National individual consultant to conduct an assessment of the National Action Plan on Gender Equality in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025 (NAPGE)

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) Turkmenistan Country Office. UNFPA is a leading UN agency that focuses on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, which aligns with the mission of the National Action Plan on Gender Equality in Turkmenistan.

Job Overview:
The National individual consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive assessment of the National Action Plan on Gender Equality (NAPGE) for the period of 2021-202

• This assessment aims to evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, impact, and sustainability of the initiatives outlined in the NAPGE. The consultant will work closely with the UNFPA Gender and Youth National Programme Analyst and will be expected to provide logistical and contextual support to the International Consultant. The assessment will involve a desk review of relevant documents, data collection through structured interviews, and analysis of findings to generate actionable recommendations for future gender equality initiatives in Turkmenistan. The consultant will also be responsible for preparing an inception report, conducting interviews, and presenting findings to stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Developing an inception report that includes background information, policies, and practices related to gender equality.
• Conducting a desk review of previous reports and current national development agendas.
• Collecting data through interviews with stakeholders during the specified period.
• Analyzing findings and contributing to the final report, which will include recommendations based on the assessment results.
• Presenting the findings to the Working Group of the Interagency Commission on international obligations.
• Reporting biweekly to the UNFPA Programme Analyst on progress, challenges, and support requirements.
• Ensuring that the assessment methodology is robust and includes structured interviews and data analysis.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a Master's degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field. They should have at least 7 years of proven experience in evaluating strategic planning documents, programs, and projects focused on gender equality. A profound understanding of gender equality issues, including legislation, international instruments, and national mechanisms, is essential. The candidate should also have prior experience in the Central Asia region and familiarity with UNFPA's mandate. Strong analytical and communication skills are required, along with the ability to integrate diverse methodologies and approaches from various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold at least a Master's degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender equality and the socio-political context of Turkmenistan. The degree should provide a solid foundation in gender analysis, social research methods, and policy evaluation, which are essential for conducting the assessment effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in conducting evaluations and analyses, particularly in the field of gender equality. Candidates should have a track record of working on similar assessments or evaluations, demonstrating their ability to analyze strategic planning documents and provide actionable recommendations. Experience in the Central Asia region and familiarity with the local context will be considered an advantage, as it will enhance the consultant's understanding of the challenges and opportunities in implementing gender equality initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in Russian is mandatory, as the final report and presentations will be conducted in this language. Knowledge of Turkmen and English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to gather and analyze data effectively.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 20 working days, from April 10, 2025, to May 10, 202

• The work will be home-based, with no travel required. The consultancy fee will be calculated based on the NO-D level of the UN Salary Scale for National Officer categories, effective November 1, 2020, and will be paid in a lump sum upon successful completion of all deliverables. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented groups.