National Consultant for Gender Transformative Toolkit Development

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, working to ensure that every individual has access to reproductive health services and the ability to make informed choices about their bodies and lives. The organization is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, recognizing their critical role in achieving sustainable development. UNFPA's mission is guided by the principles of human rights, equity, and social justice, and it strives to address the complex challenges posed by population dynamics, including demographic changes, migration, and urbanization. With a workforce that embodies diversity and inclusion, UNFPA aims to create a supportive environment that fosters innovation and collaboration across various sectors.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Gender Transformative Toolkit Development will play a pivotal role in addressing the pressing humanitarian and recovery needs in Syria, particularly in enhancing the capacities of local civil society organizations (CSOs) and women-led organizations (WLOs). The consultant will be tasked with developing a comprehensive, context-specific Gender Transformative Toolkit that includes practical guidance, gender audit tools, and monitoring mechanisms. This toolkit aims to facilitate the implementation of gender-transformative approaches within selected organizations, thereby strengthening their ability to address gender inequality and promote women's leadership in humanitarian action and recovery processes. The consultant will engage in participatory consultations, evidence-based analysis, and hands-on technical support to ensure that the toolkit is effectively tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities present in the Syrian context. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including UNFPA staff, CSOs, and WLOs, to ensure that the toolkit is grounded in local realities and can be effectively utilized to foster sustainable change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the following key duties and responsibilities:

• Phase 1: Development of a Gender Transformative Toolkit - Review existing gender analyses, policies, tools, and relevant literature to inform the toolkit's development. - Conduct consultations with selected CSOs and WLOs to assess current practices, capacities, and challenges in gender transformative programming. - Produce an inception report outlining the methodology, workplan, data collection tools, and stakeholder consultation plan. - Develop the Gender Transformative Toolkit, including a conceptual framework aligned with international standards and adapted to the Syrian context, practical tools for implementation, and gender audit tools for monitoring and evaluation.
• Phase 2: Roll Out of the Gender Transformative Toolkit - Develop and deliver training materials on gender transformative approaches and the effective use of the toolkit. - Conduct Organizational Capacity Assessment Tool (OCAT) evaluations with 10 organizations to identify strengths and gaps in gender transformative programming. - Provide tailored technical support to selected organizations in developing Organizational Gender Action Plans. The consultant will ensure that all deliverables are submitted electronically in both Arabic and English to the Head of Gender Program at UNFPA Syria.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess the following qualifications: - A Master's degree in gender studies, social sciences, development studies, or related fields. - A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the gender field, demonstrating a strong understanding of gender equality frameworks and the Syrian context. - Proven experience in developing gender-related frameworks and training materials focused on gender mainstreaming. - Demonstrated ability to deliver training and capacity-building initiatives for organizations. - Strong qualitative research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights. - Experience working with UN agencies or international organizations is highly desirable, showcasing an understanding of the operational dynamics within these entities.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in gender studies, social sciences, development studies, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively engage with gender issues and develop relevant tools and frameworks that address the unique challenges faced by CSOs and WLOs in Syria.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the gender field. This experience should encompass a deep understanding of gender equality frameworks, particularly within the context of Syria. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing gender-related frameworks and training materials, as well as experience in delivering training and capacity-building initiatives for organizations. Strong qualitative research and analytical skills are essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including local organizations and international agencies.

Languages:
Excellent writing and communication skills in both English and Arabic are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for the consultant to effectively engage with stakeholders, develop training materials, and deliver presentations. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to be completed within 60 working days over a period of three months from the signing of the contract. The work will be conducted remotely, with the possibility of in-person engagements as needed. All deliverables must be submitted electronically in both Arabic and English to the Head of Gender Program at UNFPA Syria. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ community members, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, and persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process.