CON 2026 015 | Gender and Peace Policy Consultant

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

 

Project Context and Scope

The JPST is the operational arm of the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC) and was formed as the result of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement for the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF. It is a transitory mechanism composed of contingents from the AFP, PNP, and MILF-BIAF, established to operationalize the security component of the Normalization track of the CAB. The JPSTs are mandated to support the maintenance of peace, order, and stability of the mutually agreed areas by the GPH and MILF. At present, there are 24 JPST stations deployed and activated all over Mindanao specifically in the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and Norte, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat province, Lanao del Sur and Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Basilan. Guided by the results of the IOM research evaluation on the JPST in April 2023, findings reveal that the JPST has not only exhibited good practices in maintaining peace and security in their areas of coverage but, more importantly, built trust, confidence, and good relationship with the immediate and adjacent communities.

Aligned to the project objectives and the Regional Action Plan on Women Peace and Security (RAP-WPS), IOM conducted an exploratory study on women’s participation in the JPST exploring the prospects, challenges, enabling environment, and potential pathways for women inclusion in the joint peace mechanism. The study has identified actionable recommendations aligned to the transitional nature of the JPST built from various thematic areas on policy and normative alignment, operational readiness, cultural sensitivities, and institutional pathways for inclusion. The study will serve as critical evidence and supporting document enhance the operational manual alongside with the development of policy framework that would reinforce women inclusion in the JPSTs. To advance this initiative, IOM will engage Gender and Peace Policy Consultant who will provide technical assistance to JPSC in the development of the policy framework including the enhancement of the pre-deployment training curriculum that will involve women. 
    
The project will employ inclusive, gender‑sensitive, and consultative approaches, recognizing the broad range of stakeholders that must be engaged—particularly within the peace mechanisms—to ensure alignment and complementarity with existing peace and security initiatives in JPST operational areas. This includes close coordination with the JPSC/T, Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), and relevant BARMM Ministries (MOAs) to harmonize efforts and avoid duplication. Engagement will extend to the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC), as the mandated regional body providing policy oversight on gender inclusion and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) initiatives; the Bangsamoro Darul‑Ifta, which offers cultural and legal guidance based on Islamic principles; and the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) in its role as the Gender Ombud. Additional BARMM MOAs—including the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG), Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS)—as well as other community protection structures such as the Local Committees on Anti‑Trafficking and VAWC, will likewise be engaged. The approach may further involve consultations with relevant community leaders, including MILF-BIAF and Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade (BIWABs), and religious leaders, to ensure that interventions are culturally appropriate and locally grounded. This coordinated engagement framework reinforces the sustainability of JPST capacity‑building efforts beyond the project period and maximizes the JPSTs’ potential contribution to ongoing peace and security initiatives led by BARMM institutions.
 

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education/ Experience/ Skills

• A minimum of Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Women, Peace and Security, Peace and Conflict Studies, Peace and Conflict Resolution, or other similar disciplines is required
• At least ten years of specialized experience in the field of gender, WPS, and/or peace and development
• At least two years of experience in providing policy or programming advice and technical assistance on gender and WPS to government institutions is required, especially in post-conflict or emergency contexts
• Strong background and demonstrated knowledge in gender and peace and security in the context of the Bangsamoro peace process particularly on Normalization
• Excellent analytical skills and organizational skills, with proven capacities in community organizing, capacity-building, and stakeholder engagement and networking
• Prior advocacy or research experience on women, peace, security, and gender-responsive planning and programming in fragile contexts
• Experience/familiarity with local gender and development and WPS policies and practices in BARMM and in Mindanao is preferred
   

Travel Required

Expected local travel will be within project areas, especially in Mindanao, such as Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Basilan, and/or Zamboanga Sibugay. Travel costs—covering transportation and allowances in accordance with UN standard rates—will be provided solely for project‑related activities approved and mutually agreed prior with IOM. These provisions will not cover expenses such as relocation or transfer purposes. 

Languages

For this consultancy, fluency in English and Filipino is required. Knowledge of another BARMM local language is desirable.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. 

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

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