International Consultant for Gender in Disaster Risk Reduction

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact 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 as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. In Georgia, UN Women supports both state and non-state partners to achieve substantive gender equality, focusing on policies, legislation, institutions, and grassroots initiatives. The organization is committed to transformative results for increased gender equality and greater protection of women's and girls' rights, particularly through its strategic pillars, including Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action (WPSHA).

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for Gender in Disaster Risk Reduction involves providing technical assistance to develop a comprehensive, gender-responsive, and inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Volunteerism Framework for Georgia. The consultant will focus on enhancing the engagement of women and girls in DRR initiatives, ensuring their voices and agency are prioritized in disaster preparedness and response efforts. The consultant will work under the supervision of the UN Women Country Representative and collaborate with various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations, and women's groups. The role requires conducting a desk review of existing frameworks, analyzing volunteer engagement mechanisms, facilitating consultations, and developing a framework that outlines institutional arrangements and operational guidelines for effective volunteer management. The consultant will also be responsible for validating the framework with stakeholders and providing actionable recommendations for its implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will conduct a comprehensive desk review of international DRR and volunteerism frameworks, focusing on gender-responsive approaches. They will analyze existing volunteer engagement mechanisms in Georgia, identifying key actors and assessing gaps and opportunities. The consultant will lead consultations and capacity-building sessions with stakeholders, documenting findings and recommendations. They will develop a gender-responsive DRR volunteerism framework, outlining vision, principles, and roles of stakeholders. The consultant will validate the framework through workshops, gather feedback, and revise the framework accordingly. They will also identify opportunities for piloting the framework and provide guidance for its implementation, including pilot design and potential scale-up.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in gender studies, human rights, sociology, law, international development, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates should have a strong understanding of gender equality, disaster risk reduction, and community resilience, with proven experience in developing policy frameworks and conducting capacity-building activities. Familiarity with international frameworks related to DRR and volunteerism is essential, as is experience working with UN agencies or international organizations.

Educational Background:
An advanced (Master's) degree in gender studies, human rights, sociology, law, international development, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted with additional qualifying experience. Candidates should have a solid academic background that supports their understanding of gender issues and disaster risk management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in disaster risk reduction, emergency management, volunteerism, or related fields. Those with a bachelor's degree should have at least seven years of experience. Proven experience in developing frameworks, strategies, and operational tools related to DRR volunteerism is required, along with experience in designing and delivering capacity-building activities for diverse audiences.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the local context in Georgia.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, with a maximum of one trip to Tbilisi, Georgia, involving up to five working days and two travel days. The position is expected to adhere to UN Women's values and competencies, emphasizing integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. The consultant will be expected to engage in a diverse and inclusive environment, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure compliance with UN Women's standards of conduct.