JOB TITLE: GENDER SPECIALIST
POST LEVEL: NO “C”
DUTY STATION: Abuja
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Individual Consultant
DURATION OF CONTRACT: 30 Working Days
BACKGROUND
The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator Unit is seeking to streamline and coordinate gender equality action within the UN System in Nigeria to promote achieving increased accountability for gender equality results, Gender equality and women’s empowerment are human rights that lie at the heart of development. Gender inequality impedes economic productivity and results in unequal access to and unfair distribution of our collective resources. People perceive development in several ways but it is generally agreed that it is a process that leads to increased capacity of people to have control over material assets, intellectual resources and ideology and obtain physical necessities of life (food, clothing and shelter), equality in employment, participation in government, political and economic independence, adequate education, gender equality, sustainable development and peace. It is impossible to achieve development without gender equality.
Gender equality and women empowerment is one of the eight Millennium Development Goals it is central to the achievement of the MDGs, as it helps accelerate the achievement of each goal. There is evidence to show that progress in gender equality in one goal most certainty contributes simultaneously towards progress on all other development goals. Investments in gender equality can improve the lives of both men and women, with lasting benefits for the next generations.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for the leadership of the UCT to effectively coordinate the gender response of all agencies in a coherent manner in order to maximize benefits and efficiency as well as minimize potential pitfalls. This will act as a platform for joint analytical work and harmonized programming on gender equality as a development priority, as currently harmonization mechanisms on gender equality, joint analytical work and pooling of resources for gender equality as well as regular monitoring and evaluation are fragmented within the UN System in Nigeria.
The purpose of this assignment is to promote accelerated achievement of accountability for gender equality results within the UN System in Nigeria.
OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT
To identify and bring to the fore the fragmented activities of various agencies on gender equality and women empowerment;
To identity and establish the role of UN Women as the leading and coordinating agency on gender equality programming within the UN System;
To develop a plan of action for Coordination, Harmonization, Alignment and Monitoring of gender programming within the UN System;
TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In order to effectively achieve the above stated objectives, the service of national consultant is required. Under the supervision of the UN Women, and in close cooperation with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, the Consultant will;
Evaluate efforts of the UN and progress to date on mainstreaming gender effectively;
Examine the mandate of various UN Agencies and articulate a strategy/design a mechanism to reinforce the role of UN Women as the leading agency on Gender;
Develop an effective gender mainstreaming mechanism for the UN System in Nigeria (drawing on findings from this assignment, including consultations with key informants);
Design a reporting framework that will ensure accountability from other agencies to UN Women in line with UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/64/589 adopted 2 July 2010.
Assess the impact of the joint programming on gender equality: Progress; Challenges; Sustainability and way forward.
Document this assessment including recommendations for improvement.
EXPECTED OUTPUTS
Gaps in the current gender programmes of the UN identified;
Clear articulation of UN Women’s role as the lead agency for gender established;
Effective gender mainstreaming mechanism for the UN System in Nigeria identified and harmonized:
A plan of action for coordination, harmonization, alignment, and monitoring of gender programming within the UN System with time frame and cost on gender developed.
DELIVERABLE
Work plan for this assignment presented to UN Women for approval;
Gender mainstreaming mechanism document:
Strategy to reinforce the role of UN Women as the leading agency on Gender;
Final report submitted to UN Women, including recommendations for improvement;
Reporting framework that will ensure accountability from other agencies to UN Women.
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
The Consultant will have an advance degree in social sciences with current and relevant experience in practice or research in the area of gender equality and women empowerment.
At least 5 years of professional experience, including in-depth knowledge of programming on gender equality, with profound knowledge of women’s rights, gender issues and gender analysis in Nigeria.
Experience in programme coordination and implementation;
Previous work with UN Agencies and/or civil society organizations will be an advantage;
Strong communication and writing skills in English are required.
DURATION AND TIMING
The proposed time frame for the activities is for a period of 30 working days contingent upon approval of the budget.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Interested candidates should forward their updated CV and a short covering letter to unwomen.ng@unwomen.org with the subject line “UN System Gender Accountability”. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Not later than 5th March, 2012.