International Consultant to Conduct Research on the Drivers of Harmful Social Norms on GBV

The main objective of the consultancy is to conduct research on the Drivers of Harmful Social Norms as part of strengthening the GBV Prevention efforts in the  Philippines and increasing service uptake.

The specific objectives are the following:

• Identify key drivers influencing harmful social norms related to gender-based violence (GBV) in the Philippines
• Map major players or influencers that drive and shape these norms
• Analyse the impact of harmful social norms on the prevalence of GBV in different communities.
• Provide recommendations to address harmful social norms for different stakeholders to contribute to robust GBV prevention strategies
• To offer technical support to UNFPA Philippines CO and its partners, delivering actionable insights to support the development and implementation of a National Action Plan to End VAW (NAPEVAW) in the Philippines, leveraging the comprehensive findings of the study.

Scope of work:

Brief Background and Rationale:

The UNFPA 9th Country Programme for the Philippines is committed to empowering women and girls, particularly those marginalized and left behind, along with decision-makers in selected provinces. The goal is to enhance their agency and capacity to address discriminatory gender and social norms. This includes promoting gender equality, enhancing women's decision-making abilities, and ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

As the leading advocate and coordinator for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), UNFPA Philippines has spearheaded numerous consultations. These dialogues involved a wide range of stakeholders, such as government bodies, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, international development partners, and other United Nations (UN) agencies. The primary objective of these consultations was to facilitate the development of a comprehensive National Strategy for Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The consultations sought to identify the challenges, gaps, priorities, and opportunities in addressing GBV. They aimed to foster a holistic approach, ensuring the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in championing efforts against Violence Against Women (VAW) in the Philippines. Through these collaborative efforts, UNFPA is working towards a more inclusive and effective strategy to combat GBV and promote gender equality in the country.

During consultations with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the serving Secretariat for the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC), it was highlighted that the Council, chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and co-chaired by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), is in the early stages of developing a National Action Plan on Ending Violence Against Women (NAPEVAW). Recognizing the importance of this initiative, UNFPA has decided to align its efforts with NAPEVAW, demonstrating full support for the government's efforts to address gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.

The previous National Strategic Plan on VAWC 2017-2022 outlined three key pillars: Primary Prevention, Response System, and Cross-Cutting Actions and Structures. Through consultations, it was revealed that Prevention has been the weakest pillar across all sectors. In response, UNFPA Philippines, in line with its 9th Country Programme, has taken proactive steps to address this gap. It has initiated a series of studies on GBV prevention to generate evidence that can inform NAPEVAW and enhance knowledge. These studies aim not only to inform NAP EVAW but also to enhance knowledge and provide a comprehensive baseline dataset for UNFPA CO Philippines. One of these studies focuses on the Drivers of Harmful Social Norms, seeking to identify key factors that sustain harmful gender and social norms. The insights from this study will be crucial in designing and implementing targeted prevention interventions that address the root causes of GBV in the Philippines with evidence-based strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities- Detailed Tasks:

A specialist GBV consultant (international consultant) is being sought to complete key tasks as set out in the scope of work detailed in the list below:

1. Conduct a comprehensive review of  relevant literature and studies on gender-based violence (GBV) in the Philippines, including a scanning of knowledge, attitudes, stakeholders and enabling environment (policies, guidelines) that drive certain behaviors/practices.
2. Lead the development of a detailed research methodology for understanding the drivers of harmful social norms, key actors that influence these norms and practices including the help seeking behaviour to services related to GBV, tailored to the cultural context and societal dynamics prevalent in the Philippines.
3. Lead the strategic planning and execution of data collection efforts, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies drawn from surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. This approach ensures a holistic comprehension of the GBV issue, empowering informed decision-making and targeted interventions.
4. Ensure a comprehensive stakeholders mapping to identify and analyze key influencers, including community-based organizations (CBOs), faith-based groups, media, men, and boys, who significantly impact and influence social norms related to GBV, especially in UNFPA target provinces. This includes mapping their roles, relationships, and influence within the community to understand their impact.
5. Identify key stakeholders and lead the consultations to gather insights and perspectives on GBV prevention and response, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
6. Produce a comprehensive research report that outlines the findings, conclusions, and recommendations based on the analysis of the data collected.
7. Lead the development of a streamlined and user-friendly version of the study for use as informational and communicative resource materials, ensuring that the content is presented in an easily understandable manner and serves as a practical reference for partners actively engaged in addressing GBV.
8. Provide technical support and guidance to UNFPA and its partners in implementing the recommendations from the research, facilitating the translation of findings into actionable strategies.

• Facilitating a national-level workshop for UNFPA Philippines CO and its relevant partners based on the study results, focusing on key concepts and findings to enhance their understanding and capacity to effectively outline interventions and advocacies to address the issues.

9. Ensuring that the research is conducted in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner, respecting the rights and dignity of all participants involved in the study, particularly men and boys who may be sharing sensitive information related to their experiences with GBV and gender norms. 

Work Schedule Arrangements:

The consultancy entails a commitment of 90 person-days spanning a 6-month timeframe, commencing promptly upon contract approval. This includes allocating 30 days for on-site visits in the Philippines during pivotal stages of the study, contingent upon the inception report submitted at the study's onset. The rest of the processes can be efficiently carried out via virtual means, facilitating a flexible home-based work environment.

The study will concentrate on UNFPA's designated target areas, encompassing eight provinces outlined in the 9th Country Programme.

The consultant will maintain close collaboration with key stakeholders, including the UNFPA CO Philippines Representative, Assistant Representative, Gender/GBV Programme Team, and the GBV Regional Advisor at the UNFPA Regional Office, alongside other essential partners.

The consultant will involve 90 person- days spread over a calendar period of 6 months, commencing immediately upon awarding of contract.

The consultant will be paid on a per deliverable basis following the schedule below:

Detailed Expected Outputs and Timeframe: (see Annex A)

1. The first payment of 30% will be made upon receipt and acceptance of the First Deliverable as per the table of deliverables (electronically);

2. The second payment of 40% will be made upon acceptance of the Second Deliverable as per the table of deliverables (electronically):

3. The remaining 30% will be made upon approval by the Representative and acceptance of the Third Deliverable as per the table of deliverables (electronically).

The study's scope will be centered on the eight provinces designated as target areas by UNFPA CO Philippines. Primary data collection within these provinces will be undertaken, employing a methodology that combines quantitative with qualitative approaches.

UNFPA Priority Areas:

BARMM

• Maguindanao Del Sur
• Maguindanao Del Norte
• Lanao Del Su

Region 8

• Samar
• Eastern Samar
• Southern Leyte

Region 7

• Cebu

Region 5

• Catanduanes

The consultant will primarily work remotely from home and deliver outputs to UNFPA Philippines CO. Travel for in-country missions will be conditional upon agreements and will align with country regulations and the mutually decided timeline.

UNFPA will cover travel expenses, including airfares, land transportation costs, daily subsistence allowances (DSAs), incidentals, etc., in addition to the consultancy fee.

The assignment will commence with home-based activities for orientation, conceptualization, planning, scheduling, and literature and desk review of relevant references. Following this, the subsequent two months will incorporate a 30-day visit to the Philippines, arranged based on the availability and preferred dates of both the consultant and UNFPA CO Philippines.

Immediate scheduling of specific dates for the 30-day visit is required at the project’s inception. The remaining 60 days of research work will be allocated according to the anticipated deliverables from the consultant.

UNFPA will cover travel expenses, including airfares, daily subsistence allowances (DSAs), incidentals, etc., in addition to the consultancy fee.

The UNFPA Country Representative will oversee the project's overall management, with day-to-day technical support provided by the Assistant Representative and the National Programme Officer on Gender/GBV. The consultant is expected to collaborate closely with the UNFPA Country Office for coordination purposes.

The Management and Programme Team will engage with the consultant regularly at different stages to:

1. Provide a comprehensive briefing on the assignment, its process, and expected deliverables;
2. Furnish key documents pertinent to the deliverables;
3. Introduce and facilitate the consultant's collaboration with key stakeholders and counterparts as necessary; and
4. Offer feedback and reach agreement on the subsequent steps of the assignment.

Education:

Advanced degree or equivalent in Gender Studies, Development Studies, Social Sciences or any other relevant field of study

Knowledge and  Experience:

• At least ten years of experience in working with gender-based violence programme development;
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative research – relevant experience in conducting research and / or producing situation analyses, in the areas of gender, and gender-based violence, and / or sexual and reproductive health;
• Demonstrated understanding of primary prevention of GBV including global and regional evidence and what effective strategies and interventions for GBV prevention focusing on behavioural change and drivers of harmful social norms;
• Prior global and regional experience in development of gender-based violence programmes, studies, and research, reports and strategies;
• Ability to develop strong partnership with the target population and other relevant partners and stakeholders in all levels;
• Familiarity or knowledge on the Philippines’ context and landscape on GBV is an asset. 
• Excellent oral and written English Language skills are required.  

The consultant will collaborate closely with the UNFPA Implementing Partner for this study, which will provide support in various capacities. This support may include assistance in mapping relevant national and local policies, conducting data collection in the target areas, providing local language translation services, mobilizing local partners for dialogues and consultations, and offering technical assistance throughout the study.

Furthermore, the UNFPA partner will manage logistics for the workshop to discuss the study results with key stakeholders. This includes arranging the venue, meals, accommodation, and covering participants' travel costs.

During the consultant's mission in the Philippines, UNFPA CO Philippines will furnish a desk and internet access for their use.

Additionally, UNFPA CO Philippines will supply pertinent reports, databases, research materials, and other relevant documents available to assist in the development of the study.