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 leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality (GE) and gender mainstreaming translate into action globally. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

Progress of North Macedonia in recent years respecting and promoting Gender Equality is highlighted in a series of international commitments and in national legal and policy frameworks. The main achievements in the field of gender equality and women’s empowerment reside in the Country’s institutional capacity development for the work on gender equality. Indeed, the legal provisions guaranteeing women’s rights and gender equality are largely in place – the Law of Equal Opportunities of Women and Men, the Election Law amendment instituting quotas, the Action Plan for the implementation of UNSCR 1325 (2020-2025), and the ratification of the Istanbul Convention are normative achievements that influence the institutional practice in promoting gender equality in North Macedonia.

However, gaps in policy development and slow implementation of the adopted legislation constitute important structural obstacles to achieving gender equality. Improvements are needed in both strengthening institutional capacities and enhancing cooperation between the gender mechanisms, the key ministries and civil society organizations in order to increase gender mainstreaming in all aspect of government work - primarily policy development and budgeting - as the means for achieving gender equality.

In line with the European Council’s decision of March 2020 to open accession negotiations with the Country, the Sida-funded project “Gender Equality Facility” (GEF) aims at supporting the Government of North Macedonia in transposing the EU Gender Equality acquis, strengthening the effective implementation of national and international legal frameworks on gender equality and women’s rights, mainstreaming gender equality into EU integration and planning processes for pre-accession assistance, and strengthening institutional mechanisms for gender equality in line with EU standards. Thereby, GEF supports institutions to correctly align with the EU Gender Equality acquis. The intervention will also address challenges in implementation of laws and gender equality policies by providing support for enhancing coordination and monitoring of gender equality policies and measures. In the medium to longer-term, and in line with the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 and the Principles of the EU Gender Action Plan III (2021-2025), the Project aims to secure implementation/application of gender equality legislation, policies and standards through policy dialogue, technical expertise and guidance, development and sharing of good practice, and strategic partnerships and cooperation.

The main partners of the Project are the Secretariat for European Affairs (SEA, the main project beneficiary), Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) structures, the Equal Opportunities Department at the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP), and National Gender Machinery institutions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the UN Women GEF Project Manager, and the direct supervision of the GEF Output Coordinator for Result 2, and under the overall guidance of an International Gender Statistics Consultant, the National Consultant will be responsible for performing the below key activities:

  • Overall coordination and collaboration with the International Gender Statistics Consultant and the UN Women GEF team in mainstreaming the gender dimension into policies and practices governing the production and use of gender statistics
    • Throughout the assignment, support the International Consultant and the UN Women GEF team by assessing the relevant administrative data sources as primary data sources to inform the gender-responsive planning, monitoring and evaluation of sectorial policies/strategies;
    • Prepare inputs for, and engage in review of, UN Women GEF draft knowledge products and publications on gender statistics;
  • Support the analysis of the gender dimension / key issues emerging from the Census 2021 data
    • Coordinate with the International Consultant and State Statistical Office on the systematization and analysis of gender-related Census 2021 data;
    • Review the existing dissemination and tabulation plan of 2021 Census data and support the development of key recommendations on mainstreaming gender into dissemination and analysis of Census data, in close collaboration with the International Consultant and SSO and considering international recommendations and best practices;
    • Draft the initial version of analytical gender thematic report using Census;
    • Finalize analytical gender thematic report, with the support of the International Gender Statistics Consultant;
  • Support the International Gender Statistics Consultant in providing technical assistance and expertise to the State Statistical Office for preparing the new Five-Year Statistical Programme
  • Support the review of the Five-Year Statistical Programme 2018-2022, identify gaps, opportunities, and recommendations, in accordance with international requirements and standards;
    • Conduct assessment of relevant stakeholders engaged in producing and using data related to gender equality for the identification of needs for supporting the user-producer dialogue;
    • In collaboration with the International Gender Statistics Consultant, prepare the outline, agenda, and materials for consultation sessions on gender data gaps and needs with local/national NGOs, and with national ministries and public institutions engaged in producing data related to gender equality;
    • Organize and conduct consultation sessions with SSO, ministries and agencies, CSOs and other relevant stakeholders to discuss the gender data needs and priorities on gender data and statistics / roundtable discussions on the use of specific indicators;
  • In close collaboration with the International Gender Statistics Consultant, conduct trainings / workshops on compliance with SSO standards in gender data collection and presentation with representatives from relevant ministries and public institutions (gender data producers)
    • Following up on consultations sessions on the Five-Year Statistical Programme, in close collaboration with the International Gender Statistics Consultant, State Statistical Office, and UN Women, identify relevant stakeholders and draft the methodology for trainings/workshops;
    • In close collaboration with the International Gender Statistics Consultant, develop the agenda and training materials (PPT, practical exercise, syllabus, etc.) for trainings/workshops with identified relevant stakeholders – gender data producers and users;
    • For each training session/workshop, prepare a brief report capturing main insights and learnings based on template to be provided by UN Women;
  • Support the International Gender Statistics Consultant in providing technical guidance and support to the State Statistical Office for modernizing the design and presentation of gender statistics
    • In collaboration with the International Consultant and the UN Women GEF Communication expert, review all products and channels used by SSO to disseminate and communicate gender statistics, including but not limited to statistical publications, PC-Axis, infographics, etc.
    • Identify gaps and opportunities for improving gender data availability, dissemination and communication, and contribute to the development of a communication roadmap/action plan on gender statistics as integral part of communicating official statistics.
    • Under the guidance of the International Gender Statistics Consultant, collaborate with the IT expert on the revision of the web-page of the State Statistical Office and the PC-axis from the perspective of gender data relevance, considering the latest international and regional recommendations (UNSD, EUROSTAT, etc.) and national policy priorities to monitor progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment;
    • Support on-the-job training for SSO staff on presentation of gender statistics to be led by the International Consultant and communications expert;
  • Support the UN Women GEF project and the State Statistical Office in communicating gender statistics to the wider public
    • Provide comments and inputs for print, audio, and visual materials, including campaigns, which communicate gender statistics to a wider audience, as required;
  • Any other tasks and responsibilities, as assigned.

Main expected outputs/deliverables:

Activity/Task

Results / Expected Outputs

Indicative Days

Tentative Timeframe

Technical support for retrieving administrative data and information on gender statistics 

  • Data availability and inputs

3

Foreseen for February 2022. Deadline of submission for each assignment to be indicated by UN Women GEF with individual instructions for the assignment

Technical support for gender analysis of Census 2021 data

  • Inputs on analysis of Census 2021 data
  • Analytical gender thematic report

11

Foreseen for April 2022. Deadline of submission for each assignment to be indicated by UN Women GEF with individual instructions for the assignment

Technical support for drafting the new Five-Year Statistical Programme

  • Report from assessment
  • Prepared outline, agenda, and materials for consultation sessions;
  • Notes from consultation sessions;
  • Inputs in review of new draft Five-Year Statistical Programme.

8

Aligned with SSO timeline. Deadline of submission for each assignment to be indicated by UN Women GEF with individual instructions for the assignment

Trainings / workshops on SSO standards in gender data with representatives from relevant ministries and public institutions which produce data related to gender equality

 

  • List of identified relevant stakeholders – producers of gender data;
  • Agenda and materials for trainings / workshops for relevant stakeholders, approved by the State Statistical Office and UN Women;
  • Brief activity record for each conducted training/workshop;

 

13

Deadline of submission for each assignment to be indicated by UN Women GEF with individual instructions for the assignment

Technical guidance and support for the modernization of the design and presentation of gender statistics

  • Recommendations, reviews, written guidance;
  • Notes from coordination sessions with International Consultant and national statistics and IT experts;

 

5

Foreseen for June 2022. Deadline of submission for each assignment to be indicated by UN Women GEF with individual instructions for the assignment.

Technical advice for communicating gender stats to the wider public

  • Input and comments on UN Women GEF draft communication materials, audio-visuals, and knowledge products on gender statistics

5

Deadline of submission for each assignment to be indicated by UN Women GEF with individual instructions for the assignment.

Total

45

 

Duration and remuneration

The duration of the contract will be for a period of 6 months, with a maximum of 45 (forty-five) working days to perform the specified tasks. Payment will be made in three installments upon satisfactory completion of tasks and deliverables.

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:

Knowledge Management and Learning

  • Shares knowledge and experience
  • Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside UN Women
  • Development and Operational Effectiveness
  • Demonstrates excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Communicates sensitively, effectively and creatively across different constituencies
  • Demonstrates very good understanding of and experience in communications and outreach/advocacy
  • Ability to perform a variety of standard specialized and non-specialized tasks and work processes that are fully documented, researched, recorded and reported
  • Ability to review a variety of data, identify and adjust discrepancies, identify and resolve operational problems
  • Uses Information Technology effectively as a tool and resource

Leadership and Self-Management

  • Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
  • Proven networking skills and ability to generate interest in UN Women’s mandate
  • Identifies opportunities and builds strong partnerships with clients and partners

Required Skills and Experience

Education/Academic qualification:

  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in statistics, economics, mathematics, social sciences, gender/women studies, public policy, or other related fields and development-related disciplines, is required. Master’s Degree in these or similar fields will be considered as an asset.

Work experience:

  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting gender analysis, gender statistics and social science research, preferably in the context of the North Macedonia statistical system;
  • At least 3 years of experience in undertaking research on and/or assessments of the status of women and gender equality, preferably using statistical methods;
  • At least 3 years of experience in conducting gender trainings and capacity building activities with relevant stakeholders from national (or local) institutions, or similar relevant national/local structures;
  • Contribution to, or co-authorship of, national publications, reports and/or knowledge products on gender statistics and/or monitoring of inter/national gender indicators will be considered as an advantage;
  • Proven experience in extracting and presenting relevant gender data to relevant stakeholders and the wider population will be considered as an advantage;
  • Proven experience in working with programmes and projects funded by UN, EU, and other similar international organization will be considered as an asset.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency and excellent writing skills in English and Macedonian.

Other skills:

  • Good computer skills in Windows environment, knowledge of internet communication and command of MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Power Point), Zoom and MS Teams.

 Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments:

  • Financial Proposal specifying the daily fee in US Dollars (USD) for the tasks specified above. Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall take into account various expenses incurred by the consultant/contractor during the contract period (e.g., fee and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services).
  • Payment will be made as per the payment schedule in the contract upon (i) satisfactory completion of tasks; (ii) provision of deliverables specified in the ToRs; (iii) submission of and approval by UN Women; and (iv) submission of the certification of payment.

Evaluation of applicants:

Candidates will be evaluated using a cumulative analysis method taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal. Contract will be awarded to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

  • Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
  • Having received the highest score out of below defined technical and financial criteria.

Technical Evaluation –70 points:

  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in statistics, economics, mathematics, social sciences, gender/women studies, public policy, or other related fields and development-related disciplines, is required. Master’s Degree in these or similar fields will be considered as an asset. (max. 10 points)
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting gender analysis, gender statistics and social science research, preferably in the context of the North Macedonia statistical system. (max. 15 points)
  • At least 3 years of experience in undertaking research on and/or assessments of the status of women and gender equality, preferably using statistical methods; (max. 15 points)
  • At least 3 years of experience in conducting gender trainings and capacity building activities with relevant stakeholders from national (or local) institutions, or similar relevant national/local structures; (max. 10 points)
  • Contribution to, or co-authorship of, national publications, reports and/or knowledge products on gender statistics and/or monitoring of inter/national gender indicators will be considered as an advantage; (max. 10 points)
  • Proven experience in extracting and presenting relevant gender data to relevant stakeholders and the wider population will be considered as an advantage; (max 5 points)
  • Proven experience in working with programmes and projects funded by UN, EU, and other similar international organization will be considered as an asset. (max. 5 points)

Financial Evaluation – 30 points

  • Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% (49 points) in the technical evaluation would be considered for financial evaluation.
  • 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. The calculation formula applied is as follows:

p = 30 (µ/z); where: p = points for the financial proposal being evaluated; µ = price of the lowest priced proposal; z = price of the proposal being evaluated.

Recommended Presentation of Offer:

Qualified and interested candidates are asked to submit their application no later than the deadline indicated above:

  • A Letter of Confirmation of Interest including a brief description explaining why the individual considers her/himself as the most suitable for the assignment.
  • Completed and signed UN Women Personal History Form (P11) that can be downloaded at https://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment
  • Copies/reference/links to examples of relevant/related reports or documents prepared/authored in the past.
  • Financial Proposal specifying the total lumpsum in US Dollars for the tasks specified in this assignment.

How to Submit the Application: 

To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:

  • Download and complete the UN Women Personal History Form (P11)- http://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment
  • Merge your UN Women Personal History Form (P11), the Financial Proposal, and the Letter of Confirmation of Interest into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded.
  • Click on the Job Title (job vacancy announcement).
  • Click 'Apply Now' button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and then click 'Submit Application;'
  • Upload your application/single file as indicated above with the merged documents (underlined above).
  • You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.

Notes:

  • UN Women retains the right to contact references directly. Due to the large numbers of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.
  • Applications without the financial offer will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.
  • Candidates should have the ability to quickly produce degree certificates and medical certification (of good health) for consideration of the consultancy post.

 

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided?on the basis of?qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women?has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.? All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)