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.

The UN Women Multi-Country Office (MCO) Caribbean covers 22 countries and territories in the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean, which are part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Strides towards gender equality in the countries covered by the MCOs have resulted in gains for women and girls, relating primarily to high education rates and increases in employment rates. However critical gaps remain including in women and girls, especially those belonging to vulnerable groups having access to social protection mechanisms.

In Jamaica, poverty reduction, sustainable livelihoods, income, and social security are identified as strategic areas of focus within Vision 2030 Jamaica and its corresponding implementation framework, The Medium-Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework 2018 – 2021. However, children, adolescents, and youth, as well as population in rural areas continue to experience poverty levels that are above the national average.

While poverty and unemployment had been decreasing in the years prior to the onset of the pandemic, Jamaica continues to grapple with several social development challenges. In April 2021, the unemployment rate was 9 per cent, 1.2 percentage point compared to the April 2019. The unemployment rate for females (10.8 %) was higher than for males (7.5%). The unemployment rate for the youth increased to 24.0 per cent relative to 19.4 per cent in April 2019.  The country is also faced with patterns of social exclusion which have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis.

Social protection has emerged and has been embraced as a feature of Jamaica’s national social policy that could assist the island to attain the goals of its National Development Plan, Vision 2030, and target 1.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Despite a relatively robust social protection system, those in the lowest quintiles and in rural areas tend to lag behind. Additionally, members of key and vulnerable populations often struggle to access social protection programmes, especially in instances where stigma and discrimination inhibit access. A recent study has found that young mothers living with HIV have been identified as the vulnerable population group facing the most barriers to accessing HIV and social protection programmes.

Key to the success of these programmes is ensuring that those who are most in need are made aware of the range or programmes which may be able to assist them and the means through which they can be accessed. Further, it will involve ensuring that sustainable mechanisms to support and increase access are established. Labour market programmes are one critical avenue to provide a significant opportunity for disadvantaged and marginalised populations to gain economic independence and greater social security. Finally, it is crucial that where possible, social protection and labour market programmes are either consolidated, or that agencies partner to implement programmes to reduce the risk of duplication, enhance reach and ensure sustainable impact.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the UN Women MCO - Caribbean Representative, with direct supervision by the Joint Programme Coordinator, UN Trust Fund for Human Security, the Consultant will be contracted to:

  1. Undertake an analysis of the income securit of PLHIV (including young mothers living with HIV in Jamaica), comprising their education, employability and entrepreneurship needs, and the alignment to existing social protection programmes.
  2. Sensitize government MDAs on mechanisms through which they can expand access to social protection services and labour market programmes for PLHIV, including young mothers living with HIV.

Scope of Work and Deliverables

The Consultant is expected to deliver the following results:

Deliverable 1:

A comprehensive report documenting an analysis of the income security of PLHIV (including young mothers living with HIV in Jamaica), comprising their education, employability and entrepreneurship needs. The report should include but not be limited to:

  • Exploring the alignment of needs with, and knowledge and uptake of existing labour market programmes and opportunities existing within civil society and private sector;
  • Integrate and enhance/expand upon the mapping of labour market programmes in Jamaica from the HIV and Social Protection Assessment in Jamaica Report 2021;
  • Establish clear recommendations for consolidation of programmes, including agency specific strategies for enhancement of the provision of these services.
  • Establish clear recommendations to support increasing PLHIV’s access to labour market programmes - including establishing referral mechanisms, amending eligibility/selection criteria, expanding programmes to tackle stigma and discrimination, or identifying increased and diversified support needs for PLHIV.

Timeframe: 10 Days

Deliverable 2:

Based on the analysis completed as Deliverable 1, outline and deliver a plan for the sensitization of government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), on the findings and recommendations for mechanisms through which they can expand access to social protection services and labour market programmes and create a more enabling environment for PLHIV, including young mothers living with HIV who need and will be encouraged to access these services.

Actions include but are not limited to:

  • Development of a plan/strategic approach to sensitization of the relevant MDA’s and other stakeholder partners (private sector) based on international best practice guidance.
  • Supporting the selection and sensitization of focal points within agencies to facilitate greater access to programmes and services, and who may be a part of referral mechanisms, supporting the development of greater partnership with established CSO partners with whom them may establish long term collaboration.
  • Coordinating at least 5 meetings with relevant government MDA’s to share findings from the analysis and key recommendations in collaboration with key CSO partners already working to address stigma and discrimination.

Timeframe: 20 Days

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:  https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf

Functional Competencies:

  • Integrity and Fairness: Demonstrate consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UN Women in actions and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct;
  • Professionalism: Demonstrate professional competence and expert knowledge of the pertinent substantive areas of work. Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
  • Cultural sensitivity and valuing and upholding UN Women’s principles respecting diversity, inclusion, equality and belonging both within the organization an by extension with our external stakeholders and partners.
  • Strong networking capacities for constructive relationships with relevant Government Ministries, departments, agencies, civil society partners and other stakeholder groups.
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills including the conveying complex concepts and recommendations, in a clear and persuasive style tailored to match different audiences.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree in social sciences, psychology, social work, public health, or a related discipline.
  • A Bachelor’s university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

  • At least 7 years of work experience in HIV/AIDS related work with key and vulnerable populations is required.
  • At least 5 years’ experience working in the Caribbean region or with SIDS is required.
  • At least 5 years’ experience working in social work, social development programmes, community work or public health programming, with particular interest in working with marginalized populations is required.
  • At least 2 years’ experience working with and managing engagement with multiple, diverse stakeholders including relevant Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and CSOs is an asset.

Languages:

  • Fluency in English is required.

Location and Duration:

  • The consultancy will be home based.
  • The consultants will be engaged for a maximum of 30 working days during the period 15th August 2022 – 30th November 2022.

Remuneration

  • The consultancy fee will be negotiated before contracting. Each payment will be based on a predefined and formal agreement between UN Women and the consultant and will be disbursed based on satisfactory completion of agreed deliverables.
  • The remuneration for this contract type is an all-inclusive fee, the organization will not be liable for additional cost or benefits.  Hence, it is the responsibility of the consultant to take out adequate medical insurance for the duration of the contract and it is recommendable that the policy includes coverage for COVID-19 related illness.   The medical coverage should be international when the contract requires missions or international assignment.
  • If selected for this vacant post, proof of medical coverage should be presented within the first two months of the contract.

Hardware, Software and Communication:

  • The consultant must be equipped with a fully functional laptop, which must run at least Windows 7. The consultant must be reasonably accessible by email and telephone (preferably mobile). The use of reliable, internet-based (Skype or equivalent) is required.

References:

  • Minimum of three client references that include the name of the contact person, title and contact information.

Notes:

Submissions to UNDP Jobs are limited to a maximum of 10 MB, virus-free or corrupted contents to avoid rejection, and no more than 1 email transmission.   All applications must be submitted through UNDP jobs.  Please do not send applications to UN Women staff as they will not be accepted.

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, colour, 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.)

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