UNDP Jobs - 22911- International Consultant on Gender Equality and El

International Consultant on Gender Equality and Electoral Violence

Location :

Home based

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

29-Apr-2011

Application Deadline :

22-Apr-11 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

32 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

UNDP provides support to countries to develop electoral laws, processes and institutions that strengthen inclusive participation and professional electoral administration. Support includes the conceptual and programming guidance to the UN and national stakeholders alike in using an electoral cycle approach that grounds electoral administration and assistance in democratic governance.

In July 2009, UNDP launched the Global Programme for Electoral Cycle Support (hereafter, ‘GPECS’) which aims to advance democratic governance by creating and sustaining an environment of inclusive and responsive political processes. Achieving the overall objective of GPECS is dependent upon the empowerment of women in electoral processes. The inclusion of the perspective of women and their participation in political and electoral processes is a prerequisite for democratic development and contributes to democratic governance.

Electoral processes, while representing as a principal way to legitimize governance at national, regional and local levels, can sometimes be a catalyst or accelerator of conflict. Experience shows that electoral contests can elevate social tensions and provoke violence, especially when the electoral process itself is not perceived to be free and fair, or where those seeking to retain or gain political power have few or no qualms about resorting to extraordinary measures—including the use of force—to win. Violence is most likely to erupt in situations where there are also other underlying or ‘root causes’ of conflict, such as exclusion, inequality or a history of ethnic tensions. Women voters and candidates can be disproportionately and/or differently targeted and/or affected by electoral violence as they are often vulnerable targets or deterred from participating in the political process by a climate of intimidation. This study will examine both the general electoral violence experienced by women (which may also be experienced by men) as well as forms of gender based electoral violence experienced by women (and girls).

With this framework, UNDP is undertaking a research to identify how electoral violence affects women as voters and candidates and provide recommendations on how to mitigate electoral violence risks for women, including through engaging them as change agents and working with Election Management Bodies, political parties and other stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Gender and Elections Advisor DGG/BDP and Democratic Governance Policy Advisor GT/BDP, the incumbent will carry out a desk study of existing research on electoral violence with the aim of identifying the nature and scope of gender based violence in elections as well as strategies for mitigating electoral violence against women (including gender based electoral violence). The research will include consultations with key women’s groups and other UNDP staff in ten agreed countries(2 per region) and will draw on relevant UNDP experiences/initiatives.

The study should identify the types or forms of electoral violence and from a gender perspective, where it has taken place and the potential strategies or examples of how it has been mitigated.

More specifically, the researcher will focus on and analyze the following issues:

Identify and analyze the forms of electoral violence that women (and girls) experience: apply a gender perspective on the types of violence and identify the scope and reach of the problem.
Identify the factors that contribute to electoral violence, in particular examine how it affects women candidate and voters.
Identify lessons learned, including where possible from UNDP programming, on mitigating electoral violence risks for women as voters and candidates.
Provide examples of good practices and key recommendations on programming in this area.

The consultant is required to produce the following outputs:

Inception report detailing the workplan, table of contents and methodology for the study.
Research paper. The research paper will be drafted in English and will be between 20-30 single-spaced pages (excluding bibliography or annexes). The paper should include a concise executive summary (3-5 pages) highlighting the scope of the issue and potential interventions for its mitigation.

Competencies

Good knowledge of and experience working in the electoral support and democratic governance.
Good knowledge of forms of electoral or political violence.
Some knowledge of gender based violence (VAW).
Some knowledge on mainstreaming gender and women’s empowerment in electoral processes.
Knowledge on conflict prevention in electoral processes.
Excellent analytical skills.
Excellent writing skills as well as strong analytical aptitude and communication skills is required.
Computer and internet expertise is mandatory.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree, preferably in political science, international relations, post-conflict studies, public policy, development policy, gender studies or other relevant social science or development studies.

Experience:

At least 7 years of experience in research, particularly in the area of politics, democracy and electoral assistance.
Demonstrated capacity in researching and drafting similar papers.
Professional experience in a post-conflict environment is an asset.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English.