National Consultant - Social Norms and Climate Resilience

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading UN agency established to promote reproductive health and rights, and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where these goals are achieved, focusing on the empowerment of women and girls, and addressing issues such as gender-based violence and harmful practices. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce committed to gender equality and diversity. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's health and rights, and aims to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant for Social Norms and Climate Resilience involves leading the adaptation of the UNFPA Social Norms Change and Climate Resilience Training Manual specifically for the context of South Sudan. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of social norms that affect sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), particularly in relation to gender inequality, child marriage, and female genital mutilation (FGM). The consultant will conduct a literature review, engage with stakeholders, and integrate local knowledge to ensure that the training manual is relevant and effective in addressing the unique challenges faced by communities in South Sudan. The consultant will also be responsible for facilitating workshops, adapting frameworks to local contexts, and developing tools for monitoring and implementing social norms change interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including: conducting a desk review of existing social norms frameworks and relevant literature specific to South Sudan; mapping and engaging with stakeholders to identify key actors and influencers; facilitating participatory workshops to validate social norms and climate-induced drivers; adapting the Social Norms Change Framework to reflect local cultural values and gender dynamics; developing tools and guidelines for implementing and monitoring social norms change interventions; and preparing a final report that includes the adapted framework, tools, and recommendations for future actions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Social Sciences, Anthropology, Public Health, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least 7 years of experience in social norms change, behavior change, or related fields, with proven experience in fragile or conflict-affected settings, preferably in South Sudan or East Africa. Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, along with excellent analytical and writing abilities. Familiarity with gender and conflict-sensitive approaches is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in Social Sciences, Anthropology, Public Health, or a related field is mandatory for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of social norms and their impact on health and rights, particularly in a challenging context like South Sudan.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in social norms change, behavior change, or related fields. Experience in fragile or conflict-affected settings is highly desirable, particularly in South Sudan or East Africa, as this will provide the necessary context for understanding the challenges and opportunities in implementing social norms change initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the South Sudan context may be considered an asset, but English is the primary language required for communication and documentation.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is likely to be project-based, with a focus on delivering specific outcomes within a defined timeframe. The role may involve both remote and in-person engagements, depending on the evolving situation in South Sudan. UNFPA is committed to promoting diversity and encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The organization emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, and compensation.