UN WOMEN Jobs - 78375- Consultant to develop the Spotlight Initiative Zim

Consultant to develop the Spotlight Initiative Zimbabwe Country Programme

Advertised on behalf of

UN WOMEN

Location :

Harare, ZIMBABWE

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

07-May-2018

Application Deadline :

26-Apr-18 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

90 days over 6 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

90 days over 6 months

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

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.

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in the world today. It is a major obstacle to the fulfilment of women’s and girls’ human rights and development and therefore a threat to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

UN Women envisions a world where all women and girls live a life free from violence in private and public spaces. UN Women contributes to this vision through supporting comprehensive and human rights-based approaches to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls (VAWG), which includes adoption of laws and policies, collection of data, measures to address the root causes of VAWG, promote respectful relationships, gender equality and create safe cities and public spaces as well as enhancing the knowledge of survivors and their access to quality essential services.

The United Nations Country Team in Zimbabwe is seeking a consultant to facilitate the development of the Spotlight Initiative country programme on addressing sexual and gender based violence, harmful practices (HP) and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

Under the overall guidance of the Resident Coordinator and direct supervision of the UN Women Country Representative, and in consultation with the participating UN agencies, the consultant will be responsible for UN Women’s participation in the writing of the Spotlight Initiative programme.

Introduction

The European Union (EU) in partnership with the United Nations (UN) have in response, embarked on a global, multi-year initiative focused on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) - the Spotlight Initiative. Officially launched on 20 September 2017 during the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly, the Initiative brings focused attention to the issue of VAWG, moving it into the spotlight and placing it at the centre of efforts to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Spotlight Initiative intends to spearhead a new joint approach and partnership between the UN and the EU to deliver on the SDGs in an integrated manner. The Initiative focuses on specific forms of VAWG in particular regions, as entry points to address all forms of violence and their structural roots. In the African region; the focal areas include: sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)[1], harmful practices (HP) and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

A comprehensive global theory of change has been adopted for the Initiative aiming at ensuring that all women and girls benefit from adequate legislation and policies, gender responsive institutions, violence prevention programmes, essential services, comparable and reliable data, and strong women’s movements and civil society organizations. The Spotlight Initiative’s global theory of change is premised on years of evidence, programming and practice, and aims to integrate elements of innovation to improve approaches and catalyse further change.

Background

While there have been efforts to address and eliminate SGBV and HP in the African region, and improved access to and exercise of SRHR, progress has remained slow and uneven where the approaches have been fragmented. It is increasingly clear that the elimination of all forms of SGBV and HP is intrinsically connected to transformation of gender and socio-cultural norms including those related to women’s sexuality and reproduction; and to improving women’s access to comprehensive sexuality education and sexual and reproductive health information and services.

Zimbabwe; with a high prevalence of GBV has alarming statistics highlighting the extent of violence against women. Between 2010 and 2016; the country witnessed an 81% increase in cases of rape[2]. According to the 2015 ZDHS, more than 1 in 3 (35%) ever married women aged 15-49 have experienced spousal violence[3] whilst 45% of ever married women reported experiencing physical, sexual and emotional violence by their current or most recent partner. Of the young people who experienced sexual violence below the age of 15; 1.5% have pointed to the teacher as the perpetrator; a figure meant to protect and teach[4]. Zimbabwe also continues to be one of the few countries in the world with high HIV infection rates.[5] Global and national evidence has repeatedly shown that violence against women is a key factor in increasing women’s risk of contracting the virus.

In light of the statistics and opportune global initiative; the UN Women Zimbabwe country office wishes to engage the services of a consultant to assist with the development of a country programme document addressing sexual and gender based violence, harmful practices (HP) and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

[1]By definition sexual violence is a form of gender based violence, in this case, sexual is included in the ‘SGBV’ to emphasize addressing sexual violence in this particular context.

[2]ZimStat quarterly digest of statistics; http://www.sundaynews.co.zw/one-rape-per-hour-zimstat/ , accessed 24/1/2018

[3] Physical or sexual violence

[4] ZDHS, 2015

[5]In terms of new infections and numbers estimated to be living with HIV, Zimbabwe ranks 8th globally and 4th in the SADC region after RSA, Mozambique and Tanzania; http://www.afridev.info/sites/default/files/Southern%20Africa%20RSHR%20%26%20UHC%20Scorecard%20%282014%29-HIV%20Adult%20Prevalence-PLWHIV-%26New%20HIV%20Infections-Fin_0.pdf; accessed 11/05/15

Duties and Responsibilities

Specifically, the consultant will be required to:

Examine the overall context of sexual and gender based violence and harmful practices (HP) and related aspects of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Zimbabwe including:
- conducting a literature review on SGBV, HP and related aspects of SRHR;
- analysing existing evidence on SGBV, HP and SRHR particularly the legal/policy, regulatory framework at the national level as well as other current national efforts aimed at addressing SGBV, HP and related aspects of SRHR;
- analysing state of civil society engagement on SGBV, HP and SRHR in the county as well as relations with other countries in the region.
Participate in the development of a country programme in collaboration with other participating UN agencies, the E.U, government and civil society organizations;
Outline the specific work that will be undertaken in the 6 pillars with 3-4 indicative outputs in each pillar pertaining to the results and proposed geographical coverage:
- Legislative and policy frameworks;
- Strengthening institutions;
- Prevention and social norms;
- Delivery of quality, essential services;
- Data availability and capacities;
- Supporting the women’s movement;
Outline the main risks and challenges with regards to SGBV, HP and related aspects of SRHR in Zimbabwe;
Facilitate consultations with the main stakeholders that this programme will partner with in the achievement of the indicative results;
Examine and outline key lessons learnt from past and on-going efforts related to SGBV, HP and SRHR that should inform the country programme;
Describe other programmes that this programme will build on including details of implementation;
Search for and propose innovations for the Spotlight Implementation in Zimbabwe in terms of programmes, delivery, financing and technology;
Explain how sustainability, including unlocking resources from government and private sector will be ensured;
Support the UNCT and UN Women in writing the Spotlight Initiative Programme Document.

Deliverables

The assignment should be carried out within a period of 6 months with the incumbent being responsible for delivery of a Country Programme Document and support UN Women’s participation in consultative processes for Zimbabwe.

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: http://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/about%20us/employment/un-women-employment-values-and-competencies-definitions-en.pdf

Functional Competencies:

Excellent writing and research skills;
Writing skills that include great attention to detail as well as a grasp of conceptual frameworks;
Excellent communication and reporting skills;
Very strong communication and interpersonal skills;
Ability to work in a multicultural environment and in a team;
Strong computer skills, including word processing, presentation packages (Power Point), Internet, etc;
Strong skills in the application of communication technologies.

Technical Competencies:

Technical knowledge and expertise in ending violence against women and girls including best practices and international standards on EVAW;
Excellent level of conceptual and analytical capacity is essential;
Strong technical knowledge on linkages between SGBV,HP and SRHR;
Ability to explain complex issues in a simple way, to raise awareness in a participatory approach and in a consensual manner with respect for various levels of understanding, professional abilities and cultural differences.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in Development, Public Health, human rights, or related field, with a strong expertise in gender and GBV.

Experience:

Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in program design, particularly in EVAW
Experience in conceptualising and writing proposals for large scale donor programmes involving multiple partners.
Multi-country programming experience will be an added advantage.
Previous work experience with international organizations, United Nations Agencies, Funds and Missions, will be an asset.
A proven ability to liaise with a wide variety of stakeholders and partners in government, civil society, international organizations and grassroots organizations and UN agencies.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages.

Language Requirements:

Proficiency in written and spoken English and familiarity of local language.