National Consultant for Gender Analysis

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every person can exercise their right to sexual and reproductive health. The organization is committed to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment, aligning its efforts with global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). UNFPA's mission is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet need for family planning, ending preventable maternal deaths, ending gender-based violence and harmful practices, and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, ensuring effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building in a rapidly changing development landscape.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Gender Analysis will lead a comprehensive national gender analysis in Syria, which is crucial for updating UNFPA's Country Programme Document (CPD) for the next cycle. This analysis aims to provide an in-depth overview of gender equality and women's empowerment in Syria, identifying structural barriers, legal and policy frameworks, institutional capacities, social norms, and the status of women and girls across various sectors. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Head of the Gender Program at UNFPA Syria and will be responsible for conducting consultations, data collection, and analysis to inform the strategic direction and priorities of the upcoming CPD. The analysis will cover five main regions of Syria and will focus on specific gender issues and drivers of inequality, providing data on differences in gender roles, socio-economic positions, and access to resources. The findings will serve as a key reference for UNFPA and other partners, ensuring that programming is gender-responsive and aligned with national priorities and global commitments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive national gender analysis following UNFPA guidelines and international standards. Key responsibilities include:

• Preparation and Inception: Conduct initial consultations with UNFPA staff and stakeholders to clarify the scope and methodology. Develop an inception report with a work plan, methodology, and list of key informants.
• Desk Review and Data Collection: Review national documents related to gender equality, conduct key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with stakeholders, including line ministries and civil society organizations. Collect data on gender disparities and assess the status of women, girls, men, and boys.
• Analysis and Drafting: Analyze findings using a gender analysis framework aligned with the SDGs and UNFPA’s transformative results. Identify gaps, challenges, and promising practices. Draft the gender analysis report with actionable recommendations.
• Validation and Finalization: Present preliminary findings to UNFPA, revise the draft based on feedback, and submit a final report. Expected travel is required to the five regions of Syria for data collection and validation meetings.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree in gender studies, social sciences, development studies, or related fields. Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in conducting gender analysis or gender-related assessments in development and humanitarian contexts. Proven knowledge of gender equality frameworks, the Syrian context, and UNFPA’s mandate is essential. Strong qualitative research and analytical skills are required, along with experience working with UN agencies or international organizations being desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in gender studies, social sciences, development studies, or related fields. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender issues and the socio-political context in Syria, enabling the consultant to conduct a thorough and informed gender analysis.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in conducting gender analysis or gender-related assessments. This experience should ideally be in the context of development and humanitarian work, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex environments and engage with various stakeholders effectively. Experience in establishing a data collection team in the governorates is also required, along with a proven track record of working with UN agencies or international organizations.

Languages:
Excellent writing and communication skills in both Arabic and English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for conducting interviews, drafting reports, and engaging with stakeholders effectively. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to be completed within 60 working days from the signing of the contract, with the duration falling between November 2025 and January 202

• The consultant will work independently but will have regular check-ins with the UNFPA Gender Unit. All coordination, data collection, and validation meetings will be conducted in-person unless otherwise agreed. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.