National Consultant to develop strategic documents for working with aggressors of domestic violence

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. 

In Tajikistan, UN Women is committed to ending violence against women and girls (EVAWG) through comprehensive, survivor-centered approaches. Addressing the behavior of aggressors is a critical component of prevention and response strategies. In line with national priorities, including the Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence, the National Strategy on Gender Equality (2021–2030), and the National Action Plan on Human Rights, UN Women Tajikistan has been actively supporting institutional and community-level efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. This includes capacity building for service providers, advocacy for survivor-centered policies, and promotion of multi-sectoral coordination.

Despite progress, challenges remain in addressing the root causes of violence and ensuring accountability for aggressors. There is a growing recognition of the need for structured interventions targeting aggressors, including rehabilitation programs, behavioral change initiatives, and legal accountability mechanisms. The development of a strategic document will provide a framework for stakeholders to design and implement evidence-based approaches to engage aggressors, reduce recidivism among aggressors, and ultimately contribute to the safety and well-being of women and girls in Tajikistan. 

Tajikistan adopted the Law on Prevention of Violence in the Family (“Domestic Violence Law”) in 2013, which was revised in 2024. The revised Law incorporates provisions relevant to working with aggressors, including extending the period of protection orders from 15 days to 60 days for survivors of violence, strengthening immediate measures to safeguard survivors while holding aggressors accountable. The Law also establishes a formal Multisectoral Coordination Group on Prevention of Domestic Violence under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and outlines mechanisms for interagency cooperation. In addition, it provides free health services for GBV survivors, the creation of temporary support rooms and shelters, hotlines, and procedures for applying to relevant authorities for compensation for material and moral damage caused by domestic violence. The Law further clarifies the responsibilities of key state agencies, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Ministry of Education, local administrations, CWFA, and survivors’ support centers, providing a framework for structured interventions with aggressors. 

This initiative also aligns with Tajikistan’s commitments under international frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Platform for Action, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on gender equality and Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

In this regard, UN Women intends to engage a highly qualified National expert to develop the strategy document for working with aggressors of domestic violence to be a practical tool and a general guide for prevention of domestic violence, protection and rehabilitation of survivors of domestic violence, as well as a document providing the details of cooperation between government institutions, international organizations and non-government organizations addressing domestic violence. 

Beyond developing the strategy, the Consultant will be expected to identify evidence-based approaches and best practices for engaging aggressors, including behavioral change interventions, rehabilitation programs, and accountability mechanisms, often tailored to the individual. Key strategies may include cognitive restructuring to challenge hostile beliefs, skill-building to improve anger management and social skills, and the use of accountability measures and incentives for positive change to address underlying thoughts and behaviors. The Consultant may also recommend monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of interventions, propose training modules for government and civil society actors working with aggressors, and develop practical tools to support interagency coordination and case management. 

The Consultant will be reporting to the Country Programme Manager/Head of the UN Women Programme Office (UN Women PO) and will be supported by the Finance and Administrative Assistant, who will be the point of contact on the contract and payment issues. While working remotely, it is expected that the Consultant will closely collaborate with the Committee on Women and Family Affairs under the Government of RT (CWFA), to ensure timeliness as well as to discuss developments that might require input. S/He will also work with other PO staff members to ensure coherence and provide technical support as and when needed.

Description of Responsibilities/ Scope of Work

Under the supervision of the UN Women Country Programme Manager and in close coordination with the Committee on Women and Family Affairs under the Government of RT, the National Consultant will provide technical support to the CWFA in the development of a strategic framework that guides stakeholders in designing and implementing programs aimed at engaging aggressors in behavior change and accountability processes, to work with aggressors who commit domestic violence, in the context of the implementation of the State Program for the Prevention of Domestic Violence in the Republic of Tajikistan for 2025–2030. This strategy will aim to ensure timely response to domestic violence cases and rapid support and protection of survivors by relevant government structures and support centers.

The assignment includes the following tasks, but not limited to: 

• Undertake a review of international standards, principles, and guidelines, as well as national protocols and practices, to identify existing case management and referral systems/models on domestic violence at different levels.
• Carry out desk research and prepare a report on existing practices for referral of domestic violence victims in Tajikistan, including mapping of relevant legislation, regulations, and institutional roles at national and local levels.
• Conduct an analysis of existing national and international practices for working with aggressors and assess current measures in Tajikistan to prevent and correct bullying and violent behavior.
• Conduct national-level discussions with government and non-government stakeholders, including key ministries and agencies, to gather insights and validate findings.
• Based on research findings and best international practices, develop the concept, structure, and content outline of the strategic document.
• Develop a framework for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions with aggressors, including indicators for behavioral change, recidivism reduction, and reintegration outcomes.
• Propose training modules for government officials, social workers, law enforcement, and civil society actors on working with aggressors, including risk assessment, communication techniques, and referral procedures.
• Recommend protocols for interagency coordination and case management specifically focused on aggressors, including referral pathaways, information sharing, and follow-up mechanisms.
• Clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of governmental bodies and civil society organizations at national, regional, and community levels in implementing domestic violence prevention and response measures, including work with aggressors.
• Prepare the draft of the strategic document integrating evidence from research, consultations, and analysis.
• Present the draft strategy for discussion with key stakeholders, incorporate feedback, and finalize the document.
• Develop a detailed implementation plan for the strategy, including stages, responsibilities, timelines, and required resources.
• Organize a final presentation of the approved strategy and implementation plan for stakeholders (state ministries, international organizations, NGOs, and other partners).

Deliverables

Ownership: The developed product belongs to the UN Women office solely.

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel

This is a home-based consultancy. The consultant will work remotely with possible in-person meetings in Dushanbe if required.

• Respect for Diversity 
• Integrity 
• Professionalism 

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues 
• Accountability 
• Creative Problem Solving 
• Effective Communication 
• Inclusive Collaboration 
• Stakeholder Engagement 
• Leading by Example 

• Strong commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. 
• Ability to handle a large volume of work under time constraints. 
• Build strong relationships with state agencies and audiences, partners and targeted groups, focusing on impact and result and respond positively to feedback. 
• Consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude. 
• Demonstrate exceptional ability to remain calm, in control and good humored even under pressure and right deadlines. 
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills, and ability to work in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Good knowledge of technical area;
• Good organizational skills and ability to pay close attention to detail;
• Experience in report writing.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in social sciences, gender studies, law, public policy, or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in gender-based violence prevention and response, preferably with a focus on aggressor rehabilitation or justice systems.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, policy development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong understanding of national legal and policy frameworks related to EVAWG in Tajikistan.
• Excellent analytical skills with strong drive for results and capacity to work independently.
• Previous experience working with government institutions, civil society organizations, and international development partners, UN agencies is required.

Languages:

• Excellent writing and communication skills in Tajik and Russian; working knowledge of English is an asset.

Diversity and Inclusion:

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.)