Antecedentes

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 leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality are translated into action throughout the world. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts while building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

UN Women with support from DFID and in partnership with Uganda Bureau of Statistics is launching this call for applicants to conduct and implement a nation-wide qualitative research on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) including the in elections. The study will complement the quantitative survey on VAWG focusing on prevalence of physical and sexual violence but also at the consequences of such violence, as well as psychological violence, stalking, sexual harassment, experience of violence in childhood, fear of victimization and its impact and very importantly also at the attitudes and awareness about violence including the in elections. The VAWG study is led by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD). The survey will be implemented effective 1st October 2019 to 30th June 2020.

Context

In September 2015 the United Nations Summit adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in New York which includes a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets. The SDGs cover a very broad range of critical gender issues, including anti-discrimination, violence, unpaid care and domestic work, voice and participation, assets, income, labour, social protection etc. The agenda highlights women’s rights and gender equality significantly by including the stand alone fifth goal on gender equality in addition to gender-sensitive targets across other goals. It is imperative to recognize the pathway to achieving the SDGs by calling for gender-responsive and human rights-based approaches. To monitor gender responsiveness of SDG indicators, UN Women launched 3-year Global Flagship Program on gender statistics, entitled as ‘Making Every Women and Girls Count (MEGWC). The overall objective of this program is to make enabling environments for the quality production of gender statistics, denting the gender data gaps and ensure accessibility and use of gender statistics. Uganda was selected as one of the 12 Pathfinder countries of MEWGC.

Today, millions of women and girls worldwide suffer from some form of violence, be it domestic violence, rape, female genital mutilation/cutting, dowry-related killing, trafficking, sexual violence in conflict-related situations, sexual harassment in public spaces, or other manifestations of abuse. Evidence has shown that it affects the health and well-being not only of the women who experience violence but also of their families and communities. It is estimated that 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non-partner at some point in their lives. However, some national studies show that up to 70 per cent of women experience physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. Violence Against Women (VAW) persists in every country in the world as a pervasive violation of human rights and a major impediment to achieving gender equality (UN, Violence Against Women: The Situation, available online at: http://www.un.org/en/women/endviolence/pdf/pressmaterials/unite_the_situation_en.pdf).

Domestic Violence Against Women (DVAW) remains among the prevalent forms of violence against women (VAW) in Uganda; 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey, half of women (51%) age 15-49 have experienced physical violence since age 15, and 1 in 5 experienced physical violence in the 12 months preceding the survey. Twenty-two percent of women have ever experienced sexual violence. Eleven percent of women who have ever been pregnant have experienced physical violence during one or more pregnancies. Fifty-six percent of ever-married women have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence by their current or most recent spouse/partner. Three in 10 women (33%) sought help to stop violence they had experienced. Five in 10 women (51%) neither sought help nor told anyone about the violence. The findings of this survey have greatly informed policymaking and programming of the government and development partners aimed at Ending VAW and domestic violence; as a result, there have been established shelters for GBV victims, nation-wide hotline and a number of awareness raising interventions have been carried out by state as well as civil society actors and development partners to eliminate VAW and on the other existing services and protection mechanisms.

Justification

Uganda has had three Demographic and Health surveys (in 2006, 2011 and 2016) that collected information on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) including the prevalence, attitudes and other behaviours. The surveys, however, do not comprehensively cover variables on the VAWG hence the need to conduct a national survey on VAWG.

Within the framework of the UN Women Global Flagship Programme on Making Every Woman and Girl Count (MEWGC); Supporting implementation and monitoring of the SDGs through better production and use of gender statistics generously funded by DFID, UN Women in partnership with Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) is planning to implement a nation-wide qualitative research on VAWG including the in elections. The study will complement the quantitative VAWG survey to add the voices of men and women to support the statistics and enable a triangulation of data. More specifically, the qualitative research aims to a) better understand women’s access, barriers to and quality of violence against women services; b) understand the unique experiences of minority groups in terms of their experiences of VAWG and access to services including the in elections.

Objectives of the study

The aim of the qualitative research is to complement the quantitative survey including the in election, to add the voices of men and women to support the statistics and enable a triangulation of data. More specifically, the qualitative research aims to a) better understand women’s access, barriers to and quality of violence against women and girls services including the in elections; b) understand the unique experiences of minority groups in terms of their experiences of VAWG and access to services including the in elections.

Scope and Methodology

The conceptual framework for the study is as follows: 1) a quantitative survey conducted through face-to-face interviews in households and 2) a qualitative component which may include, but not be restricted to, desk research, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Groups. The survey should be planned and implemented in accordance with globally agreed methodological and ethical standards and guidelines and be informed by methodologies such as the one used in the WHO Multi-Country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence that has been replicated in various countries and the most recent VAW: an EU Wide Survey which was implemented in alignment with the recommendations of the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention. The study will also reflect in the methodology design and novelties of a gender-based violence survey for EU member states under preparation by EUROSTAT. It is also important that relevant SDG indicators and definition/frameworks put forward by the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) 57th session, the Declaration on Elimination of Violence Against Women (DEVAW) and the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) General Recommendation #19 are incorporated. Qualitative Research methodology: The methodology for the qualitative research methodology is being developed by UN Women’s International Consultant to Guide the Implementation of a National Prevalence and Attitudes’ Survey on VAWG including the in elections in Uganda in line with globally established methodologies and ethical standards on VAWG studies. More specifically, the desk research will entail:

1. Key Informant Interviews – 20 KIIs will be conducted with service providers such as those from the Justice, Law and Order sector (JLOS), Health sector, Education sector, Social Protection, NGOs and the Civil Society Organisations to understand the access and barriers to quality services for survivors.
2. Focus Group Discussions with service providers – Focus Group Discussions will be held with services providers to complement the key informant interviews. This will include at least 15 FGDs- one in each of the statistical regions.
3. In-depth interviews – 30 In-depth interviews will be conducted with survivors of violence from diverse backgrounds to understand their unique experiences of violence, and their access to services. They will be purposively selected to reflect the experiences of people from minority groups and marginalised communities.
4. It is expected that the following sub-groups will be included: migrants, ethnic minorities, those living in hard to reach areas (like islands and mountains), elder women, young girls and women with disabilities.
5. Focus Group Discussions with representatives from marginalised groups – Five (5) Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) will be held with representatives, services providers, and leaders from the aforementioned marginalised groups. These FGDs will aim to provide more information on the unique needs to these groups and how services can better respond to their needs.
6. For ethical and safety reasons, the focus groups will not seek to obtain testimonies from those who have experienced violence.
7. Desk review of studies on VAWG and related areas.

UN Women is seeking to contract an Individual National Consultant -Researcher to carry out the Qualitative Study on Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) including the in elections in Uganda. The researcher will work under overall guidance of UN Women’s International Consultant to Guide the Implementation of a National Prevalence and Attitudes’ Survey on VAWG in Uganda who will provide technical guidance in the implementation of the research, including development of methodology, designing research tools, data analysis process and report writing.

Deberes y responsabilidades

Under the overall supervision of the International Consultant and in close cooperation with UN Women and UBOS, the researcher will be responsible for the following activities:

1. Support UN Women’s international consultant in tailoring proposed methodology and data collection instruments to conduct the qualitative research per specific samples, including review of questionnaires to ensure cultural and contextual relevance including the in elections;
2. Development of the field work plan;
3. In cooperation with UN Women, undertake all logistical arrangements to organize interviews and FDGs as prescribed by present ToR including booking venues, mobilizing participants etc;
4. Facilitate all FDGs and interviews in accordance with the Terms of Reference (ToRs);
5. Ensure that interviews are taped, transcribed and documented per research protocols;
6. Responsible for initial write-up of results for the qualitative research component and analysis.

Reporting, quality Assurance and governance

Under the overall supervision of the UN Women Deputy Country Representative and in close collaboration with the Executive Director, UBOS, the consultant will provide technical and administrative support to the research study process on VAWG.

A Reference Technical Working Group (RTWG) comprising relevant partners working on VAWG in the country (i.e. government, UN and other international organizations, CSOs, academia). will be set up. The RTWG will be chaired by the MGLSD and co-chaired by Deputy Executive Director, Statistical Production and Development (DED/SPD) of UBOS.

The final VAWG research study report should be compiled and disseminated at a major National Statistical System (NSS) stakeholders’ forum. Handover of the final report in soft and hard copy together with a communications brief will be made to the Executive Director-UBOS and Country Representative - UN Women Uganda.

• Inception Report: Containing detailed work-plan specifying activities and timelines agreed with UBOS; detailed description of the study methodology including sampling, ethical considerations and data collection tools to be developed in close consultation with UBOS and UN Women and relevant stakeholders. This is expected to be delivered 5 days by October 5, 2019.

• Qualitative data collection tools including Focus Group Discussions Guide and Key Informant Interview Guide: consolidated in close consultations with UBOS and UN Women and relevant stakeholders. This is expected to be delivered in 5 days by October 15, 2019.

• Training of Fieldworkers on research study methodology and Pre-testing the data collection tools: Preparation of training methodology and tools, implementation of 2-3 weeks training in close collaboration with UBOS (requires travel to Uganda) for survey analysts, field workers and data processors.

• 20 Key Informant Interviews conducted with service providers such as those from the Justice, Law and Order sector (JLOS), Health sector, Education Sector, Social Protection, Higher Local Government, NGOs and the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
• Focus Group Discussions with service providers (two in rural and two in urban areas) in each of the 15 statistical regions. This is expected to be delivered in 10 days by October 30, 2019 to facilitate undertaking the pre-test by November 11, 2019.

• Training of Fieldworkers for the main survey in close collaboration with UBOS for research analysts, field workers and data processors. This is expected to be delivered in 10 days by January 31, 2020.

• Data collection:

• Focus Group Discussions will be held with representatives, service providers, and leaders from the aforementioned marginalised groups.
• 30 In-depth Interviews will be conducted with survivors of violence from diverse backgrounds to understand their unique experiences of violence, and their access to services.

• Guidance in the main Data Collection and Data Cleaning Process: qualitative data collection implemented, and data cleaned by the Research team with technical support and guidance from the lead researcher and International Consultant. This is expected to be delivered in 5 days by February 1, 2020.

• Data Analysis and Draft Report: Quantitative and qualitative data analysed and triangulated in close collaboration with UBOS and the international consultant, Draft Report prepared. This is expected to be delivered by 15 days by June 15, 2020.

• Final Report Developed and Presented: Finalization of the report in close collaboration with UBOS and UN Women and relevant stakeholders that include Government, UN agencies and donors, CSOs, and partners in English, with relevant annexes in same language as the report and presented to relevant stakeholders in Kampala. This is expected to be delivered in 10 days by June 25, 2020.

• A Communications Piece with key indicators and recommendations to Government inform design of future and similar studies and research. This is expected to be delivered by June 25, 2020.

Inputs

• UN Women, UBOS and partners will provide the consultant with background materials related to the assignment.
• UN Women will provide the consultant with the space and access to the internal institutional documents and staff, as necessary, to undertake the assignment.

Performance evaluation:

• The consultant’s performance will be evaluated against such criteria as: timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, quality of the products delivered and alignment to agreed principles and standards. The evaluation will be carried out and cleared by the appointed task force including representation from the RTWG.

Deliverables and Timelines

The work of the researcher is expected to be delivered in 60 man-days and will start in 1st October 2019 and end in June 2020, when the results and final report will be finalized and presented.

Competencias

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

Corporate Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN's values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN, particularly relating to gender equality and the empowerment of women;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, sexual orientation, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly and without favouritism.

Functional Competencies

• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
• IT literacy;
• 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

Education

• The Researcher should have a minimum of a PhD in Social Sciences preferably in Gender, human rights, Development Studies, Human Rights, Sociology, Demography or related field, and/or related areas.

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) three years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in the fields of human rights, social inclusion, and/or GBV/VAW.
• A minimum of five (5) years of managerial and leadership skills, abilities to plan, coordinate and implement multiple tasks involving different stakeholders and parties.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience of research in the area of GBV/VAW.
• Proven training/facilitation expertise in conducting household surveys on the topics of GBV/VAW or related issues.
• Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence Against Women (DVAW) or other internationally recognized survey methodology focusing on prevalence of GBV/VAW will be considered a strong asset;

Language:

• Excellent command of English.
• Any one of the following local languages: Luganda, Luo, Runyankole/Rukiga, Runyoro/Rutooro, Ateso, Lugbara will be an added advantage.

Application Procedure

Interested qualified individual consultants must apply online by latest by September 25th, 2019. Candidates should submit one PDF File attachment containing:

1. a letter of interest,
2. a personal CV and
3. UN Women P11 dully filled form with at least three (3) professional references (UN Women Personal History Form (P11), can be downloaded at: http://www.unwomen.org/about-us/employment;
4. technical and financial proposal.

Note: The above documents need to be submitted and uploaded to the online application system as one document.

Evaluation of Applicants

Candidates will be selected based on cumulative analysis of:

• Technical Qualification (100 points) weight [70%]

• Financial/Price Proposal (100 points) weight [30%]

A two-stage procedure will be utilised in evaluating the proposals, with evaluation of the technical proposal being completed prior to any price proposal being compared. Only the price proposal of the candidates who passed the minimum technical score of 70% of the obtainable score of 100 points in the technical qualification evaluation will be evaluated.

1. Technical Qualification evaluation criteria:

The total number of points allocated for the technical qualification component is 100. The technical qualification of the offer or/individual is evaluated based on following:

Technical Evaluation Criteria/ Obtainable Score

• Qualification and background – 20
• Previous experience in the development of institutional training manuals and conducting institutional trainings – 30
• Understanding of gender and VAW/VAC (including online violence) and children in conflict with the law issues, especially in the Justice Law and Order Sector – 30
• Experience and familiarity with the UN system, UN Women’s and UNICEF’s work - 10
• Language proficiency - 10

1. Financial Proposal review criteria:

The financial proposal will be reviewed according to the following criteria:

• 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 technical 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.

Deadline for application

All applications to be submitted no later than 25th September 2019

Note: UN Women is an equal opportunity Employer. Qualified women and men are encouraged to apply. UN Women reserves the right to accept or reject any bid. The process will be governed by the rules and regulations of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)