Consultant for UN Somalia Gender Equality Strategy Evaluation

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the United Nations reform agenda to enhance the impact of gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives. The organization is dedicated to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between women and men. UN Women operates globally, focusing on various aspects of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization is committed to gender equality as a core UN value, as emphasized in the Secretary-General’s reform agenda and global frameworks such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In Somalia, UN Women collaborates with the UN Country Team to address structural gender inequalities through the Gender Theme Group and the Somalia UN Gender Equality Strategy (2021–2025).

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in evaluating the UN Somalia Gender Equality Strategy by developing a comprehensive report that outlines the approach and methodology for the evaluation. This position involves conducting a mapping of UN system strategic priorities, programs, and interventions related to gender equality in Somalia. The consultant will be responsible for summarizing preliminary findings from consultations and documentation reviews, as well as developing a final assessment report that includes lessons learned and recommendations. Additionally, the consultant will create the next-generation UN Somalia Gender Strategy (2026–2030) and an accompanying Action Plan, complete with defined responsibilities and timelines. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Gender Theme Group, senior management, and partner agencies, to ensure the strategy is well-informed and validated. The consultant will also be tasked with developing presentation materials to communicate findings and key features of the new strategy to internal stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop an inception report outlining the approach and methodology for evaluating the UN Somalia Gender Equality Strategy.
• Conduct a mapping of UN system strategic priorities, programs, and interventions on gender equality in Somalia.
• Summarize preliminary findings from consultations and documentation reviews in a draft assessment report.
• Create a comprehensive final assessment report that incorporates feedback from internal UN stakeholders and provides an overview of successes, challenges, and recommendations.
• Develop the UN Somalia Gender Strategy (2026–2030) and an Action Plan, including a draft Theory of Change, monitoring frameworks, and indicators.
• Organize and conduct a validation session with the Gender Theme Group, senior management, and program and M&E teams.
• Finalize the UN Somalia Gender Strategy and Action Plan, incorporating inputs from consultations and validation processes.
• Prepare presentation materials summarizing findings and key features of the new strategy for internal stakeholders.
• Report to the UN Women Country Programme Manager and collaborate with the planning and coordination analyst and Gender Theme Groups.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced University Degree (minimum master’s degree) in gender studies, development studies, political science, or related fields.
• A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Seven years of experience in program management related to gender equality, gender mainstreaming, or women's empowerment policies/projects/programs.
• At least five years of experience in planning, design, preparation, and delivery of gender equality strategies, preferably for UN Women or UN Agencies.
• Experience in providing guidance and technical support for the development of Theory of Change, results frameworks, logical frameworks, and indicators for gender-related programs/projects.
• Experience in inter-agency strategic planning at the country, regional, or international level is required.
• Experience in conducting training for personnel and/or external partners to support results-based planning, monitoring, and reporting is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree (minimum master’s degree) in gender studies, development studies, political science, or other related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of experience in program management focused on gender equality, gender mainstreaming, or women's empowerment policies/projects/programs. Candidates should have at least five years of experience in the planning, design, preparation, and delivery of gender equality strategies, preferably within UN Women or other UN Agencies. Experience in providing guidance and technical support for the development of Theory of Change, results frameworks, logical frameworks, and indicators for gender-related programs/projects is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience in inter-agency strategic planning at various levels and conducting training for personnel and external partners.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the organization's global mission.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based with a requirement for a field visit to Mogadishu. The consultant will be expected to make a maximum of one trip to Mogadishu for consultations with stakeholders and a validation workshop. The position emphasizes core values such as integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, and core competencies including awareness of gender issues, accountability, creative problem-solving, effective communication, inclusive collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and leading by example. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that recruitment and employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.