National Consultant for Gender Norms Strategy

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and emphasizes equity, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive without discrimination. UNICEF employs a diverse workforce and offers opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of belonging and growth.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Gender Norms Strategy will play a crucial role in facilitating the development of a draft National Gender Norms Strategy and its accompanying Action Plan. This consultancy aims to address the persistent gender inequalities in Tajikistan by supporting the Committee on Women and Family Affairs (CoWFA) in creating a comprehensive strategy that promotes gender equality and empowers women and girls. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, UN bodies, and partner organizations, to ensure a collaborative and inclusive approach to strategy development. The consultant's work will involve transforming existing strategies into actionable plans, conducting workshops, and validating the strategy with relevant authorities, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for children and families in Tajikistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks:

• Support and coordinate the development of the National Gender Norms Strategy and Action Plan in collaboration with CoWFA and other stakeholders.
• Transform the existing inter-agency Gender Norms Strategy Note into a comprehensive strategy, incorporating updated data and stakeholder input.
• Share the draft strategy with relevant agencies and incorporate feedback from the Working Group 12 and the Ministry of Economy.
• Coordinate regular meetings and exchanges on initiatives, preparing meeting notes.
• Conduct workshops and consultations with stakeholders for the development of the strategy and action plan.
• Present and validate the strategy and action plan with the Working Group 12 and the Executive Office of the President of Tajikistan.
• Obtain final approval for the Gender Norms Strategy and Action Plan from the relevant government authority.
• Coordinate the launch and delivery of the national program on gender norms.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Public Policy, Development Studies, or a related field. They should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in gender-related issues, women's empowerment, and social and behavior change, particularly in relation to children's issues. Proven expertise in developing strategies and action plans collaboratively is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate the ability to convene and coordinate with multiple stakeholders across various agencies and levels, showcasing strong technical skills in gender equality programming and strategic planning.

Educational Background:
A university degree in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Public Policy, or Development Studies is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of gender norms and their impact on society, particularly in relation to children's rights and empowerment.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, particularly in areas related to gender issues, women's empowerment, and social behavior change. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing strategies and action plans in a collaborative manner, demonstrating their ability to work effectively with various stakeholders and agencies.

Languages:
Proficiency in Tajik and English is essential for this role. These language skills are crucial for effective communication with stakeholders, conducting workshops, and presenting strategies and action plans. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 60 working days between December 2025 and June 202

• The consultant will work under the supervision of the SBC Officer and receive oversight from the Deputy Representative, Programme, UNICEF Tajikistan. Candidates are required to submit a CV, cover letter, completed Expression of Interest form, financial proposal, references, and examples of previous work. Applications must be submitted by the deadline of 7 December 202
• UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children.