INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY: Gender Expert in Project Formulation and Monitoring in BARMM

Background:

To accelerate achievement of the three transformative result, the UNFPA 9th Country Programme Development in the Philippines (2024-2028) integrates the reduction of maternal mortality, adolescent pregnancy, unmet need for family planning, and GBV, including child marriage, within its strategic pathways. It also aims at enhancing coherence and synergies with United Nations system-wide efforts as reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF 2024-2028).

As part of the 9th Country Programme (CP9), UNFPA is committed to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The region faces unique challenges and opportunities related to gender issues, requiring tailored approaches in project formulation to ensure inclusive and sustainable development. 

The Gender Expert will play a critical role in strengthening gender-transformative approaches within the ongoing CP9 portfolio, providing recommendations to accelerate the achievement of the 3 Zeros plus, and designing a bankable project document to scale up achievements in cooperation with other UN Agencies.

Objectives: 

UNFPA Philippines is seeking a qualified international consultant with expertise in gender and a strong understanding of the local context and UNFPA Philippines programs. The objective of the consultancy is to provide gender-transformative guidance for the implementation and monitoring of the ongoing CP9 portfolio in BARMM. Additionally, the consultant will lead the formulation and implementation of strategic pilot interventions in collaboration with other UN agencies and development partners, to improve livelihoods of local communities which will result in the formulation of a project document to be submitted to donors for funding.

Scope of work:

(Description of services, activities, or outputs)

The consultant will:

• Conduct a gender analysis to identify the current challenges faced by women and girls in BARMM, considering legislative, policy, service, social and economic dimensions.
• Following baselines and indicators established by CP9, review ongoing UNFPA programs in BARMM to track progress and impact and provide recommendations for adjustments to enhance gender outcomes related to the 3 Zeroes Plus in BARMM .
• Document best practices and lessons learned in gender mainstreaming and gender transformative approaches including the cooperation established with other UN Agencies (e.g. FAO, IOM, UN WOMEN, etc.) to improve income opportunities and access to SRH and GBV services for women and girls in BARMM.
• Develop new project proposals for BARMM, in cooperation with other relevant UN Agencies,  including objectives, outcomes, activities, and budgets, aimed at improving the livelihoods of local communities, developing opportunities for income generating activities for women, access to SRH, GBV and social services for women and girls.
• Engage with local stakeholders, including women’s groups, civil society organizations, and government agencies, to ensure their perspectives are included in project design.

Deliverables:

• Comprehensive gender analysis report specific to BARMM.
• Progress reports and recommendations on gender mainstreaming  and GTA in ongoing projects in BARMM.
• Project proposal to improve livelihoods for women and girls in BARMM developed.
• Final report summarizing gender integration in project formulation and implementation, including best practices and recommendations.

PHL09GSN-FPA90-TECHSUPPORT-PU0074 (25%)

PHL09SVC-FPA90-TECHSUPPORT-PU0074 (25%)

PHL09PPP-FPA90-TECHSUPPORT-PU0074 (25%)

PHL09RES-FPA90-TECHSUPPORT-PU0074 (25%)

The consultancy is expected to span a level of effort equivalent to 48 person-days spread over 6 months from 15 June - 15 December 2024.

Electronic copies of the reports will be required on the following due dates:

Reports to be reviewed by the Head of the Cotabato Sub-Office, GBV Officer and Regional GBV Team, the Assistant Representative, and approved by the UNFPA Country Representative

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Minimum of 10 years of international experience in gender mainstreaming, project formulation, and women’s empowerment. 
• Proven experience in developing and implementing gender strategies and conducting gender analysis.
• Strong understanding of gender issues in BARMM or similar contexts.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and local stakeholders

Languages:

• Fluency in English

Required Competencies:

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
• Embracing cultural diversity
• Embracing change

Core Competencies:

• Achieving results, Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Communicating for impact

Functional Competencies:

• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners
• Building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Facilitating quality programmatic results
• Job knowledge/technical expertise and
• Integration in a multidisciplinary environment