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.

UN Women’s goal in Timor-Leste is to promote women’s human rights and gender equality as the country works towards sustaining and furthering achievements in stability and development. In this regard, its programming in the country is connected to two corporate priority areas: enhancing women’s economic empowerment (WEE), and engaging women in all aspects of peace and security processes (WPS), supported by integrated efforts to ensure gender-sensitive plans and budgets and women’s right to live free of violence. UN Women also coordinates and promotes the UN system’s joint work in advancing gender equality.

To address the global challenges of VAWG, the UN Family (through UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA and IOM) are collaborating with KOICA and the Government of Timor-Leste to support efforts to end violence against women and girls. Through the Joint UN Project Together for Equality: Preventing and Responding to Gender-Based Violence in Timor-Leste (2020-2024), the United Nations has a goal for women and girls in Timor-Leste to be empowered to enjoy their right to live free of sexual harassment and other forms of violence in public and private spaces and to access quality essential services, in line with the SDGs. As part of its efforts to prevent violence before it begins, interventions addressing WEE and EVAWG will be an important part of the programme.

Duties and Responsibilities

This study aims to gather quantitative and qualitative survey data on changes in attitudes and behaviors of project participants and their communities, regarding gender quality and violence against women. (Note this is not a VAW prevalence study.)

The data will be used as a baseline against which the outcomes of the UN Joint Programme Together for Equality (T4E) Preventing and Responding to Gender-Based Violence in Timor-Leste will be measured.

1. Duties and Responsibilities

Under overall guidance of the UN Women Head of Office in Timor-Leste, and under the supervision of the Programme Specialist EVAWG and WEE (T4E), the consultant will perform the following tasks:

1. Develop a workplan, gender-responsive data collection methodology and the baseline survey tools (in English and Tetum) in coordination with the T4E team and technical consultants
2. Train and provide technical support on administering the baseline survey tools and on ethical and safety guidelines for researching VAW, including training survey administrators/ enumerators (administrators/ enumerators to be identified by UN Women)
3. Develop the Baseline Report Outline to be approved by UN Women, and proposed methodoly for data collection, based on participatory methods and disaggregated data  (e.g., comparing responses of those with tertiary education with those without, those who are married vis-à-vis those who are not, disaggregating across age ranges, villages, etc.)
4. Consolidate, quality assurance and analyse data surveyed (all raw data tables to be submitted to UN Women)
5. Draft baseline survey report and summarize key results and recommendations of the survey in accordance with the approved Baseline Report Outline
6. Develop and present a PowerPoint Presentation on the top-line results from the Baseline Survey
7. Write Final Baseline Study incorporating comments from UN Women, the final report should not exceed 50 pages (including annexes)

Structure of Baseline Report

                Executive summary (max. 5 pages)

1.   Introduction

1. Short description of project
2. Main objectives of baseline data collection and analysis
3. Timeline for baseline data collection and analysis
4. Short description of data collection team and its roles and responsibilities

2.   Methodology

1. Data collection methods and sampling
2. List of target respondents / institutions to include in primary data gathering
3. List of documents to be reviewed
4. How the Ethical Guidelines and Safety Recommendations for Researching VAW (WHO, 2001) will  be put into practice
5. Limitations associated with methodology used

3.   Project Goal

a)   Description of intended project goal

b)   Key findings from analysis of baseline data

4.   Outcomes and outputs

a)   Description of intended outcomes and outputs

b)   Key Findings from analysis of baseline data

i.   Outcome 1 and associated outputs

ii.   Outcome 2 and associated outputs

iii.   Outcome 3 and associated outputs

5.   Conclusions and Recommendations

6.   Annexes

a)   Results Monitoring Plan with actual baseline data and plan for endline data collection

b)   Data collection instruments (eg: survey questionnaires, interview and focus group guides, observation checklists, forms used to record data during a record review, etc.)

c)    Ethical Guidelines and Safety Recommendations for Researching VAW

1. Scope of the Baseline Study

Substantive scope:

1. This Baseline Study purports to gather data and information on the following outcome and output indicators:

Outcome level indicators:

1. Outcome 1: % of project participants who think it is never justifiable for a man to beat his wife, by sex
2. Outcome 2: Number of survivors satisfied with assistance of multi-sectoral services[1]
3. Outcome 3: Percent (%) of NAP GBV activities implemented

Output level indicators

1. Output 1.1 Percent (%) of young people, parents and teachers, by sex, who demonstrate a change in gender attitudes after receiving training/being part of n CSE or Connect with Respect.
2. Output 1.2/1 Number of participants of entrepreneurship training, by sex, age and disability (UN Women Target: 400: 100 per municipality)
3. Output 1.2/2  Percent (%) of Self-reliance and confidence of participants to continue the initiative in economic activities
4. Output 1.3 Number of service providers in project administrative posts providing information on services and counselling for victims (Timor-Leste NAP GBV indicator 2.3.1)
5. Output 2.1 Number of Health Facilities that implemented the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) integrated services to survivors of Gender Based Violence and referral
6. Output 2.2 Percent (%) increase in clients receiving GBV support by legal aid providers supported by the project (PDO, PNTL, and OPG having a guideline and training manuals on relevant laws on GBV case handlings by the end of Project)
7. Output 3.1 Percent (%) of villages in Baucau, Covalima and Oecusse who have at least one public champion against VAWG
8. Output 3.2 Number of institutions/ organizations which monitor their implementation of the NAP GBV annually using standardized framework
9. Output 3.3 Percent (%) of CSOs working on GBV with knowledge on government policies and budgets related to NAP GBV

2. Recommend alternative/ proxy indicator for the project’s goal indicator “% of project participants who think it is never justifiable for a man to beat his wife, by sex”. The data source for the goal’s indicator is Timor-Leste Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). The DHS is conducted every 5-7 year, the latest one was conducted in 2016, however in the situation that the DHS survey is not conducted by 2024, the recommended proxy indicator will be used.

Geographical coverage: National, with activities targeted in 4 municipalities: Baucau, Covalima, Dili and the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse-Ambeno

1. Methodological approach

The consultant should be guided but not limited by the substantive scope of the Baseline Study. The consultant should raise and address any other relevant issues that may emerge during the study.

An initial meeting (in person/ virtually) of the consultant with the T4E team, when the consultant begins the study, shall be organized to determine the methods and develop a feasible work plan. The suggested methods for the evaluation include analyses of various sources of information, including in-depth desk review and documentation analysis, the review must integrate gender and human rights. Based on consultations, the consultant will visit identify the methodology for data collection. 

The consultant may engage other team members as part of the research team, the work plan should describe in great details how the study will be carried out, suggest further clarification on the applied methodology, sampling size selection, roles and responsibilities of the team members/ research assistant, specify field visits, if any, and outline the timeframe for the consultancy.

The Baseline Study will be undertaken as informed by the UN Guidelines on producing statistics on violence against women: Statistical surveys (2014), ASEAN Regional Guidelines on Violence against Women and Girls Data Collection and Use (2018).

1. Deliverables

*Payment will be made upon submission of deliverables with the approval of the Project Specialist.                        ** Travel cost can be reimbursed upon submission of a mission reports to UN Women. The submission should be within 1 week after each mission.

1. Payment Schedule linked with deliverables

*Payment will be made upon submission of deliverables with All acceptance and Certified by the UN Women contract administrator

** The consultant is expected to use her/his own computer and have all needed software for related tasks.

*** Cost of administering data gathering and analysis including refreshments and venue needs to be covered by the consultant.

****Cost of mobile phone communication needs to be covered by the consultant.

1. Inputs

• UN Women will provide the consultant with office space, access to internet and a printer in Dili.
• UN Women team will support resource materials, and reference documents as relevant;

UN Women will cover cost of travel and per diem to the municipalities as relevant for the programme and upon issuing of Travel Authorization

[1] Information from Timor-Leste's NAP GBV Outcome Indicator 2.6

Competencies

Core Values:

• Respect for Diversity
• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• 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:

https://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/about%20us/employment/un-women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf?la=en&vs=637

Functional Competencies:

• Strong commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women, with demonstrated experience of researching or working on gender issues;
• Strong research and writing skills, with strong analytical skills and creative thinking;
• Ability to think and work logically and work precisely with attention to detail;
• Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members of different national and cultural backgrounds;
• Previous experience (also volunteer experience) from the non-profit sector is an advantage.
• Ability to multi-task and address competing priorities
• Ability to produce quality deliverables in a timely manner
• Strong computer skills, including Word, Excel, and Power Point

Required Skills and Experience

1. Competences and Qualifications

Academic qualifications: Master’s degree in gender studies, development studies, statistics, population and demography, social science, research, or other related fields.

Essential knowledge and experience:  At least 5 years or Bachelor with 7 years of verifiable and documented experience in the field of quantitative and qualitative baseline research and data analysis (experience doing research on gender equality and women’s rights is strongly preferred)

 Experience:

• Strong experience in both quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis;
• Experience researching on the topic of Violence Against Women and Girls, and knowledge of the related ethical guidelines is a clear advantage;
• Work experience in data collection or statistical applications
• Good presentation skills and experience in liaising with stakeholders including government and educational representatives;
• Good knowledge of the Violence Against Women in Timor-Leste is an advantage.
• Experience working with the UN is an asset.

Language and other skills:

• Excellent English writing skills and working knowledge of  Tetum is an advantage; and
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, and
• Experience in the usage of data collection and analysis software packages eg.  SPSS, STATA and KoboToolbox is an asset

Corporate competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN Women
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
• Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

1. Ethical Considerations

The Consultant should adhere to international best practices for conducting research ending violence against women and girls. See WHO (2003) Putting Women First: Ethical and Safety Recommendations for Research on Domestic Violence Against Women, PATH (2005) Researching violence against women: A practical guide for researchers and activists and WHO (2016) Ethical and Safety Recommendations for Intervention Research on Violence Against Women.

1. Application and Evaluation Criteria

The applicant will be evaluated based on technical capacities (70%) and financial proposal (30%). Technical evaluation will be based on the following criteria stated below.

Cumulative analysis:

When using this weighted scoring method, 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.

* Technical Criteria weight; [70]

* Financial Criteria weight; [30]

Only individual obtaining a minimum of 70% (i.e., 70 points out of 100 points) in the technical analysis would be considered for financial appraisal.

1. Technical qualification evaluation criteria:

The total number of points allocated for the technical qualification component is 100.  Only the candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% of total points will be considered as a technically qualified candidate.

1. Financial/Price Proposal evaluation

• Only the financial proposal of candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% score in the technical evaluation will be considered and evaluated. 
• The total number of points allocated for the price component is 100.
• The maximum number of points will be allotted to the lowest price proposal that is opened/ evaluated and compared among those technically qualified candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% score in the technical evaluation. All other price proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.

1. How to apply

Interested candidates are requested to submit an electronic application to UNDP Job Site no later than      

5 November 2021.

Submission package:

1. Cover letter
2. Personal History Form (P11 which can be downloaded from http://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/about-us/jobs
3. Financial proposal: the financial proposal shall specify a lump sum amount breaking down the professional fee (of the Team Leader and Support Researcher) for each deliverable, and travel-related costs
4. Sample of at least two research papers or reports (must be author of co-author), preferably in the areas of gender equality and ending violence against women and girls

Applicants need to include (as an attachment) of item 1-4.