Consultant for Country Gender Equality Profile (CGEP)

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance the impact of gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives. It consolidates the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM, which focused on gender equality. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men. The organization works in various countries, including Sierra Leone, to strengthen national understanding and data on gender equality and women's empowerment, aligning its strategic focus with international commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Beijing Declaration. UN Women Sierra Leone specifically aims to address gender discrepancies and promote gender equality through evidence-driven advocacy and programming.

Job Overview:
The consultant will undertake the development of a Country Gender Equality Profile (CGEP) for Sierra Leone, which will involve a comprehensive assessment of the current context regarding gender equality and the challenges faced in achieving sustainable development. This role requires the consultant to analyze gender discrepancies in social, economic, cultural, and political rights, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups such as women and girls with disabilities, those living in rural areas, single mothers, and survivors of violence. The CGEP will serve as both an analytical and operational document, identifying gaps in research and data, and providing recommendations for addressing these gaps. The consultant will work closely with UN Women Sierra Leone staff and national stakeholders to ensure that the CGEP reflects diverse perspectives and aligns with national and international commitments. The consultant will be responsible for delivering various reports throughout the consultancy period, including an inception report, draft CGEP, and final CGEP, all of which must be submitted in English in both Word and PDF formats.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities include conducting a thorough assessment of gender equality in Sierra Leone, identifying key challenges and opportunities for improvement. The consultant will develop a comprehensive list of variables, policies, and programs related to gender equality and women's empowerment, guiding data collection and analysis. They will also provide technical expertise for the CGEP, ensuring that it includes both qualitative and quantitative data to support findings. The consultant will identify entry points and strategies for addressing gender gaps across various sectors, develop an advocacy strategy, and create indicators for tracking progress in gender equality. Additionally, the consultant will analyze the current situation of women and men in Sierra Leone, identifying discrepancies in rights and opportunities. The consultant will be required to submit several reports at different milestones, including an inception report, draft CGEP, and final report, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to the agreed-upon format.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in Gender Studies, Development Studies, Sociology, Sustainable Development, Statistics, or related fields. Specialized training in gender analysis, participatory research methods, or monitoring and evaluation is considered an asset. A minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in the field of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment is required, including proven experience in developing Country Gender Equality Profiles. Candidates should have experience working with multi-stakeholder and cultural organizations, including governments, international NGOs, civil society organizations, and UN agencies. A sound knowledge of international standards on human rights and women's rights is essential, along with experience in policy analysis and institutional capacity assessment. The ability to produce high-quality analytical reports and facilitate consultative processes is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as Gender Studies, Development Studies, Sociology, Sustainable Development, Statistics, or related disciplines. Specialized training in gender analysis, participatory research methods, or monitoring and evaluation is advantageous and will enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in the field of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in developing Country Gender Equality Profiles and working with various stakeholders, including government entities, international NGOs, civil society organizations, and UN agencies. Familiarity with Sierra Leone’s socio-political and economic context is highly desirable, as it will inform the consultant's understanding of the challenges and opportunities for gender equality in the country.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and resources.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to cover a national scope, addressing all districts and regions in Sierra Leone. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the UN Women Head of Office and collaborate with various program specialists and stakeholders. The consultancy period is set for 30 days, spread over two months, with specific deadlines for deliverables outlined in the contract. The consultant will be required to submit reports in both Word and PDF formats, ensuring that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process. UN Women emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that contradicts its values.