Competencies

Technical competencies:

Demonstrated analytical skills on economic Participation of Women Interventions;
Excellent writing, communication and analytical skills;
Excellent interpersonal skills; and
An ability to take initiative and be innovative.

Capacity development:

Team work

Building and promoting effective teams.

Coordination and networking

Corporate competencies:

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s or equivalent university degree on relevant subject;

Experiences:

At least 10 years of specific experience on the field of gender, climate change, and livelihoods;
Good understanding of the development context of Bangladesh and the policy structures.

Language:

Excellent English writing skills.