International Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the UNFPA Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is a leading organization that focuses on reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population issues. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide and collaborates with various partners to implement programs that address critical issues related to population and development, gender equality, and women's empowerment.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant is aimed at developing a knowledge product that documents the experiences and lessons learned from the 'EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender-stereotypes and gender-based violence' project. This project, funded by the European Union, operates in several countries of the Eastern Partnership, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The consultant will be responsible for reviewing different models and approaches to the Fathers Schools initiative, which aims to engage men in gender equality and reduce gender-based violence. The consultant will conduct a desk review, collect qualitative data through interviews, and analyze the findings to create a comprehensive knowledge product that outlines effective practices, challenges, and recommendations for future implementations of the Fathers Schools. The consultant will work remotely and is expected to deliver the final product by March 2026, following a structured timeline and methodology agreed upon with UNFPA.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include conducting a desk review of existing documentation related to the Fathers Schools initiative, collecting qualitative data from UNFPA country offices and key partners, analyzing the data to identify effective practices and challenges, and preparing a knowledge product that summarizes the findings. Specific tasks include:

• Reviewing documentation from phase 1 and ongoing work under phase 2 of the program.
• Conducting in-depth interviews or using other qualitative tools to gather data from country offices.
• Collecting stories and qualitative information from partners involved in the Fathers Schools.
• Applying qualitative assessment tools to evaluate changes in gender norms related to unpaid domestic work and fatherhood.
• Analyzing data and preparing a knowledge product that includes conclusions and recommendations for engaging men in gender equality initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced (Masters) degree in sociology, social or political sciences, or a relevant field. They should have at least 10 years of relevant experience, including senior-level roles, in conducting research and analysis on gender transformative programming, positive masculinities, and men's engagement in unpaid care and fatherhood. Experience in writing analytical documents on gender/social norms and working with development agencies or the United Nations is highly desirable. Candidates should also demonstrate proficiency in analytical, writing, and presentation skills, as well as computer literacy for effective communication and documentation.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is an advanced (Masters) degree in sociology, social or political sciences, or a related field that aligns with the objectives of the consultancy. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of gender issues and the social dynamics involved in the project.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, particularly in conducting research and analysis on gender issues, positive masculinities, and men's engagement in gender equality initiatives. Candidates should have a proven track record of working at a senior level in similar roles, demonstrating their ability to handle complex gender-related programming and analysis effectively. Experience with development agencies or the United Nations is considered an asset, as it indicates familiarity with international standards and practices in gender equality.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and oral English is mandatory for this position, as all materials and communications will be conducted in English. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as requirements for this role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a total of 30 working days, with the work period spanning from November 2025 to March 202

• The consultant will work remotely, and any travel-related expenses will be covered separately according to UNFPA travel policy. Payment will be made in two installments upon satisfactory completion of deliverables, with the first installment due by December 2025 and the second by March 202
• UNFPA emphasizes a work environment that promotes gender equality, diversity, and integrity, encouraging women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.