National Consultant to Revise & Update Policies

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance the impact of gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives. It merges the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender issues. UN Women operates globally, advocating for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving gender equality. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including civil society and government entities, to ensure that commitments to gender equality translate into actionable policies and practices. UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting mutual respect and equality in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in revising and updating the policies of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) to align with international conventions and national development agendas. This position is part of a project aimed at enhancing women's participation and leadership within the RSLAF, thereby improving the pool of eligible women for peacekeeping operations. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government ministries and civil society organizations, to ensure that gender-transformative initiatives are integrated into the policies. The consultant will also be responsible for developing an action plan for the rollout of the revised policies and ensuring compliance with the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022 and the National Action Plan 1325 (NAP III) 2024-29.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities include:

• Supporting the establishment and management of a Policy Review Committee, including developing terms of reference and standard operating procedures.
• Managing stakeholders throughout the policy review process and developing a strategic plan.
• Facilitating regular meetings of the Policy Review Committee and other relevant stakeholders.
• Conducting regional consultations to gather feedback on existing policies.
• Analyzing and reviewing RSLAF policies, ensuring alignment with gender equality standards and the GEWE policy.
• Validating and finalizing the revised policies and strategic plan with key stakeholders.
• Submitting the complete package of revised policies and strategic plans to UN Women and RSLAF.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of gender equality and women's rights issues, particularly in relation to the Women, Peace, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (WPS) agenda. They should have demonstrated ability to interact effectively with government representatives and civil society organizations, as well as proven networking skills. Strong writing and communication skills are essential, along with familiarity with the UN system and inter-governmental processes. Knowledge of the Sierra Leone policy environment, especially regarding security sector institutions, is also required. Additionally, candidates should have strong analytical and interpersonal skills, with the ability to conduct policy reviews and research.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in law, public policy, governance, gender/women's studies, international development, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A project/program management certification would be considered an advantage.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of practical experience in policy research and the development and review of national and international policies and programs. Experience in managing stakeholders in complex environments is essential. Previous experience in conducting evaluations related to the WPS agenda or similar themes will be considered an asset. Familiarity with the UN system, particularly UN Women, and the Sierra Leone policy environment is crucial. Experience in gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives, as well as knowledge of human rights issues, is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based and is open only to Sierra Leonean nationals. The consultant is expected to travel to various regions for consultations as part of their responsibilities. The position emphasizes the importance of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, aligning with UN Women’s core values and competencies. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks.