Individual Consultant for Gender-Based Violence Research

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Position Title: Individual Consultant for Gender-Based Violence Research
Location: Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga
Country: Tanzania
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, aligning its strategic plan with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 aims to end preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence, particularly in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. UNFPA seeks principled and ethical staff who can deliver high-impact results and manage resources effectively, embodying international norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The position involves conducting a qualitative study as part of the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) program, which focuses on unpaid care, disability, and gender transformation. The consultant will be responsible for identifying exposure and risk factors of gender-based violence (GBV) affecting women and girls with disabilities in Tanzania, particularly in Dar es Salaam and Shinyanga. The study aims to gather insights into the experiences of these individuals and the barriers they face in accessing support services. The consultant will develop a comprehensive report with evidence-informed recommendations to strengthen national care and support systems, ensuring they are inclusive and gender-sensitive. This role requires a deep understanding of the intersections between gender, disability, and care work, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders to validate findings and recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a qualitative study to identify exposure and risk factors for GBV affecting women and girls with disabilities related to unpaid care activities.
• Develop a policy brief with recommendations to strengthen the capacity of caregivers to address stigma and discrimination and prevent GBV.
• Assess the nature of care for persons with disabilities in Tanzania, focusing on unpaid care.
• Analyze the nature of GBV faced by women and girls with disabilities and identify risk factors and protective measures.
• Identify barriers to accessing support services for GBV survivors.
• Gather experiences and perceptions of women and girls with disabilities regarding GBV and available support services.
• Provide insights into the attitudes of caregivers towards GBV.
• Develop a comprehensive report and policy brief based on the findings of the study, including recommendations for national adoption.

Required Qualifications:

• At least 7 years of professional expertise in gender equality, gender-based violence, care work, and disability issues.
• Experience in leading qualitative research and designing appropriate methodologies.
• Proven track record in assessments related to the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
• Knowledge of human rights and protection, particularly regarding women and girls with disabilities.
• Experience in developing policy briefs to influence national laws and guidelines.
• Proficiency in Kiswahili and English is required.
• Familiarity with UNFPA’s style and experience in editing UN documents is an asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in social science, public health, gender/development studies, or a related area is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of gender-based violence, disability rights, and the socio-cultural factors influencing care work in Tanzania.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in areas related to gender equality, gender-based violence, and disability issues. This experience should include leading qualitative research projects and engaging with vulnerable populations to gather sensitive information. The consultant should also have a strong understanding of the legal and ethical frameworks surrounding human rights and protection for persons with disabilities.

Languages:
Proficiency in both Kiswahili and English is mandatory for this position. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is crucial for conducting interviews, engaging with stakeholders, and producing reports that are accessible to a diverse audience. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 70 working days, commencing in February 2025 and concluding by August 31, 202

• The consultant will work off-site but may be required to attend meetings virtually. Travel will be necessary for data collection in selected regions, including Dodoma, Shinyanga, and Dar es Salaam. The payment will be issued in three tranches based on the approval of deliverables by UNFPA. The consultant is responsible for providing all necessary equipment and software for the assignment. UNFPA will cover costs related to the engagement of organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and other necessary expenses for the validation meeting.