Consultancy - Support coordination of IASC expert panel on SEAH investigation

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Duration: 80 days, part time from March to Dec 2023

Location: Remote, supporting the UNFPA office in New York. Some travel may be required.

Job Purpose:

In May 2022, the IASC endorsed a five-year Vision and Strategy on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (PSEAH). Building upon the recommendations of the 2021 IASC External Review of PSEAH, the Strategy sets out three prioritized strategic commitments, including a commitment to enhance accountability of perpetrators and to victims through a victim-centred, trauma-informed, age-appropriate approach to investigations.

To realize its commitment to enhance capacity, harmonization of standards to best practice, and collective accountability, the IASC mandated research and consultations, led by a senior Panel of Experts to consider whether the current standards, policies and practices governing investigations are congruent with the IASC VSCA; and to make recommendations for ensuring a victim-centered, trauma-informed, effective and efficient approach to SEAH investigations with a focus on building trust of victims, communities, staff and partners.

The expert Panel comprises four senior analysts and a Chair. The Panel will be supported by an Advisory Group chaired by the United Nations Office for Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) and composed of representatives of the Deputies Group comprising both IASC members and standing invitees. The Panel will meet regularly with the Advisory Group to discuss progress and determine how to overcome any barriers encountered.

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the activities of the Panel, including to carry out the Secretariat functions required and to coordinate the Panel’s engagement with stakeholders consulted, with the IASC PSEA Secretariat and with the Advisory Group.

Scope of Work:

UNFPA is seeking to engage a part-time consultant (80 days maximum over 11 months) to support activities of the Panel of Expert. Tasks will include but not be limited to:

• Supporting the development and monitoring the Panel’s work plan.
• Facilitating access to data, information and stakeholders consulted in the research phase.
• Maintaining a repository of documents and records.
• Preparing the meetings of the Panel and meetings with the Advisory Group.
• Supporting the drafting of the Panel’s draft and final reports.

This consultancy will be performed at a remote workplace and will require the consultant to provide adequate equipment including computer, communications technology and internet access. Travel may also be undertaken as required.

All work products, both electronic and hard copy, produced by the consultant as a result of this engagement are owned by UNFPA and shall be submitted to the PSEAH Coordinator as per agreed upon deadlines.

Ongoing monitoring of the work will be conducted by the PSEAH Coordinator. Regular updates in writing will be expected as agreed upon.

Requirements:

Education

Advanced university degree in one of the following disciplines: Law, Education, Public Health, Sociology, Social Anthropology, Economics, Demography, Gender (including GBV), International Development, Public Administration, Business Management or related field.

Experience

A minimum of five years, increasingly responsible, relevant professional experience

• Previous relevant experience in the UN or humanitarian context highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Previous experience in investigations and fact-finding activities desirable;
• Knowledge of UN policies, procedures and jurisprudence relevant to administrative investigations desirable.
• Fluency in English is required, working knowledge of other UN official languages desired

Additional information:

If travel services are required, they will be procured directly by UNFPA according to the UNFPA applicable travel policy for consultants. DSA (Daily Subsistence Allowance) and terminal fees will be reimbursed using the prevailing UNFPA Duty Travel Policy terms and rates. Travel time is not considered working time; hence, no concepts other than DSA will be paid for the consultant’s travel time.

Disclaimer: UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fees in connection with the application on recruitment process. Fraudulent notices, letters or offers may be submitted to the UNFPA fraud hotline http://www.unfpa.org/help/hotline.cfm.

How to apply: Please send your application and a short letter of motivation with "Consultancy - Coordination of IASC expert panel on SEAH" in the subject to Thymee Ndour <ndour@unfpa.org> with copy to Sowei Smith <sosmith@unfpa.org> by application deadline.