International Consultant (PSEA-H International Consultant)

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. It was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender issues, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. The organization operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women has been active in Afghanistan for two decades, addressing the unique vulnerabilities faced by Afghan women and girls amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. The organization currently has five key program priorities in Afghanistan: Integrated Programming and Localization, Women’s Movement Building, Policy and Research, Economic Resilience and Private Sector, and Coordination, Access, and Humanitarian Response. UN Women is committed to a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and sexual harassment (SH), ensuring a gender-sensitive and victim/survivor-centered approach in its operations.

Job Overview:
The position of the PSEA-H International Consultant is crucial for enhancing UN Women’s institutional capacity to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and harassment (SH) in Afghanistan. The consultant will provide technical guidance and operational support to UN Women, focusing on the prevention of SEA and SH. This role involves conducting a capacity assessment of the UN Women Afghanistan Country Office (ACO) and making tailored recommendations for implementing PSEA-H activities aligned with the strategic note for 2023-202

• The consultant will also provide guidance on SEA/GBV risk assessments, coach personnel on identifying operational SEA risks, and strengthen the capacity of staff and partners through training and practical support. The consultant will work closely with UN Women personnel and partners, ensuring alignment with UN Women policies and inter-agency standards. The role requires travel to Afghanistan as needed, emphasizing the importance of direct engagement with various stakeholders in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The PSEA-H International Consultant will be responsible for a range of tasks, including: conducting a PSEA capacity assessment of the UN Women Afghanistan Country Office; making tailored recommendations for PSEA-H activities; providing guidance on SEA/GBV risk assessments; offering technical advice on conducting risk assessments using Afghanistan-adapted tools; coaching and mentoring personnel on identifying SEA risks; strengthening staff and partner capacity through training and on-the-job support; promoting alignment with UN Women policies and inter-agency PSEA standards; providing strategic guidance to UN Women PSEA focal points; facilitating capacity development activities; and leading capacity development initiatives and trainings for UN Women partners and personnel. The consultant will also be expected to maintain effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, ensuring the successful implementation of PSEA initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s level) in social development, gender studies, rule of law, human rights, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A project/programme management certification is considered an advantage. Candidates should have at least 7 years of professional experience in areas related to PSEA/SH, prevention and protection from gender-based violence (GBV), gender mainstreaming, and humanitarian affairs. Experience as an in-country PSEA Focal Point/Coordinator is required, along with demonstrated experience in conducting partner capacity assessments and facilitating capacity development activities and trainings. Familiarity with global UN PSEA structures and policies is essential, and experience within the UN System or in the Afghanistan context is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s level) in relevant fields such as social development, gender studies, rule of law, or human rights. A first-level university degree may be accepted in combination with additional qualifying experience. A project/programme management certification would be an added advantage, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in relevant areas, including PSEA/SH, prevention and protection from GBV, and gender mainstreaming. Candidates should have experience working as an in-country PSEA Focal Point/Coordinator and should demonstrate a strong background in conducting capacity assessments and facilitating training activities. Familiarity with UN PSEA structures and policies is essential, and prior experience in the Afghanistan context is considered beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based with the expectation of travel to Afghanistan as needed. The consultant will be engaged under a retainer contract, allowing for flexible engagement based on need and availability. The contract period spans from October 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, with a maximum of 40 working days. While on retainer, there is no guarantee of work, and the consultant retains the right to decline assignments based on their availability. The consultant's travel will be processed by UN Women in accordance with the duty travel policy. The position emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and respect for diversity in all interactions.