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.

The Fiji Multi Country Office (MCO) covers 14 Pacific countries, with field offices/presence in 6 countries, and six ‘focus countries’ (Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Tonga and Samoa). Each field presence is led by a national Country Programme Coordinator with a Programme Officer in Tonga. UN Women, in partnership with Pacific Islands Governments, regional organizations, CSOs, donors and UN agencies, focuses on delivering within four interlinked programme areas:

Women’s Resilience to Disaster (WRD) 

Disaster risks converge with critical socio-economic vulnerabilities, environmental degradation and climate change making the Pacific a disaster hotspot.  Disasters and climate change are widening inequalities and undermining poverty reduction in the region.  Threats such as COVID-19 are further exacerbating the inequalities and hardships faced by women and girls including those with disabilities.  Women and girls face greater vulnerability and exposure to disasters, yet women remain largely ignored and their capacities unleveraged in conventional resilience building processes. As a result, women are generally absent in the development of resilience strategies and decision-making processes for prevention, preparedness, and recovery. This is compounded by significant gaps at the global, regional and country level in relation to the availability and use of sex, age and disability disaggregated data (SADDD), knowledge sharing on women’s resilience; an enabling environment for building women’s resilience (including capacities, leadership and funding); translation of commitments into action; coordination and private sector partnership; and a need for transformative change to tackle the underlying drivers of disproportionate risk.

UN Women’s WRD programme proposes a comprehensive package for building women’s resilience to disasters, climate change and threats (including COVID-19).   The aim of the WRD Programme is to render women’s and girls’ lives and livelihoods disaster-resilient, contributing to sustainable and secure communities, by promoting gender responsive prevention, preparedness, and recovery systems, plans and tools; and by enabling targeted action to help women and girls withstand hazards and threats, recover fully from disasters and increase their resilience to future risks.  The expected end-of-programme outcomes (EOPOs) are:

  1. Prevention, preparedness and recovery systems, plans and tools are gender-responsive through women’s leadership in DRR, women’s enhanced influence in DRR decision-making, enhanced gender capacity of DRR and climate resilience stakeholders, increased access to knowledge, guidance and expertise on gender-responsive disaster resilience, and strategic partnerships and networks for women’s agency and leadership in DRR; and
  2. Women and girls are prepared to withstand natural hazards, climate change and COVID-19, recover from disasters and increase their resilience to future risks, through gender-responsive early warning systems, gender targeted and mainstreamed services for women’s resilience, women’s informal and formal climate and disaster resilient businesses, women’s increased access to climate and disaster resilient livelihoods and strategic partnerships for resilient livelihoods.

Objectives of the Assignment

UN Women under its WRD programme works in partnerships with three ministries of the government: the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection (MWCSP) as the lead ministry, the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster (MRMDD) and the Ministry of Economy (Climate Change Division).

The assignment is conceived under the partnership of UN Women Fiji MCO with the MWCSP in providing support to the implementation of activities under the WRD workplan by the ministry and thereby contributing to the capacity building of the MWCSP.

For this purpose, the Consultant will be seconded to the MWCSP and work under the joint supervision of the WRD Fiji National Programme Coordinator with technical assistance from the Gender and Programme Specialist and overall coordination of the Permanent Secretary and Director responsible for the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection.  

The National Consultant will also work closely to coordinate with UNDRR, local, national, regional and international organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) to ensure best practices and processes for social inclusion, informing all activities carried out under this consultancy.

This activity falls under the Output 1.1 of the Project Document[1] providing support to the primary partner ministry for the programme and figures under the output/sub-activity 1.1.4. of the revised workplan.

[1] DRR decision makers and practitioners have increased knowledge of the gender dimensions of risk and access to tools and expertise on gender responsive DRR, climate and COVID 19 resilience, including on sex, age and disability disaggregated data collection and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities

The National Consultant will work in the following technical areas:

  • Coordinate with MWCSP to conduct a mapping of women's resilience in Fiji to develop policy recommendations. The mapping will focus on: (1) Current projects undertaken by the CSOs. (2) Role of women in disaster risk management in Fiji (focus on community level). (3) Stock-take and track Gender & Social Inclusion (GSI) mainstreaming progress in laws, policies, standards, strategies, plans, budgets, tools, processes, projects and programmes and use the WRD Policy Tracker to identify gaps. (4) Current practices, risks and gaps in selected disaster-prone communities. (5) Recommendations on Policy enablers or entry points for further work.
  • Coordinate with MWCSP to conduct information and knowledge sharing between NGOs, CSOs, FBOs on Gender Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (GCCDRM) through focused group discussions (webinars and workshops) and ‘talanoa’ (dialogue) sessions under the generic theme of: talanoa sessions on sharing women's experiences on gender responsiveness DRR (Food preservations, food security and livelihoods), Climate change (adapting to climate change and weather) and Covid-19 resilience.
  • Review with MWCSP on the recent disasters data for disaggregated information and prepare gender/risk profiles.
  • Facilitate and coordinate training programmes in Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (CCDRM) for and with women-led organizations, CSOs and NGOs, women and girls.
  • Provide technical assistance on behalf of UNW Fiji MCO to MWCSP to influence social norms to enhance gender equality, advocacy and awareness to young girls and boys on importance of women's roles through community schools.
  • Provide technical assistance to MWCSP for a Gender Transformative Institutional Capacity Development initiative with a focus on the Gender Analysis in Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI).

Duration of the Assignment

The duration of this assignment will be from December 2024 i.e., 240 working days over a 12 months’ work assignment as per the schedule of deliverables.

Expected Deliverables

The incumbent being responsible for delivering the following outputs: 

No.

Activities and Deliverables

Approximate number of days

Deadlines

1.

  • To submit an Inception Report with detailed work plan of key deliverables as discussed and agreed upon by UNWOMEN Fiji MCO and Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection (MWCSP).

Up to 5 working days

December 2023

2.

  •  To conduct mapping of women's resilience in Fiji to develop policy recommendations.

 

  • Final mapping report submitted and stakeholders learning sessions organised and implemented.

Up to 59 working days

 

Up to 1 working day

January-March 2024

3.

  • To coordinate information and knowledge sharing with NGOs, CSOs, FBOs for GCCDRM through focused group discussions (webinars and workshop) and ‘talanoa’ (dialogue) sessions.

 

  • Compilation of submissions from the dialogue sessions.

Up to 30 working days

 

March-April 2024

 

Submission of Quarterly Progress Report

 

30 March 2024

5.

  • Reviewed recent disasters data for disaggregated information and prepare gender risk profiles

Up to 30 working days

April-May 2024

6.

  •  Identified and coordinated training programmes in CCDRM for women-led organizations, CSOs and NGOs, women, and girls.

Up to 30 working days

June-July 2024

 

Submission of Quarterly Progress Report

 

30 June2024

8.

  • Influenced social norms to enhance gender equality, advocacy and awareness to young girls and boys on importance of women's roles through community schools:

 

  • Selection and finalisation of schools.
  • Prepare material for DRR clubs.

 

  • Conduct orientation to club members.

Up to 30 working days

July-August 2024

9.

  • Supported the Gender Transformative Institutional Capacity Development initiative with a focus on the Gender Analysis in Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI).

 

  • Planning of capacity dev sessions for targeted beneficiaries – 2 sessions of 3 days each Development of manual/resource material for the sessions

Up to 30 working days

August-September 2024

 

Submission of Quarterly Progress Report

 

30 September 2024

11.

  • Draft Report on achievement of key outcomes and achievements on deliverables 1 to 10 to be presented to the National Programme Management Committee.

Up to 15 working days

October2024

12.

  • Revise the report based on inputs and present and the Final Report at a launch event

Up to 10 working days

November- December 2024

 

 

Up to 240 working days

 

The Consultant is expected to submit the following documents:

  • Workplan and Inception Report covering the consultancy period.
  • Monthly report for December 2023 to December 2024 on all activities carried out.
  • Final Mapping Report.
  • Submission of Quarterly Progress Reports.
  • Draft Report on achievement of key outcomes and achievements of deliverables 1 to 10 to be following the endorsement of the National Programme Management Committee.    
  • Final report on all activities carried out, results and challenges and other recommendations relevant for this work and to the assignment.

Upon receipt of the final deliverables and prior to the payment of the instalment, the deliverables, related reports, and documents will be reviewed and approved by UN Women at least within one week of submission.

All the deliverables should be agreed with UN Women and be provided in English hard and electronic copy.

 

All the documents and materials utilized need to be returned to UN Women in electronic format. Any printed materials utilized to be referenced and returned.

Inputs

The Consultant will be seconded to MWCSP who will provide a workstation, laptop, necessary information, materials, and logistics including access to other equipment for the fulfilment of his/her tasks such as printer, copier and office space.

  • To ensure continuity, MWCSP will brief the Consultant on the existing and ongoing activities related to these initiatives.
  • UN Women will provide the Consultant with background materials.
  • UN Women will only cover Consultant’s travel outside of Suva should the need arises and upon prior approval by UN Women WRD team.
  • UN Women will cover cost of national-level workshops, site visits and mission trips related to the roll out of deliverables.

Management Arrangements:

The National Consultant will work under the overall coordination of the Permanent Secretary and Director responsible for the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection and supervision of the WRD Fiji National Programme Coordinator with technical assistance from the Gender and Programme Specialist. 

Performance evaluation

The Consultant’s performance will be evaluated based on timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and quality of the products delivered.

Financial Arrangements

Payments will be disbursed upon submission and approval of monthly deliverable reports approved by PS MWCSP and submissions of timesheets on actual days worked and certification by the UN Women WRD National Programme Coordinator that the services have been satisfactorily performed. 

No Relocation costs will be provided for the position.     

Travel

No domestic or international travel is envisaged.

The position is based at the Naibati House Office, Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, Suva, Fiji. 

The Consultant will be responsible for all administrative and travel expenses associated with undertaking this assignment to be based in Suva.

Any official travel, where necessary, will be pre-approved by UN Women and paid/arranged for by UN Women in accordance with the existing UN Women travel policies and procedures.

Competencies

Core Values:

  • Respect for Diversity
  • Integrity
  • Professionalism

Core Competencies:

  • Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
  • Accountability
  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Effective Communication
  • Inclusive Collaboration
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Leading by Example

Required Skills and Experience

The Consultant should fulfil the following requirements:

Education:

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in Planning, Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change, Humanitarian Response, Economics, Social Science, or another related field is required.
  • A first-level University Degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience and Skills:

Language and other skills:

  • Fluency in and command of written and spoken English is required.
  • Knowledge of Fijian / Hindi languages is an asset.

Additional Information:

UN Women Statement on Diversity Inclusion

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.  If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.  

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.  

All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check).

Evaluation

Initially, individual consultants will be short-listed based on the following minimum qualification criteria:

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in Planning, Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change, Humanitarian Response, Economics, Social Science, or another related field is required. A first-level University Degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
  • At least 5 years (Master’s Degree) or 7 years (Bachelor’s Degree) of progressively responsible experience in M&E and Learning, Project Management, disaster risk reduction, Protection, humanitarian response, climate change, or development in the Pacific.

Technical evaluation of shortlisted candidates will be done through desk review of applications on the basis of responsiveness to the Terms of Reference (TOR) as per table below.  Interviews and/or written tests will be organized if needed only, depending on the short-listed candidates’ qualifications.

Technical Evaluation Table:

No.

Criteria

 

Maximum points

 
  • Master’s degree or equivalent in Planning, Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change, Humanitarian Response, Economics, Social Science, or another related field is required. A first-level University Degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

First-level university degree – 10 pts.

 

Masters’ s qualification- of 15 pts.

15

  1.  
  • At least 5 years (Master’s Degree) or 7 years (Bachelor’s Degree) of progressively responsible experience in M&E and Learning, Project Management, disaster risk reduction, Protection, humanitarian response, climate change, or development in the Pacific.

Up to 5 years with Master degree and up to 7 years with first-level university degree – 10 pts,

 

Each year over 5 (or 7) years - 2 pts each up to a max 20 pts.

20

  1.  
  • Proven knowledge and skills in gender, disability and social inclusion in areas pertaining to disaster risk reduction (including women’s and persons with disabilities leadership in DRR, DRR policies, and systems, data and knowledge) in the Fijian context.

 

10

  1.  
  • Minimum of 3 years of work experience in working with research, data collection and analytical reviews with specific experiences in issues of gender and social inclusion and DRR.

 

10

  1.  
  • Demonstrated track record of working in disaster management, climate change and/or gender focused programmes in Fiji and or Pacific region context.

 

10

  1.  
  • Knowledge of the Pacific specifically, Fiji Government machinery and civil society organizations in Fiji.

 

10

  1.  
  • Experience in working with an international organisation(s).

 

10

  1.  
  • Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools, ability to use internet and email.

 

10

  1.  
  • Fluency in and command of written and spoken English is required.  Knowledge of Fijian / Hindi languages is an asset.

 

5

 

Maximum Total Technical Scoring

 

100

The consultancy recruitment process will be governed by the rules and regulations of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).

Submission of application

Interested candidates are requested to submit fully completed application on the UNDP Vacancy Site

Submission Package:

  1. Cover letter explaining the suitability of the consultant: applicants are encouraged to address experience and qualifications listed in the ‘criteria for technical evaluation’.
  2. Duly filled Personal History Form (P11) and/or Curriculum Vitae (CV) of consultant including records of past experience in similar assignments and specific outputs obtained; P11 can be downloaded at: : https://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment/application-process

Failure of candidates to submit a duly completed P11 form, as well as false representations on this form, shall constitute sufficient grounds for withdrawal of further consideration of the application. Information provided in the P11 form will be treated with confidentiality.  Applications without a complete set of the required documentations will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment. UN Women reserves the right to accept or reject any bid.