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. Placing women’s rights at the center of all its efforts, UN Women will lead and coordinate United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It will provide strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

UN Women plays an innovative and catalytic role in the State of Palestine since its inception in 1997. UN Women Palestine Office focuses its activities on one overarching goal, namely, to support the implementation at the national level of existing international commitments to advance gender equality in line with the national priorities. In support of this goal, and thoroughly taking into consideration the specificities of the Palestinian context, UN Women concentrates its efforts and interventions toward the realization of following strategic goals:  Mainstreaming gender in governance, peace, and security; Supporting women's economic security and rights; and Promoting women’s rights and protection against violence.

UN Women, as part of its’ global goals and commitments towards empowering women and enhancing gender equality and women’s access to justice is exerting efforts towards supporting the furthest left behind groups of women and girls’ victims and survivors of violence who face intersectional and compounded forms of Gender-Based violence (GBV), including physical, legal, psychosocial, economic, and sexual violence, which increase their marginalization and vulnerability. Deeply rooted discriminatory social norms and stereotypes reinforce the marginalization of the excluded groups within their families and the society at large. These norms and stereotypes are also reflected and translated into discriminatory laws and policies that reinforce exclusion and discrimination against them, in addition to the complete lack of responsive services to meet their needs, and the existence of non-responsive services that have not been adapted to the needs of the most marginalized, excluded and furthest left behind groups of women and girls’ victims and survivors of violence.

Leaving no one behind (LNOB) is the central, transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It represents the unequivocal commitment of all UN Member States to eradicate poverty in all its forms, end discrimination and exclusion, and reduce the inequalities and vulnerabilities that leave people behind and undermine the potential of individuals and of humanity as a whole.

Under its work within SHAML Project -  Enhancing the Protection and Reintegration of Furthest Left Behind Groups of Women and Girls, UN Women will capitalize on the ongoing efforts exerted by the different actors, notably the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) ,the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), and CSOs providing protection and re- integration services to the furthest left behind groups of women and girls victims and survivors of violence,  to further strengthen stakeholders’ capacities to accelerate the realization  and fulfillment of the rights of the furthest left behind groups of women and girls victims and survivors of violence. 

The furthest left behind groups of women and girls for this project are the seven groups of women and girls who are denied access to sheltering services as per the Cabinet’s decision of 2011 on Protection Centers for Women Victims of Violence: women who have committed crimes (misdemeanours and felonies) and are executing court sentences, women with physical and mental disabilities, substance abuse cases, women accused of prostitution, women or girls who have infectious diseases, women who form a threat to other women, and girls who are below the age of 18, in addition to elderly women particularly those with mental or physical disabilities.

literature review and assessments conducted by UN Women on the status of the seven groups identified by SHAML project has highlighted the scarcity of data on their status and needs, which reflects the lack of attention given to these groups by policymakers, service providers and the community at large. The absence of reliable and comprehensive data on the furthest left behind groups of women and girls is thus reinforcing their marginalization and impeding evidence-based policy, advocacy, and planning. In line with this, there is absence of data on the status, rights, needs and services provided to certain groups, such as women addicts, women accused of prostitution, as the very few studies conducted mainly focused on the level of prevalence of these cases.

Within this framework, UN Women is planning to conduct a comprehensive analytical research on the rights, status and needs of the furthest left behind groups, focusing on the seven groups of women and girls who are denied access to sheltering services as per the Cabinet’s decision of 2011 on Protection Centres for Women Victims of Violence.

Objective of the assignment:

UN Women within SHAML project  is seeking to recruit a national consultant to conduct a comprehensive analytical  research  on the rights, status and needs of the furthest left behind groups of women and girls victims and survivors of violence, focusing on seven groups of women and girls who are denied access to sheltering services as per the Cabinet’s decision of 2011 on Protection Centers for Women Victims of Violence, including: women who have committed crimes (misdemeanours and felonies) and are executing court sentences, women with physical and mental disabilities, substance abuse cases, women accused of prostitution, women or girls who have infectious diseases, women who form a threat to other women, and girls who are below the age of 18, in addition to elderly women particularly those with mental or physical disabilities.

The research will cover both West bank and Gaza. It will look into different aspects, covering amongst others level of prevalence of cases, including geographical locations that have highest rate of prevalence, types of violence they are being subjected to, the way they have been perceived by their families and the community , forms of stereotyping they face, services being provided to them, challenges they face, opportunities they obtain, if any, and lessons learned from their experiences. Moreover, it will analyze and identify, laws, policies, protocols, and services, in place, that have direct impact on their lives and rights, and the gaps in protection and reintegration services provided to them.

The research should apply an intersectional feminist approach for examining how gender, age, disability, and other factors interacts to shape the lives of the furthest left behind groups of women victims and survivors of violence and increase their vulnerability, acknowledging the complexity of how women from the most excluded groups experience multi-dimensional and intersectional discrimination and marginalization.  It will be based on survivors centered and survivors empowering approaches, ensuring voices of the furthest behind groups of women and girls’ victims and survivors of violence are heard, their different and unique experiences are reflected, and their perspectives and views are central to the research findings and results.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of UN Women Special Representative in the State of Palestine, the direct supervision of UN Women Programme Specialist, and working in close cooperation and coordination with UN Women technical team, the selected consultant will undertake the following tasks, duties, and responsibilities:

1. Develop an inception report that includes a detailed description of the work plan, and methodology, to develop the research and share it with UN Women for review and approval, following the below tasks:

• Meet with UN Women’s technical team and stakeholders, to discuss the assignment’s objectives, methods and tools that will be used, and the main deliverables.
• Develop a methodology and a detailed work plan and share with UN Women for feedback. The workplan should include the main objectives of the assignment, deliverables, time frame and initial outline of the research.

The methodology should notably consider the following tools:

• Literature review of relevant references, including at the regional and global levels on the furthest left behind groups of women and girls’ survivors and victims of violence.
• Collection of firsthand data, through the use of different research methods, including:

• Development of quantitative and qualitative questionnaires, and collection of related data.
• Collective and bilateral meetings, consultations, focus groups and interviews with individuals from the seven mentioned groups in both the West Bank and Gaza, their families and community members.
• Collective and bilateral meetings, consultations, and interviews with technical people from concerned stakeholders and institutions, including CSOs, governmental institutions, experts in the field in both West Bank and Gaza, UN Women, other UN agencies as needed.
• Ensure a participatory approach, throughout all phases of the research with UN Women and other stakeholders as requested by UN Women.
• Data analysis
• Propose an outline for the research.

2. Develop a research on the status, rights and needs of the furthest left behind groups of women and girls’ victims and survivors of violence. UN Women will have the copyrights and any further use of the data require a written approval from UN Women.

The research should include a detailed outline, including executive summary, literature review, methodology, the research’s sample, findings, and a list of recommendations, including recommendations for future related programming focusing on advocacy and enhancement of protection services to the furthest left behind groups of women and girls’ victims and survivors of violence.

It should also include as annex the tools used to collect data, minutes of meetings, interviews, raw data, and any other related docs.

As part of developing the research the consultant will be responsible for the following:

• Ensure adherence with research ethics rules and policy, taking into full account issues pertaining to maintain confidentiality of data, and informed consent. Maintain full coordination and cooperation with related stakeholders.
• Safeguarding the rights and protection of victims, applying the do no harm principle throughout the research phases.
• Based on inputs provided by UN Women, amend the report, and submit an amended version for review and validation.
• Facilitate a consultation / validation workshop with concerned stakeholders, including CSOs, UN agencies, INGOs, and governmental organizations, as advised and required by UN Women.

3. Reporting on the assignment:

Prepare a final narrative report on the assignment, covering the main achievements, list of individuals interviewed, stakeholders interviewed, challenges, lessons learned, in addition to recommendations for future programming.

Deliverables: 

• Deliverable 1: An approved inception report that includes the work plan, the methodological framework, and the timeline for the deliverables, in English. (expected delivery date: 5 July 2021)
• Deliverable 2: An approved research in Arabic on the status, rights and needs of the furthest left behind groups of women and girls’ victims and survivors of violence with related annexes. (expected delivery date: 5 September 2021.)
• Deliverable 3: An approved final narrative report in English that includes a description of the assignment, the main achievements, stakeholders interviewed, lessons learned, challenges and recommendations for future related programming. (expected delivery date: 5 October 2021)

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: 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

• Ability to lead Policy review process through consultation with stakeholders;
• Very strong background on gender;
• Ability to manage time and meet tight deadlines;
• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Proven networking, organizational and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• A Master’s degree in human rights, social studies, development, gender, sociology, or any other related field. A PhD degree is an asset.

Experience:

• Minimum three to five years’ experience in the fled of violence against women, gender equality and women’s rights.
• Minimum five years of relevant work experience in the field of research in areas related to violence against women, gender equality and women’s rights. Experience in conducting research with the focus on the furthest left behind groups is an asset.
• At least 2 previous similar assignments, particularly in areas related to the most vulnerable and furthest left behind groups of women and girls’ victims and survivors of violence. (including research papers and studies, articles, policy paper, evaluation, etc…)
• Experience with the UN system or/and International Organizations is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Professional knowledge of English, and fluency in Arabic

Evaluation Criteria:

This SSA modality is governed by UN Women General Terms and Conditions. UN Women will only be able to respond to applicants who meet the minimum requirements.

Candidates should clearly indicate how they meet the above-mentioned criteria in their applications.

The following documents should be submitted as part of the application. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials:

• UN Women P11 including experience in similar assignments; the P11 form can be downloaded at http://www.unwomen.org/about-us/employment, a signed copy should be submitted.
• 2 pages proposal outlining understanding of the assignment and proposed workplan with a timeline.

Note: Kindly note that the system will only allow one attachment. Please upload as one attachment of the documents as mentioned above online through this website.

Candidates should have the ability to quickly submit degree certificates, medical certification (of good health) expression of Interest (EoI).

Evaluation of applicants:

Candidates will be evaluated using a cumulative analysis method taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications mentioned above, and financial proposal. A contract will be awarded to the individual consultant whose offer receives the highest score out of below defined technical and financial criteria. Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 50 points in the technical evaluation will be considered for financial evaluation.

Technical Evaluation (70%) – max. 70 points:  

• A Master’s degree in human rights, social studies, development, gender, sociology, or any other related field. A PhD degree is an asset. (max. 10 points)
• Minimum three to five years working experience in the fled of violence against women, gender equality and women’s rights. (max. 10 points)
• Minimum five years relevant work experience in the field of research in areas related to violence against women, gender equality and women’s rights. Experience in conducting research with the focus on the furthest left behind groups is an asset. (max. 15 points)
• At least 2 previous similar assignments, particularly in areas related to the most vulnerable and left behind groups of women and girls’ survivors and victims of violence (including research papers and studies, articles, policy paper, evaluation, etc…) (max. 15 points)
• A Sample of a developed research particularly in the area of gender, or women’s rights or violence against women. (max. 15 points)
• Experience with the UN system or/and International Organizations is an asset. (max. 5 points)

Financial Evaluation (30%) – max. 30 points.

The maximum number of points assigned to the financial proposal is allocated to the lowest price proposal. All other price proposals receive points in inverse proportion. A suggested formula is as follows:

p = 30 (µ/z)

Using the following values:

p = points for the financial proposal being evaluated

µ = price of the lowest priced proposal

z = price of the proposal being evaluated

Only long-listed candidates will be contacted.

Financial proposal. Shortlisted candidate will be requested to submit a financial proposal. The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount breaking down a daily professional fee, proposed number of working days and any related expenses, i.e. travel and communications expenses.