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

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading organization in the field of reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population issues. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization focuses on improving the lives of women and girls, ensuring access to reproductive health services, and advocating for gender equality. UNFPA has a diverse workforce of thousands of employees and collaborates with various partners to implement programs that address population and development challenges.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant is critical for assessing the National Action Plan on Gender Equality (NAPGE) in Turkmenistan for the period 2021-202

• This consultancy aims to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the measures implemented under the NAPGE, which is a key policy document outlining the government's priorities for achieving gender equality. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive assessment that includes analyzing the legal framework, health care provisions, educational access, prevention of gender-based violence, economic empowerment of women, and institutional mechanisms supporting gender equality. The consultant will also document lessons learned and provide recommendations for future strategic planning in gender equality actions, particularly as the government prepares to develop a new NAPGE for 2026-2030.

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

• Developing an inception report that outlines the assessment process, methodology, and key focus areas.
• Conducting a desk review of relevant documents, including previous reports on gender equality and national development agendas.
• Collecting data through structured interviews with stakeholders during a mission to Turkmenistan.
• Analyzing findings and preparing a comprehensive report that includes recommendations for stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of the future NAPGE.
• Presenting the evaluation results and recommendations to the Working Group of the Interagency Commission on international obligations.
• Ensuring that the assessment covers the full implementation period of the NAPGE from January 2021 to May 2025, and addressing any limitations encountered during the assessment process.

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 related to gender equality. A deep understanding of gender equality issues, including legislation, international instruments, and national mechanisms, is essential. Experience working in Turkmenistan or Central Asia, along with knowledge of gender equality systems in the region, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNFPA's mandate and the ability to integrate diverse methodologies and approaches from various stakeholders is also required. Strong analytical and effective communication skills are crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master's degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the theoretical knowledge and analytical skills necessary to conduct a thorough assessment of the NAPGE and its implementation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in evaluating strategic planning documents and programs related to gender equality. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting assessments and evaluations in similar contexts, demonstrating their ability to analyze complex data and provide actionable recommendations.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Russian is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a total of 20 working days, from April 7, 2025, to June 15, 202

• The consultant will work primarily from home but will be required to travel to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, for a mission during the week of April 21-24, 202
• Travel costs will be covered according to UNFPA's Duty Travel Policy. The consultancy fee will be based on the P4 level of the UN Salary Scale for Professional and higher categories, effective January 1, 2023, and will be paid in a lump sum upon successful completion of all deliverables. UNFPA is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity within its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented groups.