Consultant to Develop A Programmatic Framework and Associated Resource Mobilization Strategy for UN Women programming for fragile states and conflict affected countries in East Africa

Contract

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Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women’s rights at the center of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action globally. UN Women uses its convening power to bring together different stakeholders and partners to address a wide range of dimensions of women’s empowerment in a holistic, coherent, and coordinated manner drawing on its own triple mandate which include normative, coordination and operation.

UN Women has presence in 13 countries (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa and Zimbabwe). The ESAR is home to countries that have experienced protracted conflict over the past two decades. At least two of the states in the region could be considered as being ‘in conflict’ (Somalia, South Sudan, -) while Sudan and Ethiopia suffer from intermittent conflict and others in fragile post conflict status (Burundi). The region also hosts many refugees and internally displaced people, the majority of whom are women and children. Other countries (Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe have been affected by humanitarian crises following natural disasters such as floods and typhoons. Food insecurity is a key concern due to prolonged drought across the region, exacerbated by locusts’ infestations especially in the Horn of Africa region.

These contextual challenges are now exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic, the impact of which is being experienced at every level- individual, household, community and society. Both women and men who already live-in poverty will face further hardship due to economic impacts of the national and global lockdowns. One of the most striking impacts of COVID-19 has been the increased violence against women in many countries thereby causing double pandemic for women. Like in many disaster settings, women’s health, livelihoods and bodily integrity are particularly at jeopardy during the Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. There are reports of increased domestic violence, harmful practices, including sexual harassment, denial of access to Gender Based Violence (GBV) and reproductive health services. Adding to this, because women already carry a disproportionate responsibility for the care of children, the sick and the elderly, the reduction in income has more far-reaching consequences. Women are heads of households in over 30% of all households in East and Southern Africa, varying from 25% in Zambia to 44% in Namibia. Unlike male headed households, female heads of households tend to rely on the single income of the head, are poorer, with higher levels of dependency and are generally more insecure. In addition, a large proportion of women in the labour force are in the informal economy and in precarious employment without savings. Economic shutdown is having a direct impact on women and their households.

As the global economic recession deepens, in many countries, indebtedness is growing alongside currency depreciation, with dramatic declines in the value of money and increases in costs of living. These factors are all expected to increase the likelihood of social unrest and disrupt essential services and access to income.

In the wake of above challenges and to address high incidents of sexual and gender-based violence joined by growing inequalities, specifically limited opportunities and participation of women in public life, politics, decision making and employment it is important to focus on Financing gender equality in fragile states and post conflict and humanitarian situations. Therefore, in order to fulfil UN Women’s mandate in low income and fragile countries in East Africa and secure the long-term sustainability of programmes in those countries, UN Women is seeking the services of a qualified consultant or consultants to strengthen its integrated programming guidance for UN Women’s work which takes account of the development-humanitarian-conflict nexus and to develop a comprehensive resource mobilisation strategy that will take into account the donor landscape, and outline a strategic approach to leveraging existing and new partnerships, as well as make recommendations on how to diversify our resource base.

The objective of the consultancy is to strengthen UN Women’s integrated programmatic approaches in low income, fragile and conflict affected countries in East Africa and to develop a ”Partnerships and Resource mobilisation strategy” and establish a clear overview of current and potential funding opportunities with special reference to Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Regional Director for UN Women East and Southern Africa (ESAR) and in close consultation with the Deputy Regional Director, the Partnership Adviser and UN Women Country Offices in Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan, Burundi if agreeable, the consultant will undertake the following:

Specific Tasks:

• Review of the current inception report outlining the proposed methodology for the assignment and highlighting some of the key information emerging from previous consultations with key UN Women personnel in the region and at Headquarters;
• Desk review of the current strategic note for the three country offices; work plans; national development plans, UN Strategic Cooperation Framework, CCA documents, project proposals, knowledge management products, other relevant documents and funding model to better understand the programmatic needs and help position the three Country Offices for resource mobilisation;
• Follow-up consultations/interview with Regional and Country Office leadership, Representatives of the three Country Offices, resource mobilization focal points, regional thematic leads, HQ team (strategic partnerships units and Women Peace and Security unit) to understand the vision, mission and focus areas of these offices; identify existing and planned programmatic approaches, funding gaps, funding windows and potential donors interested to support GEWE regionally and nationally in the three countries;
• Consultation with previous, current, and potential donors to assess their interest in supporting GEWE initiatives in the region and also understand their engagement with UN Women on gender equality issues in the region;
• Map donors’ strategic areas of interest, funding window, focal points and explore opportunities for partnerships from emerging donors working in low income and fragile countries;
• Develop a comprehensive database tailored to regional initiatives, fragile states, disaster-prone states and low-middle income states;
• Develop a Resource Mobilization Strategy for fragile states;
• Prepare a comprehensive and an integrated programmatic framework for UN Women’s work in low income fragile and/or conflict affected countries in East Africa drawing from the Strategic notes of the Country Offices (Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan);
• Recommend strategies to develop and maintain strategic partnerships and engagement with key donors and other UN entities (UNHCR, OCHA and WFP etc.) in the context of fragile states;
• Prepare a power point presentation and present to the RO and M/COs.

Deliverables and payment schedule:

Deliverables

Timelines

Payment Percentage

• Current inception report reviewed, and adjustments made if necessary.

1 days

30% upon submission of the report of the consultation / interviews

• Design and conduct the regional consultation and interviews on fragile countries;
• Review of humanitarian flash appeals and other funding strategies to identify trends and focus areas for donors;
• Preliminary report integrating the first analysis and recommendations of the desk review, as well as the discussions of the consultation workshop with the UN Women ESARO partners.

15 days

• A comprehensive programmatic framework and partnerships and resource mobilisation strategy that includes an overview of the situation, recommendations for an integrated programmatic framework across the triple nexus of development, humanitarian action and conflict; a critical analysis of past fundraising experience, explore future opportunities and strategies; explore and recommend multi-country resource mobilization opportunities.

10 days

40%

• An annex that maps donor interests- priorities, funding windows, typical funding amounts, focal points and points to clear actions that should be taken to mobilise resources and develop and maintain relationships with donors;
• The final document with all of its annexes
• Presentation of the document to all three countries.

4 days

30%

Competencies

Core Values:

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

Functional Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of gender equality, the UN system and resource mobilization form a diverse base of stakeholders;
• Understanding of the East and Southern Africa geopolitical context and donor landscape in the region;
• Demonstrated ability to research and in-depth analysis, producing clear reports with strategic recommendations;
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, ability to foster networks and partnerships;
• Ability to complete complex assignments in a timely manner and deliver quality results.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced Degree in the field of gender, Social Sciences, business administration, Economics, communication, or any closely related field with proven track record in resource mobilization, developing strategy documents, project design and business development.

Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience working in the development sector, preferably in programme design and management, programme evaluation and resource mobilization in the conflict context;
• Experience of UN system operations and development of strategy documents towards differentiated fundraising strategies in crisis especially towards gender equality;
• Experience working with different donors and developing partners especially for fragile states;
• Knowledge of policies and legal frameworks on gender equality and women empowerment;
• Knowledge of the East and Southern Africa typology and funding landscape.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.

UNWOMEN is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.