Individual Consultancy for Baseline Study

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's mission aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing human rights and the principle of 'leaving no one behind.' Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, employing approximately 4,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to addressing issues related to reproductive health, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls, particularly in the context of ending violence against women and girls. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 focuses on three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet needs for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. The organization is committed to ethical standards and principled staff who embody international norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The position involves conducting a baseline study for the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme 2.0 (SIARP 2.0), which aims to end all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Africa. The consultant will be responsible for collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data to establish the current state of VAWG, harmful practices, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). This role requires a deep understanding of the program's theory of change and the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including survivors, to ensure a survivor-centered approach. The consultant will also refine the existing results framework, establish baselines and targets, and provide recommendations for monitoring progress. The overarching goal is to contribute to the program's vision of ensuring that all women and girls, particularly the most vulnerable, live a life free of violence.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include:

• Conducting a comprehensive baseline study that captures the current state of VAWG, harmful practices, and SRHR.
• Collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data to establish baseline values for indicators in the program's results framework.
• Engaging with stakeholders, including survivors, to ensure ethical participation and a survivor-centered approach.
• Providing recommendations for annual milestones and overall targets based on baseline findings.
• Adapting existing global methodological notes to the regional context and developing guidance for indicators not covered at the global level.
• Documenting all methodological choices, limitations, and assumptions throughout the study.
• Ensuring that data collection activities prioritize the safety, dignity, and well-being of survivors.
• Collaborating with national governments, regional institutions, and civil society organizations to ensure a robust analysis of the baseline situation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in gender studies, social sciences, development studies, public health, international development, monitoring and evaluation, human rights, sociology, political science, or a closely related field. They should have at least 5 years of strong expertise in result-based monitoring and evaluation of survivor-centered, human rights, gender-based violence programs or projects. Additionally, candidates must have at least 10 years of experience in conducting baseline studies for comprehensive programs aimed at ending gender-based violence in Africa, utilizing mixed-methods and participatory approaches. Strong knowledge of African regional and continental institutions and frameworks related to VAWG and harmful practices is essential, along with demonstrated expertise in gender-responsive and human rights-based approaches to addressing violence against women and girls.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as gender studies, social sciences, development studies, public health, international development, monitoring and evaluation, human rights, sociology, or political science is required. This educational background should provide the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively conduct the baseline study and engage with various stakeholders.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in conducting baseline studies specifically focused on ending gender-based violence in Africa. This experience should include strong expertise in result-based monitoring and evaluation of survivor-centered, human rights, and gender-based violence programs. Additionally, candidates should have experience in engaging with survivors and understanding the complexities of gender-based violence and harmful practices.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory. Knowledge of other official UN languages, such as French or Portuguese, is desirable and considered an asset for this position.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is full-time and has a contract duration of 3 months. The consultants are expected to be based within the African continent to facilitate coordination of consultations and data collection activities. Limited travel may be required to field locations for validating the program baseline. The selection process will consider candidates who embody UNFPA's values of integrity, commitment to gender equality, and cultural diversity. UNFPA encourages applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including women, LGBTQIA+ community members, minority ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities.