National Coordination Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency dedicated to ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization focuses on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues, working towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) commitments. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, fulfilling unmet needs for family planning, and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices. The organization is committed to addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to health services and reproductive rights, aiming to recover lost gains and achieve its goals by 2030.

Job Overview:
The National Coordination Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting and coordinating the implementation of the Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH) Prevention Toolkit and Knowledge Hub pilot in Bangladesh. This position is part of a collaborative effort between UNFPA and the Global Women’s Institute (GWI) to create a global platform that provides standardized, evidence-informed tools for aid actors. The consultant will serve as the primary liaison between the UNFPA Country Office, national women’s rights organizations (WROs), and other local stakeholders, ensuring meaningful engagement of WROs as equal partners throughout the project. The consultant will manage the piloting and field-testing of tools and the digital platform, integrating prevention approaches into country-level programming and coordination structures. This role requires a proactive approach to fostering a safer humanitarian system for both aid workers and affected populations, focusing on risk mitigation, safe programming, and addressing root causes through cultural and organizational change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the ECHO PSEAH pilot project, which includes coordinating project activities with WROs and sector partners, ensuring compliance with regulations, and representing the project in national coordination bodies. Key responsibilities include leading financial management, facilitating communication between country actors and global project teams, supporting partner engagement and capacity strengthening, coordinating the co-creation and pilot testing of SEAH prevention tools, and ensuring ethical data collection and reporting. The consultant will also document lessons learned and promising practices, monitor contextual risks, and ensure compliance with safeguarding standards throughout the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, International Development, Gender Studies, Human Rights, or a related field. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in PSEAH, safeguarding, GBV prevention, or related fields within humanitarian settings is required. Demonstrated experience in coordinating multi-partner initiatives and managing ECHO Humanitarian Implementation Plans is essential. Candidates should have experience working with women’s rights organizations and a deep understanding of the humanitarian and cultural contexts of Bangladesh. Strong commitment to gender-transformative methodologies and familiarity with humanitarian coordination systems are preferred. Knowledge of UN systems, particularly UNFPA, is an advantage. Proficiency in English and the predominant local language is required.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, International Development, Gender Studies, or Human Rights is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of gender issues, humanitarian responses, and the socio-political landscape in which UNFPA operates.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas related to PSEAH, safeguarding, GBV prevention, or coordination within humanitarian contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing multi-partner initiatives and experience with ECHO-funded actions. Familiarity with the specific challenges and cultural dynamics of Bangladesh is crucial for effective project implementation.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, along with the ability to communicate effectively in the predominant local language of Bangladesh, both orally and in writing. This linguistic capability is essential for engaging with local stakeholders and ensuring the successful implementation of project activities.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 11 months, with the consultant required to deliver services in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The consultant will work under the supervision of the GBV Cluster Coordinator and is expected to travel within Bangladesh as needed. Payment will be made on a monthly basis, and the consultant is responsible for adhering to deadlines and reporting requirements. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and persons with disabilities.