Consultant for Coordination and Cooperation Enhancement

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women (UNW) is an entity of the United Nations established in July 2010, with a mission to promote gender equality and empower women globally. It was formed as part of the UN reform agenda, merging the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates in numerous countries, including the State of Palestine, where it has been active since 1997 under the name UNIFEM. The organization works to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between genders in various sectors, including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women collaborates with Member States and civil society to ensure that commitments to gender equality translate into actionable results, leveraging its global network and policy expertise to support Member States in strengthening norms and standards for gender equality.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in enhancing the coordination and cooperation among service providers within the justice, security, and social sectors in Palestine. This position is designed to improve the quality of services provided to women survivors of violence. The consultant will be responsible for conducting an assessment of the challenges faced by these service providers, facilitating bilateral and multilateral consultation sessions, and supporting the establishment of an Advisory Committee to guide strategic coordination efforts. The consultant will report to the Sawasya III Rule of Law and Protection Specialist and will work closely with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Social Development and other relevant institutions. The overarching goal is to ensure that women victims of violence receive the necessary support and services through improved collaboration among service providers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities include developing an inception report that outlines the methodology, deliverables, and timeframe for the assignment. They will conduct an assessment report on the challenges facing coordination among service providers, facilitating seven sessions to discuss these challenges and gather input from stakeholders. The consultant will also develop a Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Advisory Committee and support its establishment. Additionally, the consultant will prepare narrative reports for each session, detailing the discussions, findings, and recommendations. A comprehensive final report will be required, summarizing the entire assignment, including the establishment of the Advisory Committee and any relevant observations. The consultant will need to ensure that all materials and resources for the sessions are prepared and that the sessions are structured to meet the specific objectives of the assignment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in Gender Studies, Law, Sociology, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of three years of professional experience in gender issues, violence against women, protection, women's rights, and access to justice is required. Experience in facilitating discussions among stakeholders, particularly in the justice, security, and social sectors, is essential. Previous experience with UN or international organizations is desirable, and applicants must submit a sample of a previously developed assessment report or policy document related to combating violence against women or women's access to justice as part of their application.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent in Gender Studies, Law, Sociology, or related fields is required for this position. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they must also have two additional years of qualifying experience to be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender issues and the legal frameworks surrounding women's rights and access to justice.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of professional working experience in fields related to gender, violence against women, protection, and women's rights. Candidates should have experience in facilitating discussions between various stakeholders, with at least one instance of working with justice, security, and social actors. Experience in policy-level or strategic planning interventions is desirable, as is familiarity with the justice, security, and social sectors. Previous work with UN or international organizations is also an asset, as it demonstrates an understanding of the global context of gender equality efforts.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders. A working knowledge of English is desirable, as it may be necessary for reporting and collaboration with international partners. Proficiency in both languages will enhance the consultant's ability to engage with a diverse range of participants and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based but requires field visits to partner institutions, including the Ministry of Social Development, Family and Juvenile Protection Department, Attorney General's Office, and others. The sessions will be held at locations agreed upon by the partners. The consultancy will have a series of deliverables with specific timelines, including an inception report, assessment reports, narrative reports for sessions, and a comprehensive final report. The consultant will need to demonstrate strong competencies in gender issues, effective communication, and stakeholder engagement, as well as the ability to manage time and meet tight deadlines.