Background

Background

Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) is one of the most pervasive forms of violence. It is a global pandemic that affects all countries, all societies, all religions, faiths and ethnic backgrounds, on a daily basis. Eliminating all forms of violence against women, including sexual violence as one of the most serious forms of human rights violations, is a key priority for UN in Albania. Preventing and combating VAWG is a precondition for equitable and inclusive sustainable development and human rights, as well as an important value and objective in itself.

The Programme of Cooperation (PoC) 2017-2021 between the Government of Albania (GoA) and United Nations (UN) aims at promoting sustainable and equitable development, social inclusion, gender equality and the adherence to international norms and fulfilment of international obligations, in support of the integration of Albania into the EU. In the frame of the PoC, there are four Outcomes, namely, (1) Governance & Rule of Law, (2) Social Inclusion, (3) Economic Growth, Labour and Agriculture, and (4) Environment and Climate Change.  Each of these Outcomes has between two to five Outputs which form the basis of UN programming in Albania. Additionally, The Gender Equality and Gender Based Violence related Outputs’ objective is to strengthen GoA capacities, improve mechanisms, advance policies and improve the conditions for the implementation of the legislation that foresees a society that values gender equality as an indispensable prerequisite to sustainable development and aims towards zero tolerance of gender-based violence and domestic violence.  In the frame of the previous PoC 2012-2016 and the current PoC 2017-2021, the UN work on advancing gender equality agenda and fighting gender based violence area has found the unwavering financial support of Sida, represented by the Swedish Embassy in Tirana in Albania.

Violence against Women and Girls Context in Albania

Albania remains one of the poorest countries in Europe and disparities affect the enjoyment of basic health, education, and social care and protection[1]. The country’s Gini coefficient of 34.5 (2013) is the third highest in the region and the pattern indicates growing inequalities[2]. The Government aims to reverse this trend and put the country on a path of sustainable and equitable growth through ensuring macroeconomic stability and competitiveness and by investing in people and social cohesion.[3] These objectives of the National Strategy for Development and Integration (NSDI) are underpinned by the strategic objective of ensuring good governance and rule of law, which will pave the way for the ultimate aim of EU accession. Gender is mainstreamed in the NDSI II, yet despite the progress that has been made to establish a legal and policy framework for the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality, and fight violence against women, inequalities are pervasive.

Albania is a signatory to a number of important and binding international documents, which guarantee the equality of men and women and prohibit gender-based discrimination[4]. Albania has made significant efforts in improving its human rights records and strengthening the national human rights institutions. Yet, human rights bodies have raised concerns about several gender related issues such as gender inequality and gender based  violence,  human trafficking to mention a few. Traditional patriarchal attitudes are still prominent, gender inequalities are present in all spheres of social and economic life, and violence against women is still widespread. In 2015, Albania ranked 51st out of 195 countries in the Gender Inequality Index[5]. Women are still discouraged from participating in the work force – about 58,3% of women compared to around 74,1% of men in 2015. The wage gap in rural areas is double that of urban areas[6]. Women remain outside of the labor force due to retirement and early retirement (40 %), and the engagement in domestic chores (21.5%).[7]

VAWG is not a new phenomenon in Albania - such violence is rooted deeply in the patriarchal [8] traditions and customs, which have long shaped the Albanian society, such as strict gender roles and identities, patriarchal authority, respect for the code of honor and shame, and control of several generations in the family, poverty, inequality in the area of employment or education, migration as a phenomenon, etc.

During the last ten years, two national surveys on domestic violence were conducted. The first population-based national survey on domestic violence in Albania was carried out by INSTAT in 2007 [9], followed by a second one in 2013 [10].

The trend of this phenomenon during the period 2007 - 2013 can be summarized as follows[11]:

  • The percentage of women who had experienced domestic violence (all forms of violence) “during their lives” increased from 56.0[12] to 59.4 percent.[13]
  • The percentage of women who had experienced physical violence “during their lives” decreased from 31.2 to 23.7 percent.[14]
  • The percentage of women who had experienced sexual violence “during their lives” decreased from 12.7 to 7.9 percent.[15]

A comparison of the findings in 2007 and 2013, draws attention to several important aspects: a) the increase of reported cases reflects an increase of public trust in the respective state bodies, as people now report cases of violence and ask for help, and are more and more aware that domestic violence is a crime, and as such, should be reported; b) latest improvements in legislation have resulted in a significant improvement of how institutions deal with VAWG&DV cases, further increasing trust; c) the reduction in the percentage of cases of physical violence does not necessarily mean an overall reduction in violence acts[16]; d) when analyzing figures and providing conclusions for sexual violence, caution is needed - this form of violence continues to be a taboo and remains underreported especially in the case of sexual violence between spouses.

The challenges raised by the phenomenon of gender based violence (GBV) are impossible to be solved by isolated approaches, when different actors operate in isolation. Meaningful and effective responses to GBV pursue and adhere to already well-established concepts, principles, and norms. These provide a solution-generating framework by stipulating cooperative behavior and attitude, and the integration and organizing of specific actions. In such a holistic and multi-sectoral response to GBV, programmes and actions need to be harmonized and implemented by a variety of institutions engaged in areas such as law enforcement (police, prosecutors and justice departments), psychosocial welfare, and health. The multi-sectoral response to GBV is based on inter-institutional partnership and cooperation, requires a common philosophy for addressing GBV and follows the principles and standards determined by the partners involved. The goal of the referral system is to respond to the immediate and multiple needs of the victims/survivors in a manner that ensures the safest and most effective way of reporting, and is in accordance with the preference of victims/survivors for care and treatment. This implies that referral is about coordinating respectively required service delivery.

The Coordinated Referral Mechanism for the treatment of domestic violence cases[17] is based on the philosophy of the Coordinated Community Response (CCR) against VAW&DV and is required to be established nation-wide. With UNDP and other development agencies support, to date, it has been established in 31 out of the 61 municipalities in the country.[18] From the assessment of the functioning of this mechanism, conducted in 2015 it becomes apparent that while progress has been made, however, there is still a long way to go until it turns fully functional, effective and sustainable.[19] 

The recent past brought significant improvements regarding the protection of victims/survivors of violence: DV and some forms of VAW are now a criminal offence[20]; there are harsher sanctions against perpetrators; marital rape is a separate criminal offence; it is considered an aggravation if a criminal offence is committed against a victim who is subject of a protection order; criminalization of sexual harassment, etc. A victims-/survivors-centered approach is increasingly applied in different protection steps. Overall, community trust in state institutions and protection mechanism has increased, as reflected by the raise in reporting of DV cases.[21] Yet, despite improvements in the legal and policy/institutional framework, DV and VAW remain a serious problem – numerous violent incidents within family relations end in homicide. Additional efforts and actions are needed in order to ensure effective prevention and full protection in accordance with national and international standards and requirements.

The collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of coherent data on domestic violence are extremely important for understanding VAWG&DV issues in Albania, developing adequate responses and assessing the impact of measures. In order to present a clear picture of the actual prevalence and trend regarding VAWG&DV, specific and detailed data are required, to be registered in formats which allow comparison over time. To this end, and on request by MSWY (the authorized state body to collect data on VAW&DV), UNDP has supported the establishment of an on-line data base system through which any registered case treated by the different institutions of the Referral Mechanism[22] at local level is entered. This system needs to be used regularly in all municipalities in order to consistently monitor the phenomenon and provide the data basis for analyses, especially in the periods between the national surveys. In order to make this system functional, specific support is required for strengthening its application. Clear protocols and procedures regulating the sharing of personal data between different institutions, i.e. the members of the Referral Mechanism, need to be in place. Statistics on VAWG&DV gathered by the Government of Albania and specific institutions in charge[23], still need to be aligned to EU standards, in order to enable tracking over time, reporting at European and international level, and engaging in impact and comparative analysis.

The provision of services and their accessibility remain a challenge. Albanian women who suffer gender-based violence lack access to the most basic services for their safety and protection. Even where these services exist, they are typically underfunded, understaffed, and mostly available only in the major cities[24]. During 2016, pursuant to the Istanbul Convention standards, Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth (MSWY) in close cooperation with a specialized NGO, established the National Counselling Line for DV&GBV victims which offers, through free 24-hours hotlines, prompt counselling and reference for their safety and protection t. With UN Agencies support the MSWY has standards of services in place for this recent national helpline[25].   

Despite clear progress, additional efforts are needed to meet the requirements of international conventions ratified, i.e. CEDAW and Istanbul Convention. Re-integration of women and girls survivors of gender based violence needs to be ensured by providing medical assistance, safe housing, psycho-social and free of charge legal assistance as well las other social services as necessary.

Awareness raising is a fundamental component of primary prevention strategies and the role of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) is key in Albania. Their interventions in the frame of nation-wide campaigns against GBV&DV so far has contributed at: (i) changing attitudes, behaviors and beliefs that normalize and tolerate GBV among general public; (ii) preventing men and women from becoming GBV victims/survivors or perpetrators and (iii) informing the wider public and especially victims/survivors about the resources available to tackle the problem.

Furthermore, CSOs in Albania have engaged significantly in building capacities of professionals such as the police, doctors, nurses, social workers, legal professional, and teachers etc. At present, development partners including UNDP remain the main sources of funding for awareness raising, capacity building activities and service provision.

Future capacity building activities as well as awareness raising activities are needed to address all forms of VAW, as foreseen in the Istanbul Convention to increasingly pursue a targeted approach and also raise issues related to masculinity and male privilege in the private, economic, social, and political spheres.

Scope of Work

Given the existing socio-economic development context, the VAWG challenges, the priorities of the Albanian Government, and UN’s matured portfolio and expertise in VAWG, the programme development process will define and detail a UN Joint Programme led by UNDP and including UN Women in the area of GBV.  The overall goal of the project is to induce institutional and behavioural changes among key stakeholders that will contribute to reducing the prevalence and incidence of VAWG that is pervasive nationwide. This, in turn, is in line with the SDGs, and with Albania’s aspiration for EU accession. The project intervenes in three areas of activities: prevention, protection and support, prosecution as well as a fourth cross-cutting area in support for the implementation of comprehensive and coordinated legislation and policies 

Within the prevention pillar the project will aim to expand and improve quality of existing mechanisms to prevent and end VAWG (Outcome 1). The programme will use Community mobilization and Educational strategies for primary prevention. The focus will be on raising awareness of violence and offering knowledge and skills for nonviolence behaviours, rejecting and reporting violence among three target groups, respectively: 1. Men and boys and youth in general, 2. women at risk of violence and the general public 3. Religious communities and respective women forums and 4. the national and local authorities mandated to prevent VAWG.

Within the protection and support pillar, the project will aim to expand accessibility, provision and range of services in response to VaW (Outcome 2).  The programme will assist in implementing standards of the Istanbul Convention. Being a landmark treaty and the first in Europe to create a comprehensive framework for addressing violence against women, it requires state parties to make the following services in response to VaW available and accessible to all those who need them: emergency hotlines available 24-hours (art 24); immediate police protection (art 50.1); health care for treatment of injuries (art 20.2); support for victims of sexual violence (art 25); counselling (art 20.1); shelters and alternative safe housing (art 20.1 and 23); legal aid (art 20.1 and 57); as well as services facilitating longer term recovery from violence, such as financial assistance, education, training and assistance in finding employment (art 20.1).  The project will make use of gender-responsive planning and budgeting approaches to ensure proper planning and resource allocation to prevent and respond to Violence Against Women.

A specific focus on prosecution (Outcome 3) is needed because it is encompasses different measures from prevention and protection. In its context, UN interventions should focus also on supporting the capacities of the justice and police sectors to comply with the international standards on end of violence against women including Istanbul Convention and CEDAW, and implement the recommendations of the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) addressed to Albania in 2017.

Finally, the fourth focus will be on Integrated Policies (Outcome 4) aiming to support for the implementation of comprehensive and coordinated legislation and policies to prevent and combat all forms of violence against women involving all relevant actors, such as government agencies, the national, regional and local parliaments and authorities, national human rights institutions and civil society organizations, as required by the Istanbul Convention.  The UN interventions under this area would focus on:

  • support to national authorities to improve and implement the national legislation related to violence against women, in order to bring it in full compliance with the relevant international standards

 

[1] Analysis of policies and reforms affecting the situation of children in Albania, UNICEF, November 2014 (not published)

[2] Analysis of policies and reforms affecting the situation of children in Albania, UNICEF, November 2014 (not published)

[3] National Strategy for Development and Integration, Government of Albania, 2015-2020.

[4] These include: The Council of Europe’s Social Charter, the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention), the European Convention on Human Rights, and the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)

[5] The index reflects gender-based inequalities in three dimensions – reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market.

[6] Trends and determinants of women’s labor force (draft), ILO, 2014

[7] http://www.instat.gov.al/media/393214/burrat_dhe_grat__ne_shqiperi_2017_libri.pdf

[8] Domestic violence in Albania: Population-based National Survey 2013, p.9

[9]http://www.google.al/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CC8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmdhamo.files.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fdomestic_violence_robin_final_5_24_09.doc&ei=lxZNU4WnGqTrywPy_IKwBQ&usg=AFQjCNFr_zZIHJezx6w1D2LaYXV6b6AGbQ&bvm=bv.64764171,d.bGQ

[10] http://www.instat.gov.al/en/publications/books/2013/domestic-violence-in-albania-2013.aspx

[11] As analyzed in “Albania: National report on the Implementation of Beijing +20 Platform for Action”, April 2014. Full version is presented on: http://www.un.org.al/editor-files/file/Beijing+20_ALB%20National%20Report_Apr%202014_En.pdf

[12] Domestic violence in Albania: Population-based national survey 2013, page 14. The target group was composed of women and girls of age from 15-49 years old. http://www.instat.gov.al/media/225812/dhuna_ne_familje_ne_shqiperi_2013.pdf

[13] Domestic violence in Albania: Population-based national survey 2013, page 33. The target group was composed of women and girls of age from 18-55 years old. The survey showed that 53.7% of the women were “currently” or “some months prior to the interview” experiencing domestic violence in 2013.

[14] The survey showed that 14.7% of the women were “currently” or “some months prior to the interview” experiencing this form of violence in 2013.

[15] Domestic violence in Albania: Population-based national survey 2013, p.63. The survey showed that 5% of the women were “currently” or “some months prior to the interview” experiencing this form of violence in 2013.

[16] From the informal discussions with women victims of violence it is also made evident the situation where perpetrators are also very “careful” while exercising physical violence, because they punch in those body’ parts where signs are very difficult to be visualized, or when additional examinations are needed.

[17] Established following the Council of Ministers Decision no 334 dated 17.02.2011 “For the Mechanism of Cooperation of Work for the Referral of cases of violence in family relation and its way of proceeding”.

[18] The Mechanism has started to be piloted since earlier 2008, with support of UN Trust Fund. In 2009, with request of the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities (or Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth as it is called since 2013) and supported by UNDP, it was prepared the National Platform for the Establishment of the Coordinated Community Response in Albania, followed by the extension of piloting of this multi-sectoral institutional mechanism in four more municipalities in the frame of UN Joint Programme. The model was established in 5 additional municipalities, in the frame of a second grant from Un Trust Fund (2010-2013). The establishment of the referral mechanism in different municipalities has been supported also from other donors i.e. ADA through EiG project (2011-2012), American Embassy small grants, etc.

[19] For details see the Final Report “Analysis of the functioning of the coordinated community response to domestic violence at the local level in Albania”, prepared by E. Metaj, June 2015, upon request by the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth and funded by UNDP.

See: file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/Final%20CCR%20Report%20June%202015%20engl.pdf

[20]Amendments to the Criminal Code (Laws No. 23/2012 and No. 144/2013 “On some Additions and Amendments to Law No. 7895/27.01.1995 “The Criminal Code of the RA”).

[21] Some statistic regarding the DV cases reported to police shows that: in 2016 there were 4163 cases reported and 2207 requests for protection orders prepared; in the year 2015 this number resulted in 3866 cases reported and 2148 requests for protection orders prepared. 

[22] A Mechanism established based on the LDV as well as on the specific CoM Decision No. 334, date 17.02.2011 “For the Mechanism of Cooperation of Work for the Referral of cases of violence in family relation and its way of proceeding” (Referral Mechanism).

[23] Five line ministries, INSTAT and LSGUs

[24]Kelly L., Lovett J., Kocaqi M. ”Albania Final Report: Mapping Violence against Women and Girls Support Services”, supported by Council of Europe and UN Women, June 2015

[25] http://www.qbz.gov.al/botime/fletore_zyrtare/2016/PDF-2016/112-2016.pdf

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities of the international consultant

Under the supervision of the CoP Output 2.5 : “Gender-based Violence”, and its Chair UNDP, the consultant will support the development of a UN Joint Programme document along the above mentioned key intervention areas and reflecting the above four expected outcomes.

The scope of the assignment entails the following:

  • The consultant will work in coordination with UNDP, UN Women and Sida, represented by the Swedish Embassy in Tirana in Albania, and consult other partners.
  • Review of relevant documentation and background information, including regulatory and policy framework, with a keen focus on the National Strategy on Gender Equality (2016-2020) and its Action Plan;
  • Develop a methodology for conducting consultations with relevant stakeholders (including the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and other line Ministries);
  • Undertake necessary consultations during a week-long mission to Tirana, Albania, including a planning workshop.
    • Elaborate concrete interventions in the programme document inclusive of a situation analysis, stakeholders’ analysis, Theory of Change, intervention strategy, target groups and geographical reach, implementation strategy, management arrangements, Results Framework, M&E Plan, risk analysis, communication and visibility strategy and budget, ensuring alignment with the broader Programme of Cooperation for Sustainable Development (POCSD 2017-2021) and the SDGs
  • Prepare brief meeting notes for meetings with participating agencies and partners, which indicate agreements reached. These notes are to be shared with participating agencies so as to guide development of the Joint Programme;
  • Finalize programme document draft integrating UN and other stakeholder’s comments/recommendations.

Deliverables

1. Programme Development methodology, including but not limited to;

  • Stakeholders analysis
  • One day consultative workshop

2. Draft programme Document inclusive of:

  • situation analysis,
  • stakeholders’ analysis,
  • Theory of Change,
  • intervention strategy,
  • target groups
  • geographical focus,
  • management and implementation arrangements,
  •  Results Framework,
  • M&E Plan,
  • risk analysis,
  • communication and visibility strategy and
  • budget. 

3. Final programme document

Duration of the Work

Twenty (20) working days during January and February 2017, including one mission in Albania. The consultancy is expected to be conducted along the following timeframe:

  • 5 days mission in the country and 10 working days home based focused on the development of the first draft of programme document to be completed during the period for 31st January 2018.
  • 5 working days for reflecting partners and reviewers’ comments in the programme document to be completed during the period 28 February 2018. 

Competencies

Core competencies and values:

  • Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modelling UN values and ethical standards;
  • Demonstrates professional competence and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
  • Display cultural, gender, nationality, religion and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional competencies:

  • Possess significant experience in leading similar programme development assignments for large international donor funded projects in the areas of gender and social policies or closely related field.
  • A good understanding of the Gender Based Violence challenges in the Albanian / regional context would be highly desirable.
  • Possess significant experience in carrying out similar programme development assignments
  • Technical knowledge in the designing, monitoring and evaluation of Gender Equality and GBV policies and programmes.
  • Excellent and proven analytical, writing and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education/Academic qualification:

  • Advanced postgraduate degree in international development, public policies with focus on gender and social policies, or closely related field of studies.  

Work experience:

  • At least 10 years of experience in the provision of complex consultancy services in the design and implementation of development project/programme with focus on Gender and Development (GAD) and gender-based violence programmes, particularly for large scale interventions to be funded by international donors;
  • Experience in applying international norms and standards on gender equality (CEDAW, Beijing Platform for Action and EU Standards) and ending violence against women (Istanbul Convention) to national and local contexts;
  • Understanding of and experience with UN Programmes and Sida programming, their development and implementation – experience in work on UN Joint Programmes considered an asset;
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in working with government and NGOs on development issues;
  • Knowledge of the Balkan region considered an asset;

Language requirements:

  • Full working knowledge of English, including excellent report writing and presentation skills in English.

Evaluation Procedure

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal.

The award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

b) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Only the highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max. 70 points:

  • Criteria A: Compliant educational background - max points: 15
  • Criteria B: Professional experience in services in the design and implementation of development project/programme with focus on Gender and Development (GAD) and gender-based violence programmes, particularly for large scale interventions to be funded by international donors- max points: 40
  • Criteria C: Previous experience in applying international norms and standards on gender equality and ending violence against women to national and local contexts- max points: 15

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max. 30 points.

Application Procedure

The application should contain:

  • Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work (if applicable). Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application.
  • Completed and signed UN Personal History Form (P11) for Individual Contracts (IC) – Blank form Download here.
  • Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability - Please download form at this link -  http://www.un.org.al/doc/PSU_%20Individual%20Contract_Letter%20to%20UNDP.docx
  • Financial Proposal - specifying a total lump sum amount (working days, travel, per diems, and any other possible costs) for the tasks specified in this announcement. Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall take into account various expenses incurred by the consultant/contractor during the contract period (e.g. fee, health insurance, vaccination and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of service, etc.). All envisaged international travel costs should be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel. 
  • Copy of Diplomas and copy of Passport

* Kindly note that Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and Financial Proposal are two separate documents and should both be part of your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

How to Submit the Application:

To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:

  • Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs);
  • Merge your UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs), Financial Proposal Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and cover letter into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded;
  • Click on the Job Title (job vacancy announcement);
  • Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and then click “Submit Application;”
  • Upload your application/single file as indicated above with the merged documents (underlined above);
  • You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.

Due to a large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.

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.