International Consultant to prepare Gender Mainstreaming in IPA Training Methodology and Training Modules for Basic and Advanced Levels Trainings, and conduct the Gender Mainstreaming in IPA Trainings

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.

Placing women’s rights at the center of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality (GE) and gender mainstreaming translate into action globally. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

Progress of North Macedonia in recent years respecting and promoting Gender Equality is highlighted in a series of international commitments and in national legal and policy frameworks. The main achievements in the field of gender equality and women’s empowerment reside in the country’s institutional capacity development for the work on gender equality. The legal provisions guaranteeing women’s rights and gender equality are largely in place – the Law of Equal Opportunities of Women and Men, the Election Law amendment instituting quotas, the Action Plan for the implementation of UNSCR 1325 (2020-2025), and the ratification of the Istanbul Convention are normative achievements that influence the institutional practice in promoting gender equality in North Macedonia.

However, gaps in policy development and slow implementation of the adopted legislation are important structural obstacles to achieving gender equality. Improvements are needed in both strengthening institutional capacities and enhancing cooperation between the gender mechanisms, the key ministries and civil society organizations in order to increase gender mainstreaming in all aspect of government work - primarily policy development and budgeting - as the means for achieving gender equality.

The Sweden-funded project “Gender Equality Facility” (GEF) aims at supporting the Government of North Macedonia in transposing the EU Gender Equality acquis, strengthening the effective implementation of national and international legal frameworks on gender equality and women’s rights, mainstreaming gender equality into EU integration and planning processes for pre-accession assistance, and strengthening institutional mechanisms for gender equality in line with EU standards. The intervention will also address challenges in implementation of laws and gender equality policies by providing support for enhancing coordination and monitoring of gender equality policies and measures. In the medium to longer-term, and in line with the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 and the Principles of the EU Gender Action Plan III (2021-2025), the Project aims to secure implementation/application of gender equality legislation, policies and standards through policy dialogue, technical expertise and guidance, development and sharing of good practice, and strategic partnerships and cooperation.

Main partners of the Project are the Secretariat for European Affairs (SEA, the main project beneficiary), Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) structures, the Equal Opportunities Department at the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP), and National Gender Machinery officers.

The UN Women Office in North Macedonia is seeking the services of an experienced international consultant to revise/adapt/develop basic-level and advanced-level/Training of Trainers training packages (training methodology and modules) on gender mainstreaming in IPA, based on the Training needs assessment on gender mainstreaming in IPA processes and other relevant materials, for the national IPA structures. The international consultant, in collaboration with a National Consultant, will deliver basic and advanced Gender Mainstreaming in IPA trainings to IPA structures staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities:

	Under the overall supervision of the UN Women North Macedonia GEF Project Manager, and direct supervision of the GEF Coordinator for Output 1, and in coordination with the SEA Training Center, the International Consultant will conduct desk review and research in order to revise/adapt/develop the training methodology and modules / training package, which will include: Coordinate closely with the UN Women GEF Project Team and GEF Coordinator for Output 1, SEA, and the SEA Training Center; Draft the methodology and workplan for revision/adaptation/development of the basic-level and advanced-level training modules / training packages, in consultation with UN Women; Engage in desk research, reviewing the Training Needs Assessment on Gender Mainstreaming in IPA Processes; the Training Needs Assessment on Gender Mainstreaming in NPAA Planning and Revision Processes; available training courses and learning materials developed by UN Women and other key partners on gender equality, with focus on gender mainstreaming in IPA processes; and other relevant documents and materials; Develop the training modules for the basic-level and advanced-level/Training of Trainers training and submit it for review by UN Women; Incorporate the comments and inputs provided by UN Women and SEA; Submit the final versions of the training modules for the basic-level and advanced- level/Training of Trainers training to UN Women for quality assurance and approval.   Furthermore, under the overall supervision of the UN Women North Macedonia GEF Project Manager, and direct supervision of the GEF Coordinator for Output 1, in coordination with the SEA Training Center, and in collaboration with a National Consultant, the International Consultant will implement a series of 3 basic-level and 1 advanced-level Gender Mainstreaming in IPA trainings, which will include: Coordinate closely with the UN Women GEF Project Team and Coordinator for Output 1, SEA, and the SEA Training Center; Develop a Concept Note, Methodology and Agenda for the basic-level and advanced- level/Training of Trainers on gender mainstreaming in IPA trainings, in collaboration with the National Consultant; Prepare the training materials (extracts, guidance, toolkits…) for the basic-level and advanced-level/Training of Trainers Gender Mainstreaming in IPA trainings, in collaboration with the National Consultant; Support the organization of 3 basic-level and 1 advanced-level/Training of Trainers on Gender Mainstreaming in IPA trainings, in close cooperation with SEA and the National Consultant; Conduct 3 basic-level and 1 advanced-level/Training of Trainers Gender Mainstreaming in IPA trainings, in collaboration with the National Consultant; After each training, produce a Training Report that will include pre and post training assessment and its analysis, with inputs from the National Consultant; Submit a Final Report to UN Women.

Expected deliverables

Deliverables	Indicative Days	Timeframe
Detailed methodology, containing an outline of the two separate modules, and workplan for revision/adaptation/development of the basic-level and advanced-level/Training of Trainers training packages, approved by UN Women	2	Within one week of signing of contract
First draft of the training packages for the basic-level and advanced-level/Training of Trainers on gender mainstreaming in IPA processes, approved by UN Women	10	16 September 2022
Final version of the Training Methodology and modules for the basic-level and advanced-level/Training of Trainers trainings, approved by UN Women incorporated	2	23 September 2022
Concept Note and Agenda for the basic-level and advanced-level/Training of Trainers Gender Mainstreaming in IPA Trainings, approved by UN Women	2	30 September 2022
Training materials, in line with the approved Training Methodology, for the basic-level and advanced-level/Training of Trainers Gender Mainstreaming in IPA Trainings, approved by UN Women	5	14 October 2022
4 trainings in total conducted (3 basic-level and 1 advanced-level/Training of Trainers on Gender Mainstreaming in IPA Trainings): training reports after each of the trainings, list of participants, pre and post training assessment and its analysis, submitted, and approved by UN Women	12	16 December 2022
Final Report for the activity, submitted and approved by UN Women	2	20 December 2022
Total	35

 

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:

• Proven record of advanced knowledge on gender equality;
• Excellent ability to review strategic documents from gender perspective;
• Proven research, analytical and report writing skills;
• Excellent writing skills in English;
• Ability to work in coordination with multiple stakeholders;
• Ability to analytically review and consolidate documents from varying sources;
• Ability to lead and coordinate teams;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Excellent analytical skills and strong writing and editing skill (to be assessed based on sample/s submitted).

 

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

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced academic degree (minimum Master’s) in Gender/Women’s Studies, Development Studies, EU Studies, Law, Public Administration, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or related fields;
• University Degree (Bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment or any related field, including analytical and research experience;
• At least 3 years of experience in delivering trainings related to gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment or any related field, to public administration, at central and local level, civil society, international organizations, etc.;
• At least 3 years of experience in IPA and IPA related processes, working with national structures on EU (pre-)accession, including sector working groups and other sector mechanisms, and related relevant EU (pre-) accession processes;
• Substantive proven practical experience in designing and developing training packages, training modules, training methodologies, curricula, and other training materials;
• Excellent analytical, facilitation and communications skills and ability to synthesize information

Application process

The application should include:

• Filled UN Women Personal History Form (P-11 form) - including past experience in similar assignments; can be downloaded at http://www.unwomen.org/about-us/employment, a signed copy should be submitted.
• Financial Proposal: Specify a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this Terms of Reference. The financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (per deliverable and any other possible costs as relevant);
• Sample of similar documents authored or co-authored by the candidate.
• Candidates should have the ability to quickly produce degree certificates and medical certification (of good health) for consideration of the consultancy post.

Recommended Presentation of Offer:

Qualified and interested candidates are asked to submit their application no later than the deadline indicated above:

 

• A Letter of Confirmation of Interest including a brief description explaining why the individual considers her/himself as the most suitable for the assignment.
• Completed and signed UN Women Personal History Form (P11) that can be downloaded at link: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-P11-Personal-History-Form.doc or https://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment
• Copies/reference/links to examples of relevant/similar reports or documents prepared/authored in the past.
• Financial Proposal specifying the total lumpsum in US Dollars for the tasks specified in this assignment.

Note: The application will be considered incomplete, if it does not include the Financial Proposal and Copies/reference to examples of relevant/similar information materials, kits, guidelines, knowledge products, tools etc. prepared/authored in the past.

Please upload your application package in pdf/doc as the system allows only one attachment.

Candidates who are not meeting the minimum requirements (education/ years of experience and knowledge/language requirements) as presented below will not be considered for the assignment.

Management and financial arrangements

The consultant will report to and work under direct supervision of the UN Women GEF Project Manager and Output Coordinator for Result 1, in coordination with the UN Women Head of Office.

Payment will be disbursed in two installments: 50% after accomplishment of deliverables no. 1-4, and 50% at the end of the assignment upon submission of all deliverables, and approval and certification by UN Women North Macedonia that the services have been satisfactorily performed.

 

Evaluation process

Candidates will be evaluated using a cumulative analysis method taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal. Contract will be awarded to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

•           Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and

•           Having received the highest score out of below defined technical and financial criteria.

 

Technical Evaluation –70 points:

 

	Evaluation Criteria	Max points
TECHNICAL EVALUATION (70%)
Language Requirements	Fluency in written and spoken English	REQUIRED
Education	Advanced academic degree (minimum Master’s) in Gender/Women’s Studies, Development Studies, EU Studies, Law, Public Administration, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or related fields;   University Degree (Bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree	10
Professional Experience	At least 5 years of experience in gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment or any related field, including analytical and research experience	15
	At least 3 years of experience in delivering trainings related to gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment or any related field, to public administration, at central and local level, civil society, international organizations, etc.	15
	At least 3 years of experience in IPA and IPA related processes, working with national structures on EU (pre-)accession, including sector working groups and other sector mechanisms, and related relevant EU (pre-) accession processes	15
	Substantive proven practical experience in designing and developing training modules, training methodologies, curricula, and other training materials	10
	Excellent analytical, facilitation and communications skills and ability to synthesize information	5
Total technical		70

 

Financial Evaluation – 30 points

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the technical evaluation will be considered for the Financial Evaluation

The maximum number of points assigned to the financial proposal is allocated to the lowest price proposal. All other price proposals receive points in inverse proportion. A suggested formula is as follows:

p = 30 (µ/z)

Using the following values:

p = points for the financial proposal being evaluated

µ = price of the lowest priced proposal

z = price of the proposal being evaluated

 

 

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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.)

 

• Under the overall supervision of the UN Women North Macedonia GEF Project Manager, and direct supervision of the GEF Coordinator for Output 1, and in coordination with the SEA Training Center, the International Consultant will conduct desk review and research in order to revise/adapt/develop the training methodology and modules / training package, which will include:
  • Coordinate closely with the UN Women GEF Project Team and GEF Coordinator for Output 1, SEA, and the SEA Training Center;
  • Draft the methodology and workplan for revision/adaptation/development of the basic-level and advanced-level training modules / training packages, in consultation with UN Women;
  • Engage in desk research, reviewing the Training Needs Assessment on Gender Mainstreaming in IPA Processes; the Training Needs Assessment on Gender Mainstreaming in NPAA Planning and Revision Processes; available training courses and learning materials developed by UN Women and other key partners on gender equality, with focus on gender mainstreaming in IPA processes; and other relevant documents and materials;
  • Develop the training modules for the basic-level and advanced-level/Training of Trainers training and submit it for review by UN Women;
  • Incorporate the comments and inputs provided by UN Women and SEA;
  • Submit the final versions of the training modules for the basic-level and advanced- level/Training of Trainers training to UN Women for quality assurance and approval.

 

• Furthermore, under the overall supervision of the UN Women North Macedonia GEF Project Manager, and direct supervision of the GEF Coordinator for Output 1, in coordination with the SEA Training Center, and in collaboration with a National Consultant, the International Consultant will implement a series of 3 basic-level and 1 advanced-level Gender Mainstreaming in IPA trainings, which will include:
  • Coordinate closely with the UN Women GEF Project Team and Coordinator for Output 1, SEA, and the SEA Training Center;
  • Develop a Concept Note, Methodology and Agenda for the basic-level and advanced- level/Training of Trainers on gender mainstreaming in IPA trainings, in collaboration with the National Consultant;
  • Prepare the training materials (extracts, guidance, toolkits…) for the basic-level and advanced-level/Training of Trainers Gender Mainstreaming in IPA trainings, in collaboration with the National Consultant;
  • Support the organization of 3 basic-level and 1 advanced-level/Training of Trainers on Gender Mainstreaming in IPA trainings, in close cooperation with SEA and the National Consultant;
  • Conduct 3 basic-level and 1 advanced-level/Training of Trainers Gender Mainstreaming in IPA trainings, in collaboration with the National Consultant;
  • After each training, produce a Training Report that will include pre and post training assessment and its analysis, with inputs from the National Consultant;
  • Submit a Final Report to UN Women.