National Consultant for Gender-Based Violence Prevention Programming

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population issues. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, aiming to end gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 outlines its commitment to achieving transformative results in maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence prevention, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Programming will play a pivotal role in addressing the pervasive issue of GBV in Bangladesh, particularly in light of alarming statistics from the 2024 Violence Against Women (VAW) Survey. The consultant will be responsible for advancing national GBV prevention programming by leveraging evidence from the VAW Survey and global best practices. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the social-ecological model of GBV prevention, as well as the ability to design and implement multi-component interventions that are contextually relevant and scalable. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government entities and local organizations, to ensure that GBV prevention efforts are effectively integrated into existing response mechanisms and aligned with national policies. The role also involves conducting formative research, developing curricula, and facilitating training for local implementers, thereby contributing to a robust evidence base for GBV prevention initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: facilitating the onboarding of a technical agency to co-create the GBV prevention programme; conducting formative research and gender-power analyses; co-creating tools and strategies for the GBV prevention programme; developing structured curricula tailored to different target groups; training local implementers and stakeholders; linking GBV prevention interventions with existing response mechanisms; developing a community engagement strategy; integrating learning mechanisms into the programme; mapping donor priorities for resource mobilization; preparing reports and advocacy materials; providing technical support for assessments; and ensuring effective application of GBV prevention strategies in climate-affected settings. The consultant will also be responsible for strengthening linkages across various units within UNFPA to maximize programmatic impact.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Women and Gender Studies, Development Studies, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of professional experience in gender, GBV, development, and population activities. Experience in formative research, project assessments, and policy advocacy is essential. Familiarity with emerging forms of GBV, such as technology-facilitated and climate change-induced GBV, is highly desirable. Candidates should also demonstrate strong analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, and the ability to work independently.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Social Sciences, International Relations, Women and Gender Studies, or Development Studies is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender-based violence and the socio-political context in which it occurs.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in areas related to gender, GBV, development, and population activities. Candidates should have a proven track record in formative research, surveys, project assessments, and GBV prevention programming. Experience in developing and implementing advocacy strategies and familiarity with UN/UNFPA programming standards are also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if relevant to the local context.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 11 months, from January to December 2026, starting immediately after the contract is signed. The consultant will be required to deliver services both in-person and remotely, with necessary travel to selected districts for formative research and stakeholder consultations. The consultant will work under the guidance of the Deputy Representative and report directly to the Chief of the Gender Unit at UNFPA. The position emphasizes a commitment to gender equality and diversity, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.