Antecedentes

UNDP together with other UN agencies, is implementing an EU funded Joint Programme, the Spotlight Initiative to Eliminate Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG), in partnership with Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) using a whole government approach. The Spotlight Initiative aims to address the prevalent problem of increased violence against women and girls as one of the most prevalent human rights violations against Women and Girls and if not addressed, will affect the achievement of SDGs, and Uganda vision 2040.

The Spotlight Initiative takes on whole of government approach and all of society approach to address VAW and VAC. It involves eight UN agencies and entities – including the Resident Coordinator’s Office, UN Women, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, IOM, OHCHR, and Pulse Lab’; 20 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs); District Local Governments (DLGs) selected CSOs; Private Sector and academia. 

The goal of the programme is for all women and girls, particularly those most vulnerable, live a life free of violence and harmful practices, including child marriage and FGM. The programme has six pillars:

• Enhanced legislative and policy framework;
• Strengthened institutions;
• Prevention and social norm change;
• Quality survivor services and ending impunity for VAWG, including SGBV and HP;
• Improved data availability and capacities; and
• Strengthened women’s movement and civil society engagement.

One of the key interventions for UNDP is Strengthened Institutions that will support selected institutions with enhanced efficiency, transparency and accountability to deliver on SGBV, HP and SRHR, through gender responsive budgeting, monitoring, improved evidence based advocacy, periodic policy review to integrate  and allocate resources for VAWG/HP and SRHR.

This support will be in selected MDAs namely: Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development; Ministry of Justice and JLOS Secretariat; Ministry of Local Government; Judiciary; Uganda Human Rights Commission; Office of the Prime Minister; Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives; Ministry of ICT and National Guidance; Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and Ministry of Public Service;

The selected DLGs are: Arua, Amudat, Kampala, Kasese, Kitgum, Kyegegwa, Tororo;

Situation analysis:

Uganda is a signatory to international and regional instruments and conventions that promote and protect women and children. These include: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; the Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC) 1992; the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995); the Declaration on Elimination of Violence Against Women (DEVAW, 1993); Africa Agenda 2063; UN Security Council Resolution (UN SCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security; UN SCR 1820 on Sexual Violence in Situations of Armed Conflict; and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, among others.

At the national levels, there are various laws and policies that address gender equity and women empowerment, GBV and VAC include: The Constitution (1995); National Development Plan,; Gender Policy 1997; National Policy on the Elimination of GBV (2016) and its Action Plan ;Domestic Violence Act 2010; Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act 2010 and the Regulations (2011); Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2009; the amended Penal Code Act Cap 120; National Policy on the Elimination of GBV (2016) and its Action Plan; The 2006 Persons with Disabilities Act; The Children’s (Amended) Act 2016; The Public Finance Management Act (2015) requires Sectors, MDAs and Local Governments to have gender and equity responsive budgets and policies and issues Certificates of compliance.   Institutions are also in place including the Uganda Human Rights Commission; Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs; Uganda Law Reform Commission and Parliament. The Social Development Sector Plan, the Child Policy (underway) is an appropriate frameworks for institutions to prioritise and implement programmes.

The above frameworks provide positive efforts for protection of Women and Children. One of the highlighted strategies is the Public Finance Management Act (2015) requires Sectors, MDAs and Local Governments to have gender and equity responsive budgets and policies and issues Certificates of compliance.  The gender and equity budgeting for Sectors, MDAs and DLGs promotes inclusive and non-discriminative planning and budgeting which in return increases the participation of the people in economic activities, eliminates social inequalities and address income gaps.

Rationale:

In spite of the good laws and policies, Violence against Women and Girls is still high. 56% of women of 15-49 years have experienced physical violence and 22% experienced sexual violence. Sexual Violence against children is also reported at 35% girls and 17% for boys. There are also forms of economic violence including illegal deprivation of Widows and orphans’ assets, denial of land and inheritance rights for women and girls.  There is high burden of care for women and girls affecting their education, employment and participation in economic activities. The discrimination against women with disabilities; orphans and vulnerable children; Women Living with HIV; Refugee Women and Girls (82%) of the refugee population.

While government is embracing longer-term investments in strengthening delivery of social care and support services (as stipulated in the National Social Protection Policy 2015 and efforts by the MGLSD to develop a framework for supporting the social service workforce), there are huge gaps in the social service workforce, which is a critical component of a functional protection system for both women and children. The low numbers and capacity of the existing social service workforce affects access to probation and social welfare services. Nationally, the established positions are fewer compared to the workload. The Functional Review of the Government Social Service Workforce in Relation to Child Protection 2019, reveals that 49% of DCDO positions in 121 districts were filled, 84% substantive appointments for Senior Probations and Social Welfare Officer (SPSWO) positions were filled. 51% double as acting DCDOs in majority of districts, diminishing their functionality as SPSWO due to the work overload.

The above demonstrates that there are challenges in translating the good policies and frameworks into action. In the implementation of gender and equity budgeting, there are noticeable challenges for MDAs and DLGs to integrate and prioritise issues of gender and equity in plans and budgets at both national and sub national levels. The 2018 EOC Report on equity assessments reported that the overall national compliance with Gender and Equity requirements for FY 2018/2019 was 55% with   10% and 44% of the MDAs not reflecting funds utilised on gender and youth related concerns respectively in the 2018 Ministerial policy statements. For 2019, 10% and 68% of the MDAs did not commit funds to outputs that address gender and youth concerns respectively and 67% MDAs did not reflect concerns of Children, PWDs and Older persons.  The EOC report on compliance of Local Government Budget Framework Papers with Gender and Equity requirements (2019/2020) indicated 43% compliance with  65 of the 172 LGs passing the assessment ( 50% compliance) and  over 107 DLG framework papers below the minimum 50% and were not issued certificates of compliance for 2019/2020 FY. The statistics of the target Districts compliance indicate Arua with 55%; Amudat 37%; Kasese 25%; Kitgum 34%; Kyegegwa 60% and Tororo 55%.

The above scenario, reflects limited allocation of resources, the weak staff capacity and poor accountability mechanisms.  Even where there were budget allocations, these were not matched with actual to disbursements for gender related programmes. This is evidence that there are capacity gaps of MDAs and DLGs to undertake participatory gender responsive budgeting and implement gender responsive policies, programmes relating to VAWG/HP/SRHR. While there are several capacity building interventions for gender responsive planning and budgeting, these are fragmented, misaligned and often do not integrate VAWG/HP/SRHR.

Although the Government, with development partners, are making significant efforts to respond to overall protection and wellbeing of women and children through various program initiatives, however, capacity building for duty bearers is fragmented, ad hoc, and uncoordinated, often misaligned with standard guidelines, and does not integrate VAWG/HP/SRHR, leading to duplication and wastage of resources.

It is against this background the Spotlight Initiative programme has identified capacity building MDAs and DLGs, to deliver on SGBV, HP and SRHR, through gender responsive budgeting and planning one of the key interventions. This will start with a Rapid assessment of the training needs for selected MDAs and District Local Governments (DLGs). 

Deberes y responsabilidades

This assessment will complement related studies of other UN agencies including the i) Mapping/scoping study of ongoing efforts on SGVB,HP and SRHR and ii) the Development of the Multi sectoral Strategy on VAW/VAC/HP and SRHR to inform the NDPIII and Medium Term Expenditure Frameworks.

Scope of work:  

Under the supervision of UNDP in coordination with other UN agencies, and working in close collaboration with Ministry of Gender, labour and Social Development, the consultant shall:

• Review the existing related assessment reports of the capacity gaps, (skills, knowledge, attitudes, practices, logistics and equipment);
• Review the existing Spotlight related processes/Initiatives, in particular the UNWomen ongoing studies on i) Mapping/scoping study of ongoing efforts on SGVB,HP and SRHR and ii) the Development of the Multi sectoral Strategy on VAW/VAC/HP and SRHR to inform the NDPIII and Medium Term Expenditure Frameworks;
•  Conduct a rapid assessment of the capacity gaps (skills, knowledge, attitudes, practices, logistics and equipment) of staff in the selected MDAs and DLGs to plan, budget, implement and assess extent of implementation of gender related initiatives that address SGVB/VAG/VAC and HP;
• Assess capacity gaps with respect to establishment of comprehensive coordination mechanisms (institutional and programme) and linkages as they relate to gender related initiatives that address SGVB/VAG/VAC and HP;
•  Review the existing capacity building strategies and interventions towards gender -responsive planning and budgeting address SGVB/VAG/VAG and HP. This will include: - the knowledge of the existing regulatory frameworks, the hands on tools for planning, budgeting and implementation of Gender interventions, etc.) and the Partners supporting the interventions;
• Conduct a training needs assessment and prepare a report on the capacity needs (Skills, tools, equipment, etc.) of the MDAs and DLGs to mainstream gender, focusing on addressing SGVB/VAG/VAG and HP. This will include a Training strategy for the Stakeholders in the above-mentioned areas.

Competencias

Core Competencies:

• Integrity;
• Demonstrating consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UN values and UN Code of Conduct;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism when dealing with GBV survivors and sensitive information;
• Cultural Sensitivity/Valuing diversity;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, sexual orientation, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
• Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and work well with diverse and multicultural supervisors and staff members;
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Focuses on impact and result for the partners and responds positively to feedback.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Academic qualifications:

• An Advanced Degree-Masters and above in Human Rights, Gender, Law, International Relations or related field, Social Work and Social Administration

Experience:

• Minimum experience of 5 years of conducting Capacity Assessments and in developing training strategies and tools  related to Gender, particularly on GBV and VAC;
• Clear understanding of Gender based planning and budgeting for MDAs and DLGs; Expertise in issues of SGVB;VAW/VAC and SRHR;
• Track record of undertaking related assignments  and capacity building in  Government Institutions;
• Experience in implementing projects/programmes that mainstream gender and eliminate GBV,VAW,VAC at national and subnational level  is  a distinct advantage;
• Experience in conducting consultancies in gender and Social protection  related programming with diverse stakeholders would be an asset;
• Experience creating documents for adoption/publication would be an asset;
• Experience working with the UN system and government would be an asset;
• Experience in conducting functional reviews and developing issues papers is critical;
• Experience in assessing and designing of training standards is an  asset;

• Proven knowledge of institutional and policy issues around gender in Uganda;
• Ability to produce excellent written reports, easily understood by non-expert audiences.

Language:

• Fluent level of written and spoken English.

Methodology:

The Rapid Assessment of capacity gaps and training needs will involve:-

• Desk Review: Review of key policies, key Reports regulatory and institutional frameworks in place; Analyse the institutional and policy linkages; Identification of the gaps, and to the extent possible, identify the effect of non-implementation of policies in MDAs and DLGs; Review of the institutional level tools used to mainstream Gender in plans and budgets;  
• Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key informant interviews with i) key  staff in the selected MDAs and DLGs that are involved in the development and implementation of budgets and plans; ii) Key institutions, including government, CSOs, UN agencies that are involved in the existing capacity building programmes to understand the interventions and their impact, gaps and build synergies;
• Stakeholder consultations – data review and validation to review and respond to matters arising from the assessment and draft report before validation;
• Publication and dissemination of findings and recommendations.

The consultant shall provide a more detailed methodology in the inception report.

The specific deliverables of the consultancy are as per the TORs.

Inputs:

UNDP will provide consultancy fees for the assignment and facilitate the stakeholder validation meetings.

Timing and duration of the consultancy:

The duration of the assessment, shall be for approximately 30 working days.

Reporting arrangements:

The consultants will report to the Team Leaders for Institutional Effectiveness Programme, under the overall guidance and leadership of the UNDP Resident Representative.  They will liaise on a day to day basis with the programme consultant.

The consultant shall present to UNDP, for review the draft reports for review and towards the end of the assignment, a validation meeting will be conducted and relevant comments and suggestions be appropriately incorporated in the final assessment report.

Working arrangements:

Institutional Arrangements:

The Consultant will be supervised by the Team Leader-Institutional Effectiveness Programme in close consultation with the UNDP Resident Representative-UNDP. Regular meetings will be held will be held to discuss progress and address any issues or concerns These meetings will held with UNDP with participation of participants from relevant UN agencies and officials from government institutions including Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Local Government; Ministry of Public Service, EOC among others.

Duration of the Work:

The assignment is expected to take an initial period of 30 working days.

Duty Station:

Kampala, with regular travel to the selected target districts as required.

Evaluation Method and Criteria:

Cumulative analysis:

• The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:
• Responsive/compliant/acceptable, and;
• 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 candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation

Technical Criteria – Maximum 70 points.

Criteria:                                                                                                   

• Masters’ degree Human Rights, Gender, Law, International Relations or related field, Social Work and Social Administration or equivalent - 5;
• A minimum of 5 years relevant work experience – 5;
• Relevant experience in Gender mainstreaming; Gender budgeting and planning: capacity building of government institutions  in budgets and plans and VAW/VAC and SRHR – 20;
• Description of approach/methodology to assignment- 40.

Payment schedules:

Payment will be based on the deliverables as per TORs.

Submission of Application:

The candidate is required to submit an electronic application directly uploaded on the UNDP jobs website with all the requirements as listed here below. Annexes and further information may be downloaded on http://procurement-notices.undp.org no.59161.

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications in one single PDF document to this website - http://jobs.undp.org no. 87460.

• Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP (Annex II);
• Personal CV, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references.

Technical proposal:

• Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment;
• A methodology, on how they will approach and complete the assignment;
• Financial proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided (Annex II);
• Annexes 1 and II - may be downloaded from the UNDP Procurement Notices Website -http://procurement-notices.undp.org/?For further clarifications, please contact; janet.anyango@undp.org; moses.lutwama@undp.org

Interested applicants should submit applications through uploading of all their required documentation in one single pdf document on this website only.