Gender Specialist Consultant

Background: -

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has devastated women, men, and children, particularly girls, who are among the most vulnerable in conflict situations. This has resulted in significant population migration to neighboring countries, including South Sudan. Despite the apparent subsiding of the conflict and the implementation of recovery plans, women and girls continue to face numerous challenges. They have limited access to necessities such as food, water, medical care (including immunization and reproductive health services), and protection from violence and abuse.

Gender-related barriers and gender inequality have increased the vulnerability of young and old individuals to vaccination. These barriers are driven by low education levels, power imbalances, gender norms, limited access to quality services, and a high prevalence of gender-based violence. Additionally, religious beliefs, harmful practices, and limited decision-making autonomy among women at the household and community levels contribute to low demand for childhood immunization services.

Addressing these gender-related barriers is crucial to creating a healthier, safer, and more prosperous world, especially in South Sudan. Gender equality aligns with the IA2030 strategic priorities, and it is essential to realize SDG 5.

TORs & Deliverables: -

Under the guidance and leadership of the WHO Communicable Disease cluster lead and the focal person for EPI, the officer is expected to work closely with the Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF, IO, HPF, and NGOs partners to execute the following activities:

1. Conduct a rapid and time sensitive Gender Assessment that will inform the development of effective interventions for increasing immunization for under 5 children. The analysis will help with getting a deeper understanding in the different gender barriers, how they are compounded by other barriers as a result of additional social factors (such as socioeconomic status, religion, disability, and the rural/urban divide) and the levels on which they operate to impact immunization.
2. Develop gender-responsive tools to support communities in building their knowledge and awareness (agency) to act for that will support GAVI's effective immunization programs and increase coverage for children under 5 with an immediate focus on the ongoing crisis.
3. Participate in Technical review meetings to share lessons learnt.
4. Develop partners capacity to understand issues related to gender as it relates to immunization.
5. Submit a written report on the assignment before departure.

Deliverables

1. Adaptation of GESI tools into the health and immunization programmes for ongoing work in South Sudan.

2. Lessons documented and shared widely.

Educational Qualifications

Essential: An advanced university degree (master's level or above) in public health, management, public administration, policy analysis, or a related field from an accredited/recognized institute.

Desirable: Medical degree from a recognized University.

Experience

Essential:

§ At least seven years of professional work experience at national and international levels in conducting Gender Audits and Assessments for Country programmes to support the implementation of country programmes on health, education, livelihoods, and economic development projects and programmes.

§ Demonstrated international experience in developing and supporting the implementation of gender and advocacy programmes in similar settings

Desirable:

§ Experience in planning and facilitating training at national and state levels.

Skills/Knowledge

§ Ability to work closely with national and international actors with tight deadlines.

§ Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships with national and field staff.

§ Good computer skills, including spreadsheets and databases to monitor key campaign indicators.

Languages and level required.

Essential: Excellent knowledge of English. Working knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

Additional Information (For HR use only):

· This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
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• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at [email protected].
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