International Consultant for the Development of National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment globally. It consolidates the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. UN Women operates in numerous countries, working towards the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving gender equality in various sectors including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and competence, regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and emphasizes the importance of integrity and respect in its operations.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for the Development of National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 involves supporting Seychelles in creating its first National Action Plan (NAP) to address the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. The consultant will work closely with the UN Resident Coordinator Office and UN Women ESARO Policy Advisors to ensure that the NAP aligns with global, regional, and national commitments. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a situational analysis, engaging with stakeholders, and drafting the NAP based on comprehensive data collection and analysis. This role is crucial in operationalizing Seychelles' international commitments and addressing emerging threats to women's security, ensuring that the perspectives of women and marginalized groups are integrated into the planning process.

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

• Developing and submitting an inception report that outlines the methodology and work plan for the consultancy.
• Conducting a desk review of existing documents related to governance, peace, and security from both state and non-state actors.
• Engaging in preliminary consultations with relevant stakeholders, including government ministries and agencies, to gather insights for the NAP.
• Conducting a baseline assessment to identify national priorities and challenges related to the WPS agenda.
• Drafting the NAP based on findings from the assessment, including a context analysis of the peace and security situation in Seychelles.
• Developing a logical framework with clear interventions, indicators, targets, and responsible institutions.
• Facilitating validation workshops to gather feedback on the draft NAP and incorporating this feedback into the final document.
• Traveling to Victoria, Seychelles for consultations and validation workshops as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in development studies, gender, conflict prevention, peace building, law, human rights, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The consultant should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in managing complex programs related to Women, Peace, and Security, and experience in facilitating high-level consultative workshops with government officials and civil society organizations. Excellent analytical and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as development studies, gender, conflict prevention, peace building, law, or human rights is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender issues and the WPS agenda, as well as for effectively engaging with various stakeholders in the development of the NAP.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of experience in managing complex and multi-component program interventions, particularly in areas related to Women, Peace, and Security, Women’s Political Empowerment, and Ending Violence against Women and girls. Candidates should have proven experience in facilitating high-level consultative workshops with government officials and development partners, demonstrating the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and drive collaborative efforts towards gender equality and women's empowerment.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication and reporting. A working knowledge of another official UN language is desirable, which would enhance the consultant's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and resources.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be required to travel to Victoria, Seychelles for consultations and validation workshops. The position is likely to be project-based, with a focus on delivering the National Action Plan within a specified timeframe. The consultant will work under the guidance of the UN Resident Coordinator Office and UN Women ESARO, ensuring that the NAP development process is participatory and reflective of local realities. Compensation details and contract duration are not specified in the job description, but candidates should be prepared for a rigorous selection process that includes background checks and verification of credentials.