National Consultant - Baseline Profiling and Capacity Needs Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Established to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, UN Women works globally to empower women and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. In Tanzania, UN Women collaborates with the Government, civil society organizations, and communities to advance women's leadership, economic empowerment, and participation in peace and security processes. The organization plays a pivotal role in implementing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, which recognizes the critical role of women in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. UN Women has developed Tanzania's first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (TNAP-WPS) for 2025-2029, focusing on gender-responsive governance and resilience interventions across the country. The organization operates in various regions, including Kigoma, Mtwara, Lindi, Arusha, Mara, Tanga, Unguja Mjini, and Pemba Kusini, to address contextual vulnerabilities and strengthen local peace mechanisms.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will conduct an integrated baseline profiling and capacity needs assessment across eight priority regions in Tanzania. This role involves generating a comprehensive understanding of the current Women, Peace and Security (WPS) landscape, assessing institutional readiness, community structures, and gender-responsive systems. The consultant will identify gaps and propose actionable strategies for capacity strengthening to support the effective localization and implementation of the TNAP-WPS. The assessment aims to align with national frameworks such as FYDP IV and DIRA 2050, ensuring that gender equality and women's empowerment are integrated into local development plans and operational systems. The consultant will work closely with UN Women, government partners, and local authorities, providing recommendations for enhancing coordination and operational effectiveness in WPS-related interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Document Review: Analyze existing TNAP-WPS documents, regional security profiles, local government development plans, and gender policies.
• Baseline Profiling: Map WPS actors, networks, and community structures, documenting existing systems and coordination mechanisms.
• Institutional Capacity Assessment: Evaluate the capacity of regional and district security committees, gender desks, and women's networks in implementing WPS interventions.
• Stakeholder Consultations: Conduct interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders, including security organs, community leaders, and women's rights organizations, to assess institutional readiness and coordination gaps.
• Skills and Knowledge Gap Analysis: Identify gaps in gender mainstreaming, conflict prevention, and SGBV response capacities across institutions.
• Capacity-Building Strategy Development: Develop training modules and recommend institutional strengthening measures to enhance WPS-related structures' effectiveness. The consultant will also be responsible for delivering a series of reports and presentations throughout the assignment, ensuring that all findings and recommendations are clearly communicated to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess an advanced degree in gender studies, peace and security, international development, political science, or a related field. A Master's degree is considered an added advantage. Additionally, the consultant should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in gender, peacebuilding, security reform, or humanitarian programming. Proven experience in conducting capacity assessments and institutional analysis related to WPS is essential. A strong understanding of Tanzania's governance, security, and gender equality landscape is required, along with experience working with security organs, local government authorities, civil society organizations, and women's networks. The consultant should demonstrate excellent qualitative and quantitative research skills, strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement abilities, and possess excellent analytical skills with a results-driven approach. Proficiency in English and Kiswahili, with excellent verbal and written communication skills, is mandatory.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced degree in gender studies, peace and security, international development, political science, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise in the relevant areas.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in gender, peacebuilding, security reform, or humanitarian programming. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting capacity assessments and institutional analysis, particularly in relation to WPS initiatives. Familiarity with Tanzania's governance and gender equality landscape is crucial, as is experience collaborating with security organs, local government authorities, and civil society organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Kiswahili is mandatory, with excellent verbal and written communication skills required for effective stakeholder engagement and reporting.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be engaged on a contractual basis, with specific deliverables and timelines outlined throughout the assignment. The performance will be assessed based on the quality of deliverables, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to timelines. Travel to the eight priority regions may be required, subject to UN Women's approval. The consultant will work closely with UN Women and government partners, receiving support in accessing stakeholders and coordinating field activities.