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 year 2020 is a historic year for the women’s rights and gender equality as the world marks the 25-year review and appraisal of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 20-year anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security; and the 5-year since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. UN Women will leverage this year to galvanize attention and action on key issues including to support the following six priorities, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s report on women, peace and security to the Security Council, i.e. to make leadership accountable for women, peace and security, monitor and support progress through targeted data collection, joined-up analysis, strategic planning and raised visibility; Enable, facilitate and ensure women’s meaningful participation in peace processes, the implementation of peace agreements, and across all peace and security decision-making processes; Publicly condemn human rights violations and discrimination and prevent all forms of gender-based violence, including against women human rights defenders; Increase the number and influence of women in uniformed services in peacekeeping missions and national security services; Guarantee women’s economic security and access to resources; and mobilise to finance the women, peace and security agenda and invest in women peacebuilders.

In Ukraine, since 2015, UN Women has been scaling-up its presence and programme in two key thematic areas – Women, Peace and Security and Gender Responsive Governance. UN Women contributes to recovery and peacebuilding efforts advocating for and supporting implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. UN Women also strives to support longer-term national reforms, including security and defence sector reforms, while promoting gender equality and women’s human rights and accountability.

Equal rights and opportunities of women and men in Ukraine are guaranteed by the Constitution, the Law "On Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men" and the Labor Code. Ukraine has ratified the Convention on Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and its Optional Protocol among the other key human rights treaties, as well as has adopted national policy and legal frameworks to ensure equal rights and opportunities for women and men in Ukraine. The national security and defense sector are one of the priority national reforms under the Strategy for Sustainable Development “Ukraine 2020”. The adoption by the Government of the National Action Plan for Implementation of the UN Security Council’s Resolution 1325 (NAP 1325)[1] is a commendable step towards the integration of the women, peace and security agenda in the reform, recovery and peacebuilding processes. In partnership with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, UN Women provides support to the national security sector institutions in implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and the subsequent resolutions on Women, Peace and Security.

The NAP includes several areas of responsibility of the state institutions on mainstreaming gender into peace and security agenda, including: increasing women’s participation in peacebuilding processes and peacekeeping operations, conducting a gender assessment and providing gender-responsive services to people affected by conflict, ensuring human rights and protection of women’s rights, among other priority actions. Prevention and combating conflict-related sexual violence is outlined as one of key focus areas of the revised NAP 1325 to be addressed by the government. Also, in September 2018 the Government of Ukraine adopted National Action Plan on the implementation of the CEDAW Concluding Observations to the eighth periodic report of Ukraine on by 2021[2] . The respective action plans have incorporated targeted actions for the duty-bearers to make the legal amendments, integrate the capacity building of the security sector and law enforcement agencies on CRSV, application of UN system of early warning indicators for prevention of sexual violence in conflict, as well as adoption of guidance notes for investigation of cases of CRSV.

The State Programme on Equal Opportunities for the period 2017 - 2020 looks at strengthening the institutional mechanism for gender equality and an integrated approach to addressing the institutional barriers faced by the state response to gender inequalities and discrimination. Further challenges will be presented by: integration of national priorities into the on-going reforms; the weak capacities of government institutions at the national and local levels to effectively enforce and implement the legislation; and unclear leadership in advancing gender equality in the government itself.

The decision of the Prime Minister to establish the position of Commissioner on Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men is a promising measure for strengthening the national institutional mechanism and stepping up accountability, oversight and coordination, which requires coordinated support by all stakeholders[3].

To further support the consolidated efforts of the government, parliament, women’s groups and civil society organisations (CSOs) to meet state commitments on gender equality and women’s rights, including CEDAW, UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (UNSCR 1325) and SDGs through reforms and peace and security processes, UN Women in partnership with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration launched the project “Enhancing accountability for gender equality and women’s empowerment in national reforms, peace and security”, funded by the Government of Sweden.

The project goal is to achieve transformative results for gender equality and women’s empowerment in Ukraine by integrating gender equality and women’s human rights commitments into the national reforms and the peace and security processes, and by putting mechanisms in place for adequate financing, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

The project aims to: consolidate the efforts of government, parliament and civil society to remove structural barriers to gender equality and women’s human rights; ensure accountability of national governance, reforms, planning and budgeting for commitments and priorities in the areas of gender equality and women, peace and security; strengthen cross-sectoral coordination and oversight for gender and women’s rights commitments; strengthen coalitions between government, parliament, media and civil society for evidence-based advocacy in Ukraine; strengthen the capacity of gender advocates and women’s groups to effectively demand gender equality in reforms and peacebuilding.

Therefore, UN Women seeks to hire the National Consultant to provide a day-to-day policy advisory support on UNSCR 1325 and the following resolutions on Women, Peace and Security to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine.

[1] National Action Plan on implementation of UN Security Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security adopted by Decree ? 113 of the Cabinet of Ministries of Ukraine dated 24 February, 2016

[2] Approved by Decree No. 634-p of the Cabinet of Ministers, dated 5 September 2018, available at https://www.kmu.gov.ua/ua/npas/pro-go-planu-dij-z-vikonannya-rekomo-zhinok-do-vosmoyi-periodichnoyi-dopovidi-ukrayini-pro-vikonannya-konvenciyi-pro-likvidaciyu-vsih-form-diskriminaciyi-shchodo-zhinok-na-period-do-2021-roku

[3] Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine about Government Commissioner for Gender Equality Policy, #390 on 07.07.2017, http://zakon2.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/390-2017-%D0%BF

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Representative of UN Women in Ukraine, technical guidance by the Programme Specialist and day-to-day supervision of the Deputy Prime Minister on EU and Euro-Atlantic Integration, the consultant?will implement a set of tasks, including, but not limited to:

Task 1: Policy advisory support to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on EU and Euro-Atlantic Integration to ensure coordinated implementation of the Women, Peace and Security commitments, including, but not limited to the following activities:

• Ensure day-to-day policy advice to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on EU and Euro-Atlantic Integration on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda based on the international and national commitments, global practices and knowledge (drafting analytical documents, concepts, briefings and the other documents);
• Provide advice and support effective coordination, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for implementation of the current NAP 1325 on Women, Peace and Security through national reforms at national and local levels in close collaboration with the Parliament, line-ministries and women’s groups and CSOs;
• Provide advice and if needed, coordination, to design the process for the development of 2nd NAP 1325, ensuring multi-stakeholder participation in the process;
• Provide advice and support effective partnerships and coordination, including with NATO, EU, UN and the other international organizations on Women, Peace and Security portfolio;
• Provide substantive advice and coordination support for Ukraine’s contribution to the global processes related to marking 20-year anniversary of UNSCR1325;
• Monitor and support progress on NAP1325 through targeted data collection, joined-up analysis, strategic planning and raise visibility
• Assist the implementation of the National Strategy on Prevention of and Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
• Conduct an analysis of existing policies, structures, institutions and mechanisms relevant to the establishment of the effective government accountability, coordination, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for implementation of the current NAP 1325 and preparation towards the 2nd NAP 1325;
• Conduct desk research of international best practices of the effective government accountability, coordination, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for implementation of the NAP 1325 through national reforms at national and local levels, and contribute towards incorporating them in the development of 2nd NAP 1325 for Ukraine;
• Organize multi-stakeholder, multi-sectoral expert groups and inter-ministerial consultations with participation of women’s groups and international development partners to jointly analyze gaps and needs the women, peace, and security commitments, and contribute towards incorporating them in the development of 2nd NAP 1325 for Ukraine;
• Develop analytical and training materials on gender mainstreaming of the security sector reform;
• Provide a set of recommendations on establishment and functioning of coordination, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for implementation of the NAP 1325 through national reforms at national and local levels with participation of women's groups.

Task 2. Technical support to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on EU and Euro-Atlantic Integration and key national gender institutions including line ministries and regional/local authorities to build their capacity on Women, Peace and Security agenda, integration of NAP1325 in sectoral and regional/local plans:

• Provide day-to-day technical support for the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on EU and Euro-Atlantic Integration;
• Plan and organize capacity-building events for the staff of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on EU and Euro-Atlantic Integration and other key national gender institutions (including line ministries and regional/local authorities), such as on-job trainings and support on establishment and functioning of coordination, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for implementation of the NAP 1325;
• Coordinate and liaise with multi-stakeholders for the development of 2nd NAP 1325, as decided by the government;
• Coordinate and organize the multi-stakeholders and inter-ministerial learning workshops on best practices and tools to establish and realize coordination, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for implementation of the NAP 1325 through national reforms at national and local levels with participation of women's group.
• Implement other duties as required.

Assignment /Deliverables

* All reports should be submitted in English language and include the full set of supporting documents, such as analytical briefs, training agendas, handouts and lists of participants. The supporting documents can be submitted in Ukrainian.

Inputs

• The Consultant is expected to work in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration using her/his own computer, but may access the UN Women office for printing of relevant documents or should he/she be required to work on-site at any point during the assignment.

Performance evaluation:

• Contractor’s performance will be evaluated against such criteria as: timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and quality of the products delivered. The evaluation will be carried out and cleared by the hiring manager after receiving and accepting monthly reports which will also be the basis for payment on a monthly basis to the consultant.

Financial arrangements:

• Payments will be disbursed by monthly instalments based on time-sheets and brief monthly progress reports certified by the Deputy Prime Minister on EU and Euro-Atlantic Integration or his/ her designated official. Payment for deliverable 2 will be disbursed upon submission of the final report certified by the Deputy Prime Minister on EU and Euro-Atlantic Integration or his/ her designated official and certification of the UN Women Programme Specialist that the services have been satisfactorily performed.

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

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies: http://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/about%20us/employment/un-women-employment-values-and-competencies-definitions-en.pdf

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications Education:

• Advanced (Masters) degree in in Human Rights, Political Science, Gender Studies, Social Sciences or related field.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in human rights, gender equality, security or another relevant field;
• Proven experience of conducting institutional and policy analysis, drafting policy and briefing documents on gender equality, women’s empowerment or women, peace and security mechanisms, as well as provision of capacity building for government officials;
• Proven knowledge of international human rights, gender equality, women’s empowerment and women, peace and security mechanisms and instruments;
• Experience with participation in organization of high-level dialogues, consultations, workshops including with the members of Parliament, government, CSOs, etc.;
• Previous professional experience with development agencies and the United Nations would be considered an asset.

Languages and other skills:

• Fluent Ukrainian and English; knowledge of Russian is an asset;
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools, ability to use Internet and email

Evaluation of Applicants:

Applications will be evaluated based on the cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of their qualifications and financial proposal. A two-stage procedure is utilized in evaluating the proposals, with evaluation of the technical proposal being completed prior to any price proposal being compared. The award of the contract should be made to the individuals whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• Responsive/compliant/acceptable
• Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Technical criteria and interview, 70% of total evaluation – max 45 points for technical criteria and max 25 points for interview. Total max 70 points:

• The total number of points allocated for the technical qualification component is 45. The technical qualification of the individual is evaluated based on desk review and following technical qualification evaluation criteria:

Financial/Price Proposal evaluation:

• Only the financial proposal of candidates who have attained a minimum of 49 points in the technical evaluation will be further considered and evaluated.
• The total number of points allocated for the financial/price component is 30.
• The maximum number of points will be allotted to the lowest price proposal that is opened/ evaluated and compared among those technical qualified candidates who have attained a minimum of 49 points in the technical evaluation. All other price proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.

Evaluation of submitted financial offers will be done based on the following formula: S = Fmin / F * 30

(S - score received on financial evaluation; Fmin - the lowest financial offer out of all the submitted offers qualified over the technical evaluation round; F - financial offer under the consideration).

Application and submission package:

The candidate’s application should include:

• P11 with indication of relevant experience in line with the ToR requirements. Completed and signed UN Women Personal History (P-11) form can be downloaded from: http://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment
• Financial proposal (sample is provided below): The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount with a breakdown of a daily professional rate per number of anticipated working days, travel costs (daily subsistence allowance and other in-country travel costs) and other related costs (e.g. tele-communication).
  • Interested candidates are requested to apply no later than 20 October 2019 by submitting applications to the following e-mail address: hr.ukraine@unwomen.org with a subject “UN Women Ukraine – National Consultant on Women, Peace and Security”.

Applications without financial proposal will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.

Sample of Financial Proposal

The format shown on the following tables is suggested for use as a guide in preparing the Financial Proposal

A. Cost Breakdown per Deliverables*

*Basis for payment tranches

UN Women applies fair and transparent selection process that would take into account the competencies/skills of the applicants as well as their financial proposals.