International individual consultant to develop a training module for applying gender-responsive approach to health services

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which has been a strategic partner of the Government of Turkmenistan for nearly three decades. UNFPA's mission focuses on empowering women and promoting gender equality, working with government agencies to create systems that enable women and adolescents to make informed choices and protect them from violence. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, with a commitment to achieving gender equality and empowering all individuals as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNFPA's initiatives include the Gender Program, which aims to strengthen gender and women's health responses, particularly in the context of the Global Fund Tuberculosis grant in Turkmenistan. The organization emphasizes the importance of human rights education and aligning gender education practices with international standards, as outlined in the National Action Plan for Human Rights and the National Gender Equality Plan.

Job Overview:
The position involves developing an educational course on gender and health for healthcare workers in Turkmenistan. This course aims to introduce key concepts related to gender and health, emphasizing the importance of a gender-responsive approach that recognizes how gender influences health experiences and access to services. The consultant will build upon existing educational materials and courses, such as the UNDP Gender Mainstreaming Online Course for Civil Servants. The course will target healthcare professionals, including managers, doctors, and nurses, and will focus on equipping them with the skills to provide people-centered, gender-responsive health services. The consultant will also address the need for trauma-informed care, particularly for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), and will promote the collection and use of gender-disaggregated data to inform targeted interventions. The overall goal is to enhance the understanding of healthcare workers regarding the significance of gender-responsive health services and to advocate for gender-responsive policies within their institutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include conducting a literature review and preparing an inception report that summarizes findings related to gender policy in Turkmenistan and the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region. They will develop a structured educational course in both Russian and Turkmen languages, focusing on gender-responsive treatment for healthcare professionals. The consultant will also co-present the course to national stakeholders, incorporating feedback and finalizing the educational materials. The total expected output includes an inception report, a finalized educational course, and a consultancy report with recommendations. The consultant will work for a total of 15 working days, with specific deliverables due by September 25, October 17, and October 31, 2025, respectively.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a Master's Degree in Gender Studies, Public Health, Medicine, Epidemiology, Psychology, or a related field. They should have at least five years of proven experience in developing educational courses, programs, and projects focused on gender equality, gender stereotypes, and women's empowerment. Strong analytical and facilitation skills are essential, along with prior experience in Turkmenistan or Central Asia and knowledge of gender equality systems in the region. Familiarity with UNFPA and UNDP mandates is considered an advantage. The consultant must also demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have a Master's Degree in a relevant field such as Gender Studies, Public Health, Medicine, Epidemiology, or Psychology. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender issues and health services, as well as for developing effective training modules that address these topics comprehensively.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant experience in the development of educational courses and programs, particularly in the areas of gender equality, gender stereotypes, and women's empowerment. Experience in conducting evaluations and analyses related to gender and health is also essential. Prior work experience in Turkmenistan or Central Asia will be beneficial, as it provides context and understanding of the local gender equality systems and health challenges.

Languages:
The consultant must be proficient in Russian and English, as these languages are necessary for developing the educational materials and communicating effectively with stakeholders. Knowledge of Turkmen would be an advantage but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based, with no travel expected. The duration of the consultancy is 15 working days, starting from September 15 to October 31, 202

• The consultancy fee will be calculated based on the P3 level of the UN Salary Scale for Professional and higher categories, effective January 1, 2025, and will be paid in a lump sum upon successful completion of all deliverables. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, and integrity, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented groups.