International Consultant to Facilitate the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance the impact of the UN's work on gender equality and women's empowerment. The organization merges resources and mandates from 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, and to empower them in all aspects of life. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting mutual respect and equality in the workplace.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant is pivotal in supporting the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Kyrgyzstan to conduct a comprehensive assessment of its performance regarding gender equality and women's empowerment. The consultant will be responsible for evaluating the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard and the Gender Equality Acceleration Plan (GEAP). This role requires a forward-looking operational approach, focusing on actionable recommendations that will enhance accountability and accelerate results in gender equality initiatives. The consultant will work closely with the UN Women Country Representative, the UN Resident Coordinator, and the Gender Theme Group, ensuring that gender equality is integrated into the UNCT's planning and programming processes. The consultant's work will involve reviewing existing documentation, facilitating evidence collection, and conducting stakeholder consultations to gather insights and validate findings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Conducting a thorough review of global, regional, and national documentation related to gender equality and the UNCT-SWAP framework.
• Facilitating the assessment process for the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard, which includes evidence collection, scoring, validation, and reporting across 15 indicators.
• Assessing the implementation of the GEAP at the country level, focusing on its effectiveness and alignment with the UNCT's goals.
• Reviewing the gender equality architecture within the UNCT to ensure accountability and coordination in implementing gender equality commitments.
• Conducting stakeholder consultations with internal UN stakeholders and external partners to gather insights and validate the assessment findings.
• Drafting comprehensive reports and action plans based on the assessment outcomes, including a costed Gender Equality Acceleration Action Plan.
• Facilitating validation workshops to ensure stakeholder buy-in and support for the proposed actions and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in gender studies, social sciences, human rights, public policy, development studies, international relations, or related fields. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in gender equality and women's empowerment, with at least 7 years in evaluation, assessment, review, or results-based management. Demonstrated experience with the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard and substantive knowledge of multi-sectoral responses to gender equality, gender-based violence, bodily autonomy, and sexual and reproductive health and rights is essential. Experience with UNSDCF processes and assessing gender action plans and accountability frameworks is also required. Familiarity with the Central Asia region is highly desirable, and knowledge of GEAP implementation will be considered an asset.

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, social sciences, human rights, public policy, development studies, or international relations. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender equality and women's empowerment in various contexts, particularly within the framework of the United Nations.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 10 years in the field of gender equality and women's empowerment. Candidates should have at least 7 years of experience in evaluation, assessment, review, or results-based management. Experience with the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard and familiarity with the UNSDCF processes are critical. Additionally, candidates should have a proven track record of evaluating multi-sectoral responses to gender equality issues, including gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health rights, particularly within the context of UN frameworks. Experience in Central Asia is highly desirable, as it will provide valuable insights into the regional dynamics affecting gender equality.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the UN system. Additionally, proficiency in Kyrgyz and Russian is strongly desirable, as these languages are commonly used in Kyrgyzstan and will facilitate effective communication with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is primarily home-based, with the possibility of travel to Bishkek if required. The assignment is expected to last approximately 30 working days over a period of 8 weeks. The consultant will report to the UN Women Country Representative and the UN Resident Coordinator, with technical oversight provided by the Gender Theme Group and the Inter-Agency Assessment Team. The consultant will engage in periodic check-ins to validate progress and agree on next steps. The role requires a commitment to the core values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, as well as competencies in gender equality expertise, effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking.