National Consultant for Formative Assessment on Masculine Norms

Job Posting Organization:
The Catalyst Initiative: Transforming Masculinities, Accelerating Equality is a pilot initiative launched by UNFPA Bangladesh in partnership with the Government of Sweden. This initiative represents a strategic shift in addressing gender equality, focusing on internal professional competencies and ethical imperatives rather than solely external programmatic outputs. UNFPA, as the lead UN agency, aims to create transformative spaces for male staff in the development and humanitarian sector, fostering a culture that reflects gender equality values. The organization is committed to delivering impactful results in maternal health, family planning, and combating gender-based violence, aligning with the strategic plan for 2022-2025, which emphasizes building forward better in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. UNFPA operates globally, advocating for human rights and gender equality, and seeks principled staff who embody these values.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to lead a formative assessment on dominant and subordinate masculine norms, transitioning the Catalyst Initiative from a theoretical concept to an evidence-based intervention. The assessment will identify knowledge gaps, norms, and behavioral patterns regarding masculinities, tailoring training curricula for male development and humanitarian professionals. The goal is to ensure that training modules are contextually relevant and capable of driving sustainable behavioral change, promoting positive masculinities rather than mere awareness. The consultant will employ a rigorous mixed-methods approach to gather data, analyze findings, and provide actionable recommendations for the initiative's training curriculum.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will oversee the entire lifecycle of the formative assessment, which includes: A. Requirements Gathering and Research Design: Conducting a review of global frameworks and best practices in engaging men in gender equality and GBV prevention, and designing a mixed-methods research framework. B. Primary Data Collection: Implementing data collection tools, conducting Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), facilitating Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and gathering insights on prevalent norms and behaviors. C. Analysis and Recommendations: Analyzing collected data to map masculine norms and institutional dynamics, identifying knowledge gaps and entry points, and developing evidence-based recommendations for the training curriculum. Deliverables include an inception report, formative assessment draft, and final report with comprehensive analysis and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Ph.D. or Master's) in Sociology, Anthropology, Women and Gender Studies, or a related field. They should have a minimum of 2-5 years of experience in conducting formative research on social norms and behavior change, with demonstrated expertise in mixed-methods research. Familiarity with masculinities and gender-transformative programming in the South Asian context is essential, along with strong analytical skills and proficiency in statistical analysis or qualitative data software. Previous experience with UN agencies is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Ph.D. or Master's) in Sociology, Anthropology, Women and Gender Studies, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender norms and behaviors, as well as for conducting rigorous research in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-5 years of relevant experience in conducting formative research focused on social norms and behavior change. This experience should include expertise in using mixed-methods research approaches, particularly in the context of masculinities and gender-transformative programming within South Asia. Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate qualitative data into actionable insights are also necessary.

Languages:
Proficiency in Bangla and English is mandatory for this position. These language skills are essential for effective communication with stakeholders, conducting interviews, and facilitating discussions during the research process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 30 days, spread over two months, starting in March 2026 and concluding on June 30, 202

• The consultant will deliver services to the UNFPA Country Office, with all final documents submitted electronically. The consultant will report to the Programme Analyst for Gender and Child Marriage at UNFPA Bangladesh and will collaborate closely with other UNFPA units. Travel outside of Dhaka may be required, but UNFPA will not cover travel and accommodation costs. Payment will be made in two installments: 50% upon submission of the formative assessment draft and 50% upon submission of the final report. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.