Consultant for Violence Against Women in Elections (VAWiE)

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda, with the mission to promote gender equality and empower women globally. It combines the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to creating an inclusive environment. The organization works to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men in various sectors including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Job Overview:
The position involves supporting the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) in preventing and responding to Violence Against Women in Elections (VAWiE). The consultant will engage in mapping existing referral pathways, adapting standard operating procedures (SOPs), and developing monitoring tools to enhance NEBE's capacity to address VAWiE. The consultancy aims to establish a multi-stakeholder referral linkage mechanism that connects NEBE with various actors to ensure effective coordination and timely responses to incidents of VAWiE. The overall goal is to strengthen NEBE's institutional capacity to facilitate women's full and safe participation in the electoral process, particularly in light of the systemic barriers women face in Ethiopia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will conduct a rapid mapping of existing VAW/VAWiE national referral pathways, SOPs, and legal frameworks, identifying gaps and providing recommendations. They will adapt and harmonize existing tools for VAWiE prevention and reporting, ensuring alignment with NEBE's grievance redress mechanisms. The consultant will develop monitoring and accountability tools for systematic tracking of VAWiE cases and integrate these mechanisms into NEBE's procedures. Additionally, they will deliver targeted training to NEBE staff and regional coordinators on the use of these adapted tools. The deliverables include a comprehensive mapping report, adapted SOPs, a monitoring framework, integrated institutional mechanisms, and a capacity-building training report.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in Law, Gender Studies, Political Science, Human Rights, Governance, or related Social Sciences. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Specialized training or certification in gender-based violence prevention and response, election management, or human rights protection is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate strong knowledge of gender equality and women empowerment principles, as well as experience in developing institutional SOPs and referral pathways related to GBV/VAW.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as Law, Gender Studies, Political Science, Human Rights, Governance, or related Social Sciences is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Specialized training or certification in gender-based violence prevention and response, election management, or human rights protection is advantageous.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in gender equality, governance, or electoral support is required. Candidates should have proven experience in developing or adapting institutional SOPs, referral pathways, or coordination frameworks related to GBV/VAW. Experience supporting electoral management bodies on gender mainstreaming and grievance redress frameworks is essential. Familiarity with Ethiopia’s legal and policy frameworks on gender equality and GBV response is also necessary, along with strong presentation and training facilitation skills.

Languages:
Fluency in Amharic and English is mandatory. Working knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for the position.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to contribute to the establishment of a functional mechanism ahead of Ethiopia’s 7th national election. The position may involve a contract duration that aligns with the electoral cycle, and it is crucial for candidates to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures, including a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.