Background

The Maldives has gone through drastic economic, political and social change over the past few decades. It progressed to the status of a middle-income country in 2011, making it one of the few countries who have made this progression in the last few decades. The GDP per head as of 2014 is estimated at USD 4,521. Even though the wealth of the country has increased significantly, this wealth is distributed unequally among the population. According to the Household Income Survey of 2016, the disparity in distribution of the total income is greatly visible between Male’ and the Atolls. The unequal income distribution within Male’ is also very significant with the poorest of the households earning only 1% of the total income compared to the richest households earning 62% of the total income, resulting in increasing financial vulnerability of many families around the country.

Simultaneously, for the first time a multiparty system was introduced in the Maldives aiming for a democratic transition in the country.  But it also led to intense polarization within families and the society in general. This polarization further weakened an already deteriorating social fabric. For instance, youth which comprise over 35% of the population felt greatly isolated and disengaged from the mainstream society[1]. This increased their vulnerabilities greatly in terms of education, unemployment, drug use and violence. While both men and women faced these vulnerabilities, the extent to which they did differed greatly. For instance, the female diploma graduates’ rate is 50%, same as that of male graduates, yet the female unemployment rate is 5.91% greater than of male unemployment rates according to the Maldives Population and Housing Census of 2014. Despite graduating from university this is not translated into labor force participation for most women. The lack of data is a challenge to better understand this issue, resulting in limited interventions to address it, increasing financial vulnerabilities among women.

Evidence globally cites that increase in vulnerabilities, make certain groups more susceptible to intolerance and violence. This further pave way for phenomena’s such as radicalization and violent extremism to strengthen its roots in the society.  

In light of this context, UNDP, with NCTC conducted a study in 2018 to identify root causes and drivers that exacerbate the vulnerabilities of young people to violent extremism. The findings of the study highlighted that the issues affected men and women differently. The focus group discussions held as part of the study highlighted that in many areas such as employment, education, economy and policy making women’s experiences differ from that of men and hence the challenges they face remained interconnected and complex. Therefore, it has become important to understand the specific vulnerabilities women face and the impact of these vulnerabilities.

The Integrated Governance Program (IGP) has been working towards inclusive development and promotion of tolerance and respect in the public sphere. In this regard, understanding the relationship between women, radicalization and violent extremism in the Maldives is crucial for the effective implementation of the program.  The area of inquiry is also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals 16 and the UN Secretary-General`s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism and UNDP`s further need to understand the phenomenon.

Against this background UNDP Maldives is looking for a consultant to undertake an in-depth study on the role and influence of women in radicalization and violent extremism in the Maldives especially in recruitment, disengagement and prevention along with drivers and root causes unique to women which increases their vulnerability to radicalization and extremism. The findings of the research will contribute to knowledge generation and development of an alternative narrative in the Maldives on this sensitive issue. The findings will also support UNDP and national partners in designing and implementation of interventions focusing on prevention of radicalization and violent extremism in the Maldives.

[1] Youth Vulnerability Assessment, March 2019 (unpublished)

Duties and Responsibilities

This research seeks to understand the role and influence of women in radicalization, de-radicalization, violent extremism and disengagement, and as PVE advocates.

The study will specifically focus on the following objectives;

• A report detailing and analyzing the role and influence of women in radicalization and violent extremism in the Maldives especially in recruitment, disengagement and prevention.
• Identifying comprehensive indicators of radicalization and violent extremism among women set for the local context based on literature review and data collection, allowing for accurate data on radicalization and violent extremism at the community level.
• Recommendations into possible interventions, including possible narratives and micro-narratives based on literature review and data collection.

Preliminary Assessment

• This component of the study involves a desk review of diagnostic studies, relevant legislations, reports and other documents relating to women, radicalization and violent extremism.
• Stakeholder consultations on the local context and efforts currently being undertaken to address this issue. Additionally, identify available administrative data and data gaps from all stakeholders on this trend.
• At the end of the desk review and consultations, the consultant should formulate an inception report with the preliminary findings extracted from the desk review and data analysis based on available statistics and proposed methodology.

 Draft Report

• This component of the study involves conducting focus group discussions among relevant stakeholders including young women, mothers, womens’ groups, NGOs, local community leaders, religious leaders, state institutions, law enforcement agencies and others as required. The focus group discussions should aim to collect qualitative data for in-depth analysis of the situation and to seek potential solutions for the issues identified during the study.
• The report is expected to include but not limited to;
  • Stakeholder analysis of actors involved or playing a role in the dynamics of women, radicalization and violent extremism
  • Analyses of Focus Group Discussions among relevant stakeholders including young women, mothers, women groups, local community leaders, NGOs, religious leaders, state institutions, law enforcement agencies and others as required
  • Identify specific indicators and drivers in relation to women being engaged in radicalization and violent extremism
  • Recommended interventions with a specific focus on the role and engagement of women in PVE efforts in the South, North and Capital of the Country.

Finalization and Validation

• Present draft report on the study including key data and findings for feedback/validation
• Submit final report incorporating feedback from UNDP
• Development of a summary report for publication

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The consultant will work closely with the IGP focal point and will be responsible for the following deliverables;

• Finalization of the inception report (preliminary assessment)
• Finalization of the detailed methodology ensuring it meets the desired rigor and quality standards
• Development of questionnaires for focus group discussions and pretesting
• Conduct focus group discussions
• Analysis of data from focus group discussions and preparation of the draft report
• Incorporation of feedback from UNDP and finalization of the report

The following table shows an indication of the duration for the deliverables;

Institutional Arrangement

The consultant will develop the detailed methodology and carry out the focus group discussions, data analysis and finalize the draft report which will be presented to UNDP for validation. The consultant will be accountable to the assigned Project Officer of IGP, for each deliverable as stipulated in the proposal. Fortnightly meetings will be held with ARR Governance. A briefing and debriefing meeting will be organized with UNDP senior management at the beginning and end of assignment.

Duration of the Work

This assignment will approximately take 11 weeks and is expected to start in end of July 2019. The consultant should come up with a clear timeline while submitting the proposal taking into consideration the estimated time durations for each deliverable as stipulated above.

Duty Station:

Male’ with travel to selected islands.  

The targeted geographical area for this assignment is Male’ and two geographical locations that will be recommended by the key stakeholders. The selected consultant will have to propose a detailed methodology based on their statistical judgement that serves the objectives of the study. The research may adopt purposive sampling in order to capture the experiences of the most vulnerable groups. The methodology will be finalized once agreed and approved by the UNDP.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards and acts in accordance with the Standards of Conduct for international civil servants;
• Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;

• Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional Competencies

• Knowledge about the UNDP programmes would be an advantage;

• Proven strong analytical abilities;
• Ability to work under pressure with several tasks and various deadlines;
• Ability to actively generate creative, practical approaches and solutions to overcome challenging situations;
• Excellent writing, presentation/public speaking skills;
• A pro-active approach to problem-solving;
• General IT Literacy

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• A Master’s degree in development studies or relevant discipline.

Experience

• This is a high-profile assignment requiring a consultant of substantive experience in prevention of violent extremism with diverse expertise in social sciences.    
•  Minimum 5 years’ experience in conducting research with proven experience in conducting studies on the same thematic area. Experience working in research on prevention of violent extremism or countering violent extremism is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience working on gender-related issues including experience of working on the area of women and radicalization.

Language requirement

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Application process

Interested individuals must submit the following as proposals in order to demonstrate their qualifications. 

• A letter indicating why the candidate considers himself/herself suitable for the required consultancy;
• Submission of an updated detailed Personal CV or P11 form which can be downloaded from http://sas.undp.org/documents/p11_personal_history_form.doc
• Lump sum financial quotation, with a breakdown of daily consultancy fee, daily subsistence allowance and ticket fees as applicable – clearly indicate the breakdown of daily fee and number of days of work; 
• At least two references from recent previous jobs or three references contact details

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