National Consultant for Medico-Legal Framework Review

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 the empowerment of women and girls. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to health services and rights, while also promoting the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant involves reviewing the medico-legal framework concerning forensic examinations and the role of medical experts in judicial procedures in Cambodia. This consultancy is crucial for developing an Operational Guidance Note on One Stop Service Units (OSSU) for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). The consultant will collaborate with both an international consultant and a national trainer to design and implement a training package. The role requires a deep understanding of health services related to GBV and medico-legal experience, as well as the ability to coordinate effectively with various stakeholders. The consultant will conduct desk research and field missions to gather data and insights necessary for the review, ensuring that the final guidance note is comprehensive and aligned with international best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks, including: reviewing the current draft of the GBV OSSU Operational Guidance Note and inputs from consultations; analyzing existing national legal frameworks and guidelines related to forensic examinations and health responses to GBV; documenting differences between formal procedures and actual practices through interviews with provincial forensic committee staff; and collaborating with the international consultant to integrate findings into the Operational Guidance Note. The consultant will also be expected to produce a summary table of relevant medico-legal guidelines, a process map of forensic examination procedures, and recommendations for training materials. The consultancy is expected to span approximately 20 days of work, with deliverables due in February and April 2026.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least five years of experience in social work or the health sector, particularly in areas related to gender-based violence and sexual reproductive health program development. A strong understanding of GBV multi-sectoral response mechanisms and health responses to GBV, including managing cases in health settings and forensic examinations, is essential. Additionally, candidates should have expert knowledge of national policies and legal frameworks on GBV in Cambodia, as well as familiarity with the local context or South Asia. Excellent oral and written communication skills in both Khmer and English are mandatory.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in law, a related medical field, gender studies, social work, or a related discipline is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of the medico-legal framework and the health responses to gender-based violence.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience, particularly in working with social work or health sectors related to gender-based violence and sexual reproductive health. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record in program development and an understanding of GBV response mechanisms, particularly in the Cambodian context.

Languages:
Fluency in Khmer and English is mandatory for this position. Strong communication skills in both languages are essential for effective collaboration with stakeholders and for the preparation of reports and guidance materials.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and is expected to commence in February 2026, concluding by April 202

• The consultancy is results-based, with payment contingent upon the satisfactory completion of deliverables. The first payment of 30% will be made upon acceptance of the first deliverable, while the remaining 70% will be paid upon approval of the second deliverable. The consultant will work under the supervision of the GBV Specialist and will engage closely with the UNFPA Cambodia CO team and other stakeholders throughout the assignment. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.