Consultant for Baseline Survey

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment globally. The organization merges the mandates and resources of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates in numerous countries, including Somalia, where it addresses critical issues such as gender-based violence, women's political participation, and economic empowerment. The organization aims to eliminate discrimination against women and girls and promote their rights as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for designing and conducting a mixed-methods baseline study for the Women, Peace and Protection Joint Programme Phase II (WPPII) in Somalia. This role is crucial in establishing a current baseline across key programme areas and generating evidence-based benchmarks to track programme results over a 24-month implementation period. The consultant will work closely with the WPPII Programme Team and various stakeholders to assess women's meaningful participation in political, legislative, and peace processes, identify barriers to engagement, and evaluate the implementation status of the National Action Plan on UNSCR 132

• The baseline survey will also examine the economic situation of women involved in peace and protection structures and assess existing protection mechanisms for survivors of gender-based violence. The findings will inform programme management and learning, ensuring that the WPPII effectively promotes women's empowerment and participation in peacebuilding efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities include conducting a comprehensive desk review of relevant project documents and national policy frameworks, engaging with stakeholders through consultations, preparing an inception report detailing the research design and methodology, developing and finalizing data collection tools, carrying out primary data collection across all programme locations, analyzing data using both quantitative and qualitative methods, preparing a draft baseline report, facilitating a validation workshop, and submitting a final baseline report with recommendations and an indicator baseline matrix. The consultant will ensure quality assurance throughout the data collection process and maintain regular communication with the Programme Team regarding progress and emerging findings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong research and analytical skills, with demonstrated experience in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, particularly in conflict-affected settings. A deep understanding of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, gender-based violence dynamics, and survivor-centered approaches to data collection is essential. The consultant should have expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and learning for development programmes, including the design of results frameworks and baseline surveys. Excellent networking and communication skills are required to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and community members. The ability to design culturally sensitive data collection tools and facilitate stakeholder workshops is also necessary.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree or equivalent in International Development, Human Rights, Law, or a related field is required, with a strong focus on Gender and Governance. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A project/programme management certification such as PMP or PRINCE2 is considered an advantage.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in research, monitoring and evaluation, programme assessment, gender equality, peacebuilding, or Women, Peace and Security-related programming. Experience conducting baseline studies or evaluations for UN agencies or international organizations is essential, along with a background in gender-responsive research and analysis. Prior experience working in conflict-affected or fragile contexts, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa or Somalia, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of any other UN official language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be home-based but will require travel to Mogadishu and other programme locations across Banadir, Jubaland, Southwest State, Hirshabelle, Puntland, and Galmudug as per the approved fieldwork plan. All travel must comply with UNDSS security advisories and UN Women security protocols. The consultant will report bi-weekly to the Programme Team on implementation status and ensure timely delivery of all outputs according to the schedule outlined in the Terms of Reference.