National Consultant - Baseline Study of the Spotlight Initiative

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, 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 committed to achieving three transformative results by 2030: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and calls for collaboration among UN Member States, organizations, and individuals to build forward better.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to conduct a baseline study that will establish the current status on key indicators of the Joint Programme’s desired medium and long-term goals as outlined in the Programme Project Results Framework. This baseline study will serve as a benchmark for assessing the changes brought about by the project interventions in relation to specific targets on indicators. It is the first step towards a comprehensive programme evaluation, which will include an endline study at the conclusion of the programme. The study will generate qualitative and quantitative data to inform management decisions and contribute to the broader Monitoring and Evaluation Results Framework of the Joint Programme. The consultant will be responsible for developing a methodological plan that includes various data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, ensuring a participatory approach that involves stakeholders and communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive baseline study across five intervention districts in Zambia. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing a detailed methodological plan for the baseline study, including data collection instruments and a work plan.
• Conducting qualitative and quantitative data collection through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys.
• Analyzing data to determine the baseline values for outcome and output indicators as per the project results matrix.
• Mapping existing Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) activities by various actors to prevent duplication and optimize resources.
• Facilitating workshops to present preliminary findings to the Technical Reference Group (TRG) and incorporating feedback into the final report.
• Producing a final baseline scoping report that includes technical and thematic inputs from all agencies involved.
• Ensuring that data collection is ethical, survivor-centered, and respects confidentiality and consent.
• Conducting a final validation workshop to cross-check data accuracy with stakeholders and communities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in development studies, gender, conflict prevention, peace building, law, human rights, or a related field. They should have demonstrated skills and experience in quantitative and qualitative field research, report writing, and a strong understanding of Monitoring and Evaluation principles. Proficiency in statistical software packages such as SPSS, STATA, or SAS Enterprise is required. Familiarity with GBV issues in the Southern Africa region, particularly Zambia, is essential. Candidates should also have strong conceptual and analytical abilities, as well as awareness of the political and social sensitivities surrounding sexual and reproductive health services.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as development studies, gender studies, social sciences, statistics, or public policy is required. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis, particularly in relation to gender issues and human rights.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in conducting research, particularly in the areas of gender equality, women's empowerment, and violence against women. Experience in multi-agency research and familiarity with the Southern Africa context, especially Zambia, is highly desirable. Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including government, civil society, and international organizations, is essential.

Languages:
Full working proficiency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the intervention districts would be an advantage, as it would facilitate communication with community members and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be completed within 45 working days, scheduled between April and May 202

• The consultant will be required to travel to the target districts for data collection and stakeholder consultations. All reports and deliverables will be submitted in soft copy, and the consultant will work closely with UNFPA's M&E team throughout the study design and implementation process. The position encourages applications from women, individuals from minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.