National Consultant for Violence Against Women in Politics Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment globally. The organization is dedicated to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between women and men. UN Women operates in multiple countries, providing leadership and support to member states in their efforts to promote women's rights and gender equality. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including civil society, to ensure that commitments to gender equality translate into action. UN Women focuses on women's leadership and political participation, recognizing the critical role women play in democratic processes and governance.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of an assessment on Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWP) in Liberia. This position involves coordinating and leading qualitative data collection across five counties outside Montserrado, as well as participating in data collection activities in Montserrado County. The consultant will work closely with the International Consultant and the UN Women Liberia Country Office to ensure the assessment is conducted effectively. The assessment aims to document and assess the experiences of women in politics and public life, focusing on elected women leaders, former candidates, and women in executive roles. The findings will provide critical data to inform institutional responses and policies in the next electoral cycle, contributing to a safer and more inclusive political environment for women in Liberia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will be responsible for several key tasks: 1) Supporting the overall coordination of the assessment by developing a detailed workplan and timeline, liaising with the International Consultant, and participating in coordination meetings. 2) Assisting in the design and execution of a desk review and qualitative data collection, including background research on legislative frameworks and collecting existing research on women's political participation. 3) Supporting qualitative data collection by developing a data collection plan, conducting in-depth interviews with various stakeholders, and organizing focus group discussions. 4) Preparing a comprehensive report and advocacy materials based on qualitative data analysis and findings from the assessment. 5) Engaging with national and local stakeholders to ensure their participation in the assessment and dissemination of findings. The consultant will also be responsible for documenting lessons learned and contributing to the development of advocacy materials.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or Ph.D.) in Political Science, Sociology, International Relations, Law, or a relevant field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in qualitative research related to women's political participation, violence against women, or gender equality in elections. Knowledge of international standards on human rights and women's rights, as well as experience engaging with multiple stakeholders, is essential. Strong analytical and report-writing skills are also required, along with the ability to work effectively in diverse cultural contexts.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s degree or Ph.D.) in fields such as Political Science, Sociology, International Relations, Law, or a related area. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of women's political participation and the legal frameworks surrounding gender equality.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in qualitative research, particularly in the areas of women's political participation, violence against women, or the integration of gender equality in electoral processes. Experience in conducting legal and policy reviews, as well as familiarity with the status of gender equality in Liberia, is highly desirable. Candidates should also have a proven track record of engaging with various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations, and international institutions.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Liberia is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the quality of data collection during the assessment.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based with travel required to selected counties within Liberia. The assignment is expected to take approximately 60 working days over a period of 5 months. Payment for the consultancy will be based on the achievement of deliverables, with specific percentages allocated to each deliverable. UN Women will facilitate travel arrangements and provide relevant background materials for the project. The consultant is required to participate in a UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security briefing and adhere to UN security rules. Additionally, a Statement of Good Health endorsed by a certified Medical Practitioner is required.