National Consultant to Revise & Update Policies

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is the United Nations organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Established in July 2010, UN Women was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact on gender equality and women's empowerment. The organization merges and builds on the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates globally, advocating for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and the achievement of equality between women and men. It leads and coordinates efforts within the UN system to ensure that commitments on gender equality translate into action, providing strong leadership in support of Member States' priorities and building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in revising and updating existing policies of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) to align with international conventions and national policies, particularly focusing on gender equality and women's empowerment. This position is part of a project aimed at enhancing the participation and leadership opportunities of women within the RSLAF, thereby improving the pool of eligible uniformed women for peacekeeping deployments. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including UN Women, RSLAF, and relevant ministries, to ensure that the policies reflect gender-transformative initiatives and comply with the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022 and the National Action Plan 1325 (NAP III) 2024-2

• The consultant will also be responsible for developing an action plan for the rollout of the revised policies and other deliverables associated with the assignment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the establishment and management of a Policy Review Committee, which involves developing terms of reference, standard operating procedures, and relevant tools for effective management.
• Managing stakeholders throughout the policy review process and the development of a strategic plan.
• Facilitating regular meetings of the Policy Review Committee and other relevant stakeholder meetings.
• Conducting regional consultations across five regions to gather stakeholder feedback on the policies.
• Analyzing and reviewing RSLAF policies and developing a strategic plan that integrates gender considerations and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security standards. Specific policies to be reviewed include those related to the recruitment, retention, and promotion of women officers, as well as policies addressing sexual harassment and creating a supportive work environment.
• Facilitating validation sessions with key stakeholders to ensure legal compliance and alignment with government policies.
• Submitting the final package of revised policies and strategic plans to UN Women and RSLAF.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of gender equality and women's rights issues, particularly within the context of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. They should demonstrate the ability to interact effectively with government representatives and civil society organizations, showcasing proven networking skills. Strong writing and communication skills are essential, along with knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with inter-governmental processes. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of the policy environment in Sierra Leone, especially regarding security sector institutions, and possess strong analytical and interpersonal skills. Additionally, proficiency in IT, including databases and office software, is required.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in law, public policy and 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 added advantage.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2 years of practical experience in policy research, including developing and reviewing national and international policies and programs. Experience in managing stakeholders in complex environments is essential. Previous experience conducting evaluations related to the WPS agenda or similar themes will be considered an asset. A strong understanding of the UN system, particularly UN Women, and the policy environment in Sierra Leone, especially concerning security sector institutions, is crucial. Candidates should also have experience in gender equality and women's empowerment, as well as human rights issues and the human rights-based approach to programming.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the organization. Knowledge of local languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with various stakeholders.

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 is project-based, and candidates should be aware of the zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.