International Consultant – To assist with Conceptualizing Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Programme and support improving services for survivors of violence in Vanuatu.

Background

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (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.  UN Women provides support to Member States’ efforts and priorities in meeting their gender equality goals and for building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) persists in every country in the world as a pervasive violation of human rights and a major impediment to achieving gender equality. Global estimates show that over 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. The Pacific region has some of the highest rates of violence against women recorded in the world – twice the global average with an estimated two in every three Pacific women impacted by gender-based violence.  Along with high rates of violence, women and girls in the Pacific region experience constant and continual inequalities including low levels of participation in decision making, limited economic opportunities, restricted access to health services and rights.

Much work has been done to understand the nature, extent and consequences of VAWG in the region, as evidenced by the Family Health and Safety Studies (FHSS) conducted by UNFPA and the Pacific Community across 11 Pacific countries. The FHSS shows high rates of violence against women: e.g.  68% of women in Kiribati, and 64% of women in Fiji and Solomon Islands experience physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner over their lifetime. In Solomon Islands, 37% of women report that they had been sexually abused before age 15. The most common perpetrators identified were: boyfriend (36%), stranger (24%), family member (20%) and male friend of family (16%). Many incidents of sexual violence involve young girls and children living with extended families (e.g. children from outer islands sent to live in urban centres to complete secondary education), who are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse.

Purpose and Context

Women in the Pacific region experience constant and continual inequalities, including low levels of participation in decision making, limited economic opportunities, restricted access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and high rates of physical and sexual violence. Persistent challenges to women’s equality include power imbalances, negative social norms and behaviors and patriarchy being reinforced through culture, religion, practice, policies and archaic laws. VAWG is a central barrier to gender equality and a cause of widespread violation of human rights across the Pacific. Preventing VAWG and promoting gender equality requires policy and programming approaches that prioritize transforming gender relations, empower women and girls, and address attitudes and behaviors that undermine gender equality. The three outcome areas in this programme comprise three approaches that are foundational, inter-related, and structured to progress social change complementarily.

In the Pacific, UN Women is part of the Pacific Partnership to End Violence Against Women and Girls Programme (Pacific Partnership) that brings together governments, civil society organizations, communities and other partners to promote gender equality, prevent violence against women and girls and increase access to quality response services for survivors. The Pacific Partnership is jointly implemented by SPC (the Pacific Community), UN Women and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and aims to transform the social norms that allow violence against women and girls to continue; to ensure survivors have access to quality response services; and to support national and regional institutions to meet their commitments to gender equality and prevention of violence against women and girls. The programme’s three outcome areas are:

• Enhanced formal and informal education on gender equality and prevention of violence against women and girls;
• A transformative approach is implemented to promote gender equality and prevention of violence against women and girls at community level;
• And National State Actors have the capacity to advocate, monitor and report on performance of national and regional institutions and authorities and their commitments on gender equality and prevention of violence against women and girls.

Under the Programme UN Women is supporting governments and civil society organisations to ensure access to quality services for survivors of violence are available; especially in the geographic locations where prevention programmes are being implemented. Across the Pacific there is still a huge need to prevent VAWG and shift social norms and to develop specific services at the community level, build capacity across a wide range of service providers, and develop clear protocols and guidelines for providing quality multi-sector VAWG services, including coordination and accountability mechanisms.

Recently, the Government of New Zealand has joined the Pacific Partnership through targeted support to prevent and respond to VAWG in Vanuatu over three years.  In addition, the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) have launched a new, global, multi-year initiative focused on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) - the Spotlight Initiative. Spotlight is focused on eliminating intimate partners violence (IPV) and is also being implemented in Vanuatu.

Towards that end, UN Women is seeking to recruit a full-time consultant to lead the Vanuatu Country Programme Design for the Pacific Partnership EVAWG Programme, in close partnership with the Spotlight Country Programme Design Team.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives of the assignment

• The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative and in close collaboration with the UN Women Technical Specialists (Services and Prevention) and UN Women in country staff from Vanuatu to develop the programmatic intervention under EVAWG area in Vanuatu for the Pacific Partnership programme in close partnership with the Spotlight Country Programme Design Team.

Tasks

The consultant is expected to undertake following major tasks:

• Review the existing, relevant data and programme documents related to EVAW in Vanuatu and the Pacific Partnership;
• Organize consultations with CSOs, government, donor partner, UN and other, in partnership with the Spotlight Design Team. Consultation plans must be validated by the Pacific Partnership Partners;
  • Propose the format and programme of consultations with stakeholder groups (in close coordination with the Spotlight Design Team; 
  • Plan and undertake stakeholder consultations at all levels, including community representatives, on VAWG prevention and response; to identify innovations for the Initiative, both programmatic and operational;
  • Present and validate the Vanuatu Country Programme Document to stakeholders in-country.
• Complete partners assessments;
  • Provide substantive inputs to UN Women staff in Vanuatu to undertake an assessment of the identified prospective partners for the programme in Vanuatu Provide based on the UN Women checklist.
• Lead the drafting of the full scope of programme documents.
  • Program logic/theory of change relevant to identified Pacific frameworks and the Country and regional contexts;
  • Interventions and partners across the VAWG Prevention and Response Outcomes;
  • Results framework with a clear monitoring and evaluation plan and age and gender sensitive tools that will be used during the implementation;
  • Risks and mitigation strategies for each result area of the framework.
  • An implementation plan, including agreement on partners and mechanisms for coordination with the UN-EU Spotlight programme;
  • Budget for the activities for all interventions; guided by efficiency and value for money principles.
• Facilitate coordination and alignment of the Vanuatu Country Programme Document with the Spotlight Investment plan for Vanuatu;
  • Participate, where possible, in joint in-country consultations to develop a comprehensive EVAW programme for Vanuatu;
  • Review and provide feedback on Spotlight Investment Plan for Vanuatu to ensure complementarity across activities;
  • Participate in UN Pacific or UN Country Level Technical Reference Group meetings as needed (Spotlight).
• Finalise and validate the Vanuatu Country Plan with stakeholders;
  • Draft Vanuatu Pacific Partnership Country Summary and other reporting and communication materials as required;
  • Support the development of the Vanuatu budget including components for regional and coordination activities;
  • Support the EVAW team to present the final Vanuatu Country Programme Document to coordinating agencies and other development partners as required.

Duration of the assignment

• The timeframe for the work of the Consultants is tentatively planned from 24 June – 30 August 2019 with an estimated total volume of work not to exceed 45 working days, coordinated in advance with the UN Women Deputy Representative.  However, the contract is expected to be signed for up to 45 working days within a period of 3 months as the tentative current tentative timeframe needs to be closely related to the Spotlight design team one and national stakeholders’ availability, which is not under UN Women’s control.

Expected Deliverables

• It is expected that the consultant will provide the following deliverables (consequence of deliverables is not matching the table below, rather they would need to be provided on a needs basis expressed by the countries’ stakeholders).

*** Please ensure to also refer to the FULL TOR, which can be obtained from the UN Women Fiji Multi Country Office, for more information and guidance on the expected deliverables.

• All the documents, including the interview tools, and transcripts, all scoping materials including images materials and reports should be submitted in written English language;
• Note that all materials, including images will remain property of UN Women and cannot be used without UN Women’s permission;
• All deliverables shall be agreed with the UN Women Fiji MCO Deputy Representative. All reports shall be presented in English, electronic format;
• Note: The mentioned number of working days has been estimated as being sufficient/feasible for the envisaged volume of work to be completed successfully and is proposed as a guideline for the duration of assignment. It cannot and shall not be used as criteria for completion of work/assignment. The provision of envisaged deliverables approved by the UN Women Fiji MCO Management shall be the only criteria for national consultant’s work being completed and eligible for payment/s.

Inputs

• UN Women will provide space for working in the office, although it may not be a separate private office, including for meetings, and learning sessions with access to Internet and printer.
• The selected Consultant shall sign a contract with UN Women for stipulated assignment, as stated above.

Management arrangements

• The Consultant will work under the overall guidance and direct supervision of UN Women Fiji MCO Deputy Representative and in close collaboration with UN Women Deputy Programme Manager EVAW and Technical Specialists and local staff from target countries and other UN Women partners.
• The Consultancy envisages extensive work with Government, CSO and UN partners in Vanuatu.
• The Consultancy envisages extensive work with UN agencies engaged on Spotlight, Government, CSO partners in Vanuatu.
• UN Women will provide space for working in the office, including for meetings, and learning sessions with access to Internet and printer. The selected Consultant shall sign a contract with UN Women for stipulated assignment, as stated above.

Performance Evaluation

• Contractor’s performance will be evaluated based on: timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and quality of the products delivered.

Travel

• This assignment is mostly based in Suva, with travel to Vanuatu. The travel schedule will be developed at the start of the consultancy.
• UN Women Fiji Multi Country office will cover travel cost for consultant for the agreed upon routing and in conformity with UN Women applicable rules and regulations.
• Daily subsistence allowance will be paid to the international consultant at the applicable rate:
  • Flight costs will be covered at economy class rate as per UN Women policies;
  • DSA applicable for nights spent in the country of travel at UN standard rates.

Financial Arrangement

• Payment will be disbursed in 3 tranches upon submission and approval of deliverables and certification by UN Women that the services have been satisfactorily performed as per the delivery table above.
• Payment for travel will be done by UN Women in-house.

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.

Functional Competencies

• Ability to think conceptually, strategically and analytically;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Results oriented, flexible and problem-solving skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Advanced degree in Social Science (International Development Studies, Gender/Women’s Studies, Law, Social Work, Sociology and/or a closely related discipline).

Experience and Skills

• At least 7 years records of working/collaborating with local government and NGOs in assisting/supporting drafting policy recommendations/ policy reports and coordinating activities in the area of elimination of VAWG;
• At least 5 years of proven working experience in project design and formulation, including on EVAW;
• At least 5 years records of working/collaborating with local government and NGOs in assisting/supporting drafting policy recommendations/ policy reports and coordinating activities for the improvement of survivors of violence;
• Proven record of at least 5 years of experience in leading /facilitating consultation meetings with various stakeholders (governmental, non-governmental and donor community);
• Ability to produce well written reports demonstrating analytical ability and written communication skill;
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools, ability to use Internet and email.

Language and other skills

• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Language skills such as Bislama an asset.
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools, ability to use Internet and email.

Submission of Application

• To enable you with your application submission, the requirements for the position can be accessed on the following site: http://asiapacific.unwomen.org/about-us/jobs
• Interested candidates are requested to submit fully completed application electronically to: https://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_jobs.cfm?cur_categ_id=9  

Submission package

• Cover letter explaining the suitability of the consultant: applicants are encouraged to address experience and qualifications listed in the ‘criteria for technical evaluation’;
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) of Consultant including references;
• Personal History Form (P-11 Form);

http://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/about%20us/employment/un-women-p11-personal-history-form.doc?la=en&vs=2740 

• Copies of certified academic certifications;
• Financial proposal with total lump sum quotation based on professional daily fees.  Payment will be made upon certification by the designated official that stated deliverables have been achieved;

Applications without a complete financial proposal will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.  UN Women reserves the right to accept or reject any bid.

The procurement process will be governed by the rules and regulations of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).

Deadline of all submissions: no later than Friday 14 June 2019 (close of business).

Evaluation

Initially, individual consultants will be short-listed based on the following minimum qualification criteria:

• At least 7 years records of working/collaborating with local government and NGOs in assisting/supporting drafting policy recommendations/ policy reports and coordinating activities for the improvement of services to the survivors of violence;
• At least 5 years of proven working experience in project design and formulation, including on EVAW;
• Fluency in written and oral English is a must.

The short-listed individual consultants will be further evaluated based on a cumulative analysis scheme, with a total score being obtained upon the combination of weighted technical and financial attributes. Cost under this method of analysis is rendered as an award criterion, which will be 30% out of a total score of 500 points.

Evaluation of submitted offers will be done based on the given formula as per the full TOR.

Technical evaluation will be represented through desk review of applications and further interview will be organized. 

1. Technical Evaluation: The technical part is evaluated on the basis of its responsiveness to the Terms of Reference (TOR).
2. Financial evaluation: In the Second Stage, the financial proposal of candidates, who have attained minimum 70% score in the technical evaluation (at least 245 points), will be compared.

Winning Candidate

The winning candidate will be the candidate, who has accumulated the highest aggregated score (technical scoring + financial scoring).

Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.  The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Financials are to be submitted using the template attached to the FULL TOR i.e. Annex A and Annex B refers.  
• *** Please ensure to also refer to the FULL TOR, which can be obtained from the UN Women Fiji Multi Country Office, for more information and guidance on the expected deliverables.