Historique

Promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment through the process of gender mainstreaming is part of the mandate of all UN agencies, funds and programmes (‘Agencies’).

Agencies are directed to strengthen efforts to mainstream gender in all programmatic spheres and to strengthen the capabilities of the United Nations system as a whole in the area of gender. ECOSOC Resolution 2011/6 “Mainstreaming a gender perspective into all policies and programmes in the United Nations system”  requests the United Nations system, including its agencies, funds and programmes, within their respective mandates, to continue mainstreaming the issue of gender in accordance with previous resolutions of the Economic and Social Council, in particular resolution 2008/34, and General Assembly resolution 64/289, including mainstreaming a gender perspective into all operational mechanisms, inter alia the United Nations Development Assistance Framework and other development frameworks, ensuring that managers provide leadership and support, within the United Nations system, to advance gender mainstreaming, to strengthen monitoring, reporting and evaluation so as to allow system-wide assessment of progress in gender mainstreaming, and using existing training resources, including institutions and infrastructure, to assist in the development and application of unified training modules and tools on gender mainstreaming and to promote the collection, analysis and use of accurate, reliable, comparable and relevant data, disaggregated by sex and age, during programme development and the evaluation of gender mainstreaming in order to assess progress towards achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women. A strong global commitment to gender equality is reflected in individual agency policy documents whereby most UN agencies have comprehensive gender policies in place at the headquarters level.  Website:  http://www.un.org/en/ecosoc/docs/2011/res%202011.6.pdf

The UNCT in Kyrgyzstan developed its Gender Mainstreaming Strategy 2011-2016 (Attachment 1) in line with UN priorities for gender mainstreaming that increasingly recognize the importance of inter-agency collaboration at the country level to achieve gender equality goals. The Strategy was developed at the request of the UNCT by an international consultant on gender mainstreaming working in close collaboration with the UN-GTG and Heads of Agencies. The strategy is designed to strengthen and expand UNCT efforts to work toward gender equality and women’s empowerment in Kyrgyzstan.

The strategy aims to:

• Enhance UNCT programming quality and effectiveness;
• Identify priority areas for coordinated UNCT programming to address critical gender inequalities;
• Operationalize gender policies;
• Support gender capacity development; and
• Institute accountability mechanisms.

The UNCT Gender Mainstreaming Strategy (2011-2016) is based on an overarching vision of employing mainstreaming strategies to each UN agency as well as focusing coordinated efforts on strategically targeted areas to help build gender equality in Kyrgyzstan. United Nations agencies in KR are working collectively to achieve this vision by implementing individual agency policies to support the Government to meet its commitments to gender equality. The GMS outlines the roles and priorities of the UNCT to target areas of inequality and to mainstream a gender-sensitive perspective into organizational specialization areas. The GMS includes specific actions, outcomes and responsibilities. The monitoring and evaluation framework includes targets and indicators to help ensure implementation is kept on track.

The GMS is a UNCT document committing all Agencies to singular and joint realization of the strategy. The UN GTG is responsible for oversight over this process and for ensuring that yearly action plans address key results areas. The UN-GTG is also responsible for facilitating monitoring and evaluation of the strategy as well as for implementation of various activities as per its approved workplan.

In July 2014 based on UN GTG discussion of the progress of implementation of the GMS it was decided to combine two important processes: that of UNDAF mid-term review and evaluation and revision of the GMS including its prolongation through 2017 to coincide with UNDAF. Combining of these two strategic processes will help to strengthen Agencies commitments on achieving programme and institutional gender equality goals and develop clear understanding how GMS is supporting UNDAF implementation and vice-versa.

The process of revision will consider the  following changes which happened in the country since 2011:

• Adoption of Country Programme and Action Plan on transition to Sustainable Development 2012-2017 (CPTSD);
• Adoption of the National Strategy on achieving of Gender Equality (NSGE) 2012-2020 and its Action Plan 2012-2014;
• Peacebuilding process in Kyrgyzstan and UNCT support in this area (Peace Building Funds projects portfolio). The UNCT in Kyrgyzstan is also a pilot of implementing the UNSG’s 7 Point Action Plan;
• Process of national consultation on post-2015 development agenda;
• UNDAF mid-term review  and follow up consultation process;
• Newly approved UN Agencies gender equality strategies and tools for ensuring comprehensive gender mainstreaming and women’s and girls’ empowerment approach (such as Atlas Gender Marker, UNDP Gender Equality Seal certification, UNDP Global Gender Equality Strategy 2014-2017, UNICEF Regional Gender Action Plan for 2014-2017).

An international consultant was hired for conducting the evaluation of the GMS 2011-2016 at the end of 2014. The following tools has been used for the evaluation: a) desk review of the documents;  b) online survey of programme and operational staff; c) one week mission to Bishkek for face-to-face interview with majority of UN Agencies (UN Women, UNDP, OHCHR, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNODC, FAO, WFP) and national partners,  and one day workshop for UN GTG.  An inventory report has been developed as a result of the assignment.

The inventory report highlights the need for a comprehensive framework for gender mainstreaming comprising quality standards, accountability mechanisms, methodologies to measure staff performance, incentives for organizational learning and adequate budgets. Thus the next step of the assignment are ensuring institutional and cultural transformation processes on implementation of GEWE approach, promotion of pro-active leadership, establishing of robust accountability mechanisms, dedicated resources, enhanced capacities and expanded partnerships as key focus areas for strengthening gender mainstreaming. Updated UNCT GM Strategy should be aimed at strengthening management systems (through planning for results, monitoring, and strengthening accountability mechanisms); ensuring an enabling policy framework (by strengthening norms and guidelines for programme management and ensuring workplace equality); enhancing the availability of financial, technical and knowledge resources; building human resources (strengthening capacities, expanding access to opportunities and building commitment); and expanding alliances and partnerships (within the UN and non-UN development partners as well as with civil society and governments).

For development of updated UNCT Gender Mainstreaming Strategy 2015-2017 UN Women CO will hire an international consultant with extensive experience on gender programming in UN Agencies and UN Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment corporative polices and institutional tools and proven knowledge on UNDAF development and implementation processes.

Devoirs et responsabilités

Under the direct supervision of UN Women Representative and guidance of the UN Gender Thematic Group and in coordination with UNDAF MTR working group and in day-to-day coordination with the UN Women National Programme Officer, the Consultant will develop an updated the UNCT GM Strategy 2011-2017 in accordance with UN policies on GEWE, UNDAF MTR process and in line with country development and national gender policy strategic documents and processes.

The international consultant will deliver concrete outputs as follows:

• Develop detailed work plan with activities, timelines and milestones within the ToR (0.5 fee days);
• Familiarize her/himself with UN key global strategic documents on gender mainstreaming and women’s and girls’ empowerment sustainable development and peace building (ECOSOC Resolutions, Secretary General Reports and Action Plans), country strategic documents such as UNDAF, JCSS, CPTSD, NSGE, UNCT Kyrgyzstan GM Strategy for 2011-2016, UN Women Country Strategic Plan, UNDP Global Gender Equality Strategy 2014-2017, UNDP Kyrgyzstan Gender Equality Strategy 2014-2017 and UNICEF Regional Gender Action Plan for 2014-2017, UNFPA Regional Program Action Plan for 2014-2017 (Gender Outcome), CPTSD, NSGE 2012-2020 and its NAP 2015-2017 and the NAP on implementation of the UNSCR 1325 (2 fee days);
• Study an inventory report on implementation of UNCT GM Strategy 2012-2016, UNCT Kyrgyzstan Annual Work Plan for 2015; UNDAF mid-term review; evaluation of 2014 UNCT AWP(1 fee day);
• Develop a methodology on revision of the UNCT GM Strategy with its prolonging till 2017 in line with UNDAF MTR and post-2015 development processes, including SDGs.. Develop recommendations for introducing transformative GEWE approach in a new UNDAF cycle, institutional arrangement for operationalization of GEWE policies and tools at all areas of programming such as management systems, enabling policy framework, availability of financial, technical and knowledge resources; human resources and alliances and partnerships. The special focus should be given for external/internal communication, institutional capacity development and gender-sensitive organizational culture and informal norms as a critical determinant of the gender capability of the organization (2 fee days);
• Develop a methodology of focus groups with UNCT/GTG members on formulation of key outlines of updated UNCT GM Strategy 2015-2017 and submit to UN Women CO for approval (1 fee day);
• Conduct 10 days mission to Kyrgyzstan and facilitate focus groups on participatory revision of UNCT GMS with prolonging it with duration till 2017 in accordance with UNDAF and its MTR, and key national strategic documents in this area as the CPTSD, the NSGE 2013-2020 and the NAP 2015-2017. To devote special focus on following strategic areas as sustainable development, peace building, rule of law and human rights, access to justice and basic social services, women’s economic empowerment and girls’ empowerment, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. Ensure varying levels of understanding of the linkages between the process of gender mainstreaming (changes in organizational policies, systems and capacities), its outcomes (gender-responsive practices and programmes) and its ultimate goals (gender equality on the ground and transformation of gender relations in society) (10 fee days);
• Revise UNCT GM Strategy 2015-2017 and submit it to UN Women CO for further discussion with UN GTG and UNCT (5.5 fee days);
• To finalize the Strategy according to the comments received and submit for the approval to UN Women CO (2 fee days).
• Prepare and submit the final report on activities undertaken (1 fee day). 

Implementation Timeframe:

Deliverable 1 due 30 July 2015:

• The methodology of the Strategy revision is developed and approved by the UN Women CO. The mission to Kyrgyzstan and focus groups are conducted. The draft of revised UNCT GM Strategy 2015-2017 is developed and submitted the UN Women CO.

Deliverable 2 due 31 August 2015:

• The revised UNCT GM Strategy and the final report on activities implemented. The revised UNCT GM Strategy is finalized and approved by the UN Women CO. The final report is submitted and approved by the UN Women CO.
• The consultant shall commence the assignment as early as 1 June 2015 and finalize the report no later than 30 August 2015 with the final strategy and the report being submitted in hardcopy and electronic file already for discussion with UNCT. 

Submission Package:

• Duly filled UN Women/UNDP/UN Personal History Form/P-11 must be submitted.
• Applications without a UN Women/UNDP/UN Personal History will not 

Management Arrangements:

Organizational Setting: The consultant will report to the UN Women Representative and work under the day-to-day guidance of the UN Women National Programme Officer. The contractor will work closely with the other UN Agencies gender focal points.

Financial Arrangements:

As a guiding principle, the fees payable should be based on the minimum amount necessary to obtain quality services for UN-Women. UN WOMEN has as a benchmark, the range of negotiating rates for international individual contractors. A daily fee rate cannot be charged more often than six times every seven days (six-day working week).

Payment will be disbursed in one instalment upon submission and approval of all deliverables and certification by the UN Women Representative that the services have been satisfactorily performed.

For the information of applicants, please note that the daily subsistence allowance (payable per each night stayed) for places the contractor does not reside based on UN rate. Subject to early submission of properly filled documentation, for field mission 80% advance payment for DSA is made. 20% to be paid upon submission of the mission report and boarding passes.

Traveller’s Responsibilities prior to Duty Travel. Traveller must ensure that he/she has the following:

• National passport (with at least 6 months validity);
• Valid visa (if required) to the mission country and transit visa (if required);
• Valid visa to re-enter the country of the traveller’s duty station (if applicable);
• The approved security clearance through TRIP, from the respective Designated Official for security, regardless of destination;
• A valid Basic Security in the Field certificate;
• A valid Advanced Security in the Field certificate; and
• Medical insurance for the duration and destination of mission travel related to the assignment.

Compétences

Core Competencies:

• Ethics and Values: Demonstrate and safeguard ethics and integrity
• Organizational Awareness: Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
• Development and Innovation: Take charge of self-development and take initiative
• Work in teams: Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Communicating and Information Sharing: Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for effective communication
• Self-management and Emotional Intelligence: Stay composed and positive even in difficult moments, handle tense situations with diplomacy and tact, and have a consistent behavior towards others
• Conflict Management: Surface conflicts and address them proactively acknowledging different feelings and views and directing energy towards a mutually acceptable solution.
• Continuous Learning and Knowledge Sharing: Encourage learning and sharing of knowledge
• Appropriate and Transparent Decision Making: Demonstrate informed and transparent decision making

Technical and Professional Skills:

Has a good understanding of various methodologies such as surveys, record reviews, focus groups and case studies. Has the required competency to collect reliable, valid and accurate information in an objective way. Masters effective interviewing skills and is able to conduct interviews independently. Has a good understanding of questionnaire design and is able to develop questionnaires and other review instruments.

Analyze Oral and Written Communication:

• Has the required competency to articulate relevant subject matter in a clear and concise way. Uses critical thinking to formulate findings and recommendations based on the results of both qualitative and quantitative data;
• Is able to develop clear, concise and compelling reports. Acts with integrity and honesty in relationships with all stakeholders;
• Ability to produce well written reports demonstrating analytical ability and communication skills. Proven ability to undertake self-directed research;
• Ability to work pro-actively and interaction with the organization commissioning the work and with other stakeholders to ensure that a quality product is delivered on-time;
• Excellent writing skills, ability to write in a structured, lucid and concise manner.

Other:

• Experience in working with multi-stakeholders essential:  governments, civil society/ community based organizations, and international actors such as UN/multilateral/bilaterals;
• Theoretical and practical experience in participatory approaches is a must as well as facilitation skills and ability to manage diversity of views in different cultural contexts;
• Familiarity with the political, economic and social situation in the post-soviet countries is an asset.

Qualifications et expériences requises

Education:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Economics, Political or Social Sciences or other relevant fields

Experience:

• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience including both no less than two years each (possibly overlapping but for no less than five years in as a total of a), b) and c) ):
• a) hands-on programming and implementation experience in UN Agencies projects at management (supervisory) level;
• b) Promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment approach in development programmes/projects;
• c) facilitation and training skills in relation on gender equality and women’s empowerment issues to multi stakeholder workshops.
• Practical experience on conducting gender analysis/studies/reports and drafting gender strategic documents within UN or non-UN development partners’ programmes - not less than 5 studies/reports in no less than three countries;
• Proven work experience on GEWE area at regional/international level;
• Proven knowledge of UN system policies and tools on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment;
• Proven knowledge of UNCT work and UNDAF development and implementation process;
• Experience in working with multi-stakeholders:  governments, civil society/CBO, and international actors such as UN/multilateral/bilaterals.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency, both oral and written in English. Russian language skills are considered an asset

Note:

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

• All applications must include (as an attachment) the completed UN Women Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from http://www.unwomen.org/about-us/employment
• Applications without the completed UN Women P-11 form will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for assessment.