Individual Consultant: Baseline: Degradation & Flows in Incomati-Maputo TFCA

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and disaster resilience, and has a workforce of over 17,000 employees worldwide. UNDP is committed to promoting gender equality and social inclusion in all its initiatives, ensuring that marginalized groups are represented and their needs are addressed in development processes.

Job Overview:
The Individual Consultant will play a crucial role in developing a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy and Strategy for the Incomati and Maputo Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA). This position is integral to strengthening basin-wide governance and sustainability by ensuring that gender equality and social inclusion are systematically integrated into transboundary water and ecosystem management. The consultant will be expected to conduct thorough literature reviews, engage with key stakeholders, and facilitate consultations to capture gender-specific needs and barriers. The consultant will also be responsible for conducting a gap analysis, updating existing GESI frameworks, and developing a comprehensive GESI Policy and Strategy that includes practical guidelines for implementation. This role requires a deep understanding of transboundary governance and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure equitable participation and benefit-sharing among marginalized groups.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Individual Consultant include:

• Reviewing relevant literature, policies, strategies, and legal frameworks related to GESI and transboundary governance in Eswatini, South Africa, and Mozambique.
• Analyzing project documents, including the existing GESI Baseline Report and GESI Action Plan, to ensure alignment with project outcomes.
• Identifying and engaging key institutions and stakeholders, including SADC Gender Focal Points and National Gender Machinery.
• Conducting inclusive consultations with stakeholders at various levels to understand gender-specific needs and barriers.
• Performing a comprehensive gap analysis to identify institutional and operational gaps in GESI integration.
• Updating the GESI analysis and Gender Action Plan, ensuring compliance with UNDP GEN2 requirements.
• Developing a GESI Policy that outlines an enabling institutional framework and accountability mechanisms.
• Creating a costed and result-based GESI Strategy with clear objectives and a monitoring framework.
• Designing guidelines for mainstreaming GESI into INMACOM operations and national intersectoral committees. 1
• Facilitating validation workshops and supporting the finalization of the GESI Policy and Strategy. 1
• Providing technical support and coordination with other consultants and project management teams to ensure consistent GESI integration across all project components.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a Master’s degree or higher in gender studies, gender and development, social sciences, sustainable development, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 8 years of experience in GESI mainstreaming, policy, and strategy development is required, preferably within the Southern African context. The candidate should have proven experience in conducting participatory gender analysis and developing GESI policies, strategies, action plans, and indicators. Experience working with international organizations such as UNDP, GEF, or the World Bank is considered an advantage. A strong understanding of transboundary governance, natural resource management, and sustainable development is essential, along with excellent analytical writing and communication skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master’s degree or higher in relevant fields such as gender studies, gender and development, social sciences, sustainable development, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender issues and the socio-economic factors that influence gender equality and social inclusion in development contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in GESI mainstreaming, policy, and strategy development. Candidates should have a strong track record of conducting participatory gender analysis and developing GESI policies and strategies, particularly in the context of Southern Africa. Experience working with international organizations, especially in projects related to transboundary governance and natural resource management, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Portuguese is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the successful implementation of the GESI Policy and Strategy. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The assignment is expected to last for a period of 4 months. Proposals must be submitted directly through the UNDP supplier portal by the specified deadline. The position is open to both national and international consultants, and UNDP encourages diverse applicants, particularly those who reflect gender equality and disability inclusion. The consultant will be expected to work collaboratively with various stakeholders and provide technical support throughout the project duration.