UNFPA Consultant on FGM Evidence-Based Advocacy and Accountability
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to addressing global challenges related to population and development, reproductive health, and gender equality. UNFPA's mission is articulated through its Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, which aims to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action from the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203
Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to translate the latest empirical data, research findings, and legal/policy analyses regarding Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in Asia into evidence-based advocacy messages and policy briefs. The consultant will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between evidence and action, supporting regional networks, civil society organizations (CSOs), youth leaders, and national stakeholders to advance evidence-based advocacy. The consultant will also assist UNFPA Country Offices in strengthening evidence-based narratives on FGM/C. The role is vital in addressing the high prevalence of FGM/C in South and Southeast Asia, where approximately 80 million girls and women have undergone the practice. The consultant will contribute to the regional programme "Breaking the Silence: Increasing Accountability on Addressing Female Genital Mutilation in South-East Asia" (2024–2028), which aims to strengthen regional accountability and generate robust evidence to support civil society movements and shift social and gender norms.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks, including:
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Public Health, Human Rights, International Relations, Gender Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field. They should have experience in research synthesis, drafting policy briefs, factsheets, or technical reports. Experience in researching or advocating on FGM, GBV, and harmful practices is desirable. Demonstrated experience in coordinating meetings, workshops, networks, or multi-stakeholder consultations is essential. Prior exposure to topics related to FGM/C, harmful practices, or social norm change in the Asia-Pacific region is a strong asset. Familiarity with UN system operations, gender programming, or DFAT-funded projects is also desirable, along with previous experience with UNFPA. Strong drafting skills in English, with the ability to convey complex research into clear, concise text, are required, as well as excellent time management and organizational skills.
Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Public Health, Human Rights, International Relations, Gender Studies, Social Sciences, or a related area. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of FGM/C and the socio-political dynamics involved in advocacy and policy-making.
Experience:
The consultant should have substantial experience in research synthesis, advocacy, and policy development, particularly related to FGM, GBV, and harmful practices. Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder consultations and workshops is essential, as is familiarity with the Asia-Pacific region's context regarding FGM/C. Previous work with UN agencies or similar organizations is highly desirable, as it indicates an understanding of the operational environment and the challenges faced in implementing gender-based initiatives.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong written and oral communication skills. The ability to draft clear and concise documents is essential. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region may be considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
Additional Notes:
The consultancy will last for a total of 80 working days, commencing on September 28, 2026, and concluding on June 15, 202
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to addressing global challenges related to population and development, reproductive health, and gender equality. UNFPA's mission is articulated through its Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, which aims to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action from the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203
- The organization emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, ensuring effective external relations, communications, partnership-building, and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development landscape.
Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to translate the latest empirical data, research findings, and legal/policy analyses regarding Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in Asia into evidence-based advocacy messages and policy briefs. The consultant will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between evidence and action, supporting regional networks, civil society organizations (CSOs), youth leaders, and national stakeholders to advance evidence-based advocacy. The consultant will also assist UNFPA Country Offices in strengthening evidence-based narratives on FGM/C. The role is vital in addressing the high prevalence of FGM/C in South and Southeast Asia, where approximately 80 million girls and women have undergone the practice. The consultant will contribute to the regional programme "Breaking the Silence: Increasing Accountability on Addressing Female Genital Mutilation in South-East Asia" (2024–2028), which aims to strengthen regional accountability and generate robust evidence to support civil society movements and shift social and gender norms.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks, including:
- Developing a comprehensive mapping of CSOs in the region to identify their roles and contributions.
- Supporting the geo-visualization of this mapping to enhance the implementation of the Regional Accountability Framework (RAF).
- Operationalizing the RAF to monitor national and regional commitments toward eliminating harmful practices.
- Creating tools and tracking mechanisms for regional coalitions to monitor institutional commitments, human rights reporting, and legal compliance across focus countries.
- Coordinating the organization of at least four strategic dialogues, knowledge-exchange webinars, and peer-learning workshops for UNFPA country offices and partners.
- Reviewing and synthesizing recent regional research, national datasets, and thematic studies on FGM/C in Asia to disseminate findings widely.
- Drafting evidence-based advocacy briefs, technical notes, and policy messages tailored for key decision-makers and regional bodies.
- Supporting evidence-based advocacy by incorporating findings from existing research into presentations for various advocacy events.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Public Health, Human Rights, International Relations, Gender Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field. They should have experience in research synthesis, drafting policy briefs, factsheets, or technical reports. Experience in researching or advocating on FGM, GBV, and harmful practices is desirable. Demonstrated experience in coordinating meetings, workshops, networks, or multi-stakeholder consultations is essential. Prior exposure to topics related to FGM/C, harmful practices, or social norm change in the Asia-Pacific region is a strong asset. Familiarity with UN system operations, gender programming, or DFAT-funded projects is also desirable, along with previous experience with UNFPA. Strong drafting skills in English, with the ability to convey complex research into clear, concise text, are required, as well as excellent time management and organizational skills.
Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Public Health, Human Rights, International Relations, Gender Studies, Social Sciences, or a related area. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of FGM/C and the socio-political dynamics involved in advocacy and policy-making.
Experience:
The consultant should have substantial experience in research synthesis, advocacy, and policy development, particularly related to FGM, GBV, and harmful practices. Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder consultations and workshops is essential, as is familiarity with the Asia-Pacific region's context regarding FGM/C. Previous work with UN agencies or similar organizations is highly desirable, as it indicates an understanding of the operational environment and the challenges faced in implementing gender-based initiatives.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong written and oral communication skills. The ability to draft clear and concise documents is essential. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region may be considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
Additional Notes:
The consultancy will last for a total of 80 working days, commencing on September 28, 2026, and concluding on June 15, 202
- The consultant will work from home and will develop a monthly work plan in consultation with the GBV team. Payments will be made in installments based on the approval of deliverables by the GBV Technical Specialist at UNFPA Asia and the Pacific Regional Office. The expected deliverables include mapping of CSOs, tools for monitoring commitments, advocacy briefs, and reports from strategic dialogues and workshops. The work environment at UNFPA promotes gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.