Consultant to assess Somalia’s Gender Equality Policy and develop a National Strategy on Equality between Men and Women
Assess Somalia's gender equality policy and develop a national strategy.
Overview
Assess Somalia's gender equality policy and develop a national strategy.
You have:
- A Master's degree in Development Studies, Human Rights, Social Work, or Women's/Gender Studies is required.
- A minimum of 5 years' experience working on human rights, gender equality and/or gender-based violence, preferably in Somalia is desirable.
- Familiarity with the dynamics of gender-based violence and survivor-centered service provision, preferably in Somalia is required.
- Fluency in written and spoken English and Somali is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.
- An ability to deliver quality products in a timely manner and an ability to meet deadlines.
- Excellent drafting, reporting and presentation skills, as well as communication skills.
Result of Service The primary objectives of the consultancy are to: 1) gather data to assess Somalia's gender equality policy, including conducting a review of available policies, strategies, legislation (including customary law) and United Nations policies or frameworks, impacting the provision of gender quality and women empowerment, 2) conduct interviews with relevant stakeholders and 3) present the findings in a desk review and a formal evaluation of the initial gender equality policy. Based on the desk review and evaluation, the Consultant will then work with ESCWA and the Task Force at the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development to develop a National Strategy on Equality between Men and Women in Somalia. The Consultant will then facilitate a national consultation with relevant stakeholders to validate the Strategy.
Work Location Somalia
Expected duration The duration of this consultancy is a maximum of 3 months from the Effective Date of signature of the Contract and shall not exceed the 31st of December 2022.
Duties and Responsibilities Somalia has endured several challenging decades in recent history, including a civil war, conflict with non-State actors, humanitarian crises, and massive displacement. In light of these challenges, since 2012, the Government of Somalia has worked to establish a stable, effective and democratic structure of government and has worked at the social, economic and political levels to address inequalities. This includes ensuring gender equality and women's empowerment at the de jure and de facto levels. Somalia's Provisional Constitution of 2012 outlines the inclusion of women in government and national institutions as a founding principle. Furthermore, the Constitution elaborates on gender equality, the realization of social, economic and political rights, and confirms protection from gender-based violence. The Family Law of 1975 provides equal rights to women and men regarding marriage, divorce, and inheritance of property and restricted polygamy, while setting the age of marriage at 18 years; however, the law is rarely enforced. A Somalia Women's Charter was drafted in 2019, calling for equality, equity and non-discrimination in the public and private spheres, including 50 per cent participation in all sectors of public life. Since 2016, 24 per cent of parliamentary seats have been held by women. Somalia has ratified a majority of the core United Nations human rights treaties but has yet to ratify CEDAW or draft a National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. In light of these advances and challenges, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is supporting the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development in Somalia to take more concrete steps towards institutionalizing gender equality and women's empowerment at the policy level. Thus, ESCWA is looking to recruit a Consultant to assess Somalia's current gender equality policy and develop a National Strategy on Equality between Men and Women.
Qualifications/special skills Skills: An ability to deliver quality products in a timely manner and an ability to meet deadlines. Excellent drafting, reporting and presentation skills, as well as communication skills. Academic Qualifications: A Master's degree in the fields of Development Studies, Human Rights, Social Work or Women's/Gender Studies is required. A minimum of 5 years' experience working on human rights, gender equality and/or gender-based violence, preferably in Somalia is desirable. Experience: A minimum of 5 years' experience working on human rights, gender equality and/or gender-based violence, preferably in Somalia. Familiarity with the dynamics of gender-based violence and survivor-centered service provision, preferably in Somalia is required. Language: Fluency in written and spoken English and Somali is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.
No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience with gender equality initiatives in conflict-affected regions? | This question assesses your practical knowledge and adaptability in challenging environments. | Discuss specific initiatives you've worked on, emphasizing your role and the outcomes. |
| Explain how you would approach gathering data on gender equality policies in Somalia. | The interviewer wants to evaluate your understanding of research methodologies in complex environments. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What challenges do you anticipate in developing a National Strategy on Equality between Men and Women? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience facilitating consultations with diverse stakeholders. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure that the voices of marginalized women are included in policy development? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |