Individual Consultant to undertake an analysis on gender sensitive best practices in thecontext of Business and Human Rights in Sri Lanka and identify gender-based challenges

Contract

This is a National Consultant contract. More about National Consultant contracts.

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) envisages supporting the Government of Sri Lanka to promote the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rights in Sri Lanka. As part of its commitment, the UNDP Regional Hub is implementing the Business and Human Rights in Asia: Enabling Sustainable Economic Growth through the Protect, Respect and Remedy Framework.

While Business & Human Rights (B&HR) will be a new initiative undertaken by the UNDP Sri Lanka country office, through its flagship portfolio on SDG 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions 2019 – 2022, UNDP has expanded its programme of support by adopting an all- encompassing/holistic approach to its programme of support on Governance. The B & HR agenda that is premised on the notion of ‘responsible development’ lends itself well to the pursuit of the developmental priorities for the country by reiterating its commitment to being recognised as a compliance driven competitor in the global market.

One important aspect for both states and businesses to consider in upholding the UN Guiding Principles is the adoption of a gender perspective to its implementation. While it is widely documented that women and girls experience adverse impacts of business activities differently and often disproportionately, they also face additional barriers in seeking access to effective remedies. As noted in the recently published, Gender Dimensions of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, measures taken by States and business enterprises to implement the UNGPs must be gender responsive. While existing conventions, declarations and principles are essential and have provided the overarching framework and ideals that should govern corporate conduct, companies need to develop practices consistent with the standards to ensure that their behaviour improves respect for human rights. There is a need for systemic change to address the inequities that persist, especially by business enterprises. Despite the standards, abuses and discrimination against women continue, and much needs to be done to address women's issues to the fullest.

Against this backdrop, UNDP Sri Lanka is looking to hire a local consultant (IC) to undertake an analysis on gender sensitive best practices in the context of Business and Human Rights in Sri Lanka and identify gender-based challenges at structural level with specific focus on legal measures and from an individual perspective (including individual experiences).

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study is twofold. Firstly, to develop a compendium of gender sensitive best practices being rolled out by Sri Lankan businesses, which would present good practices led by businesses that are already implementing gender equality guidance standards (such as the adoption of gender equality strategies, anti-harassment in the workplace guidelines etc.).

Secondly, to identify gender-based challenges faced by women in the context of business operations. Under this objective, the study would highlight the corresponding human rights protections – or gaps in protection – within the jurisdiction of the different state actors (including relevant Ministries) and other actors as relevant.

Further, the study hopes to shed light on, whether Sri Lanka has the adequate legal and non-legal measures in place to protect against human rights abuses in the context of business operations, specifically faced by women and finally make recommendations on how other businesses or other industry sectors can further ensure gender responsive practices across their business operations.

Therefore, the main objective of the study is to contribute to the evolving policy dialogue on the role of B&HR from a gender equality lens, but also look at, how the human rights of women can be promoted and protected within the context of business activities and the responsibilities of businesses to respect and ensure gender equality through the application of internal standards such as due diligence.

For this purpose, UNDP is looking to hire a consultant to achieve the below objectives,

• Review the existing gender sensitive best practices by businesses in Sri Lanka in the context of Business and Human Rights and the UN Guiding Principles;
• Identify the structural challanges focusing on legal measures and challenges at individual level (including individual experiences) from a gender equality lens, that negatively impact the human rights of women in the context of business operations;
• Make recommendations on how businesses can adhere to gender equality standards in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights .

Duties and Responsibilities

Expected Outputs/Deliverables

1. Submission of inception report including a plan of activities with timeline and tools for the review;
2. Submission of first draft, capturing a compendium of best practices, challenges at structural level focusing largely on legal measures and at individual level (including individual experiences) and a set of recommendations;
3. A follow up validation meeting to discuss comments, incorporation of feedback and submission of final report.

TIMEFRAME

The envisaged timeframe of the consultancy is 2 months

Competencies

CONSULTANT PROFILE

The prospective consultant should have:

Technical Competencies

• A good understanding of business operations, gender equality related concepts and human rights in the Sri Lankan context;
• Strong background in research. Demonstrated knowledge of human rights issues, business & human rights and gender;
• Excellent writing, IT and communication skills;
• Strong analytical skills.

Partnerships

• Proven networking, team building, organizational and communications skills;
• Ability to engage effectively with relevant senior partners and other implementing agencies.

Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work;
• Positive & constructive attitude to work, effective problem solving, self-improvement, analysis and synthesis;
• Openness to change and ability to responds positively to feedback and differing points of view and integrates & updates accordingly; adaptability, creativity;
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards & maintains confidentiality;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, age sensitivity and adaptability.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master's degree or equivalent in Social Science (International Development studies, Economics, Gender/Women's studies, Sociology, Business Administration and/or a closely related discipline).

Experience:

• 7+ years of working and/or research experience relating to business and human rights and gender studies;
• In-depth expertise in designing, implementing and disseminating complex social research projects on gender issues;
• Experience working with the private sector on gender issues is an asset;
• Knowledge on collective bargaining and experience engaging with trade unions/ workers groups and employers federations is a asset;
• Expertise in international standards of gender equality and the empowerment of women, with demonstrated experience of researching on these subjects.

Language Proficiency:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org.

The application should contain:

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work;
• Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation and overall suitability to this TOR;
• Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combination of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer and brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP;
• Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the following e-mail address: consultants.lk@undp.org stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR (_______________________________________)

Or

All Inclusive Daily Fee: LKR (_____________________________________)

Amount in words: (Rs.___________________________________________________________)

Please refer the below link for Financial Proposal Template

https://popp.undp.org/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?sourcedoc=/UNDP_POPP_DOCUMENT_LIBRARY/Public/PSU_%20Individual%20Contract_Offerors%20Letter%20to%20UNDP%20Confirming%20Interest%20and%20Availability.docx&action=default

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is 65 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided. Such medical examination costs must be factored into the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

Payments will be based on milestones certified by the Team leader,

Payment Milestones will be as follows:

• Deliverable 1: Upon the acceptance and approval of the Inception Report by UNDP Business and Human Rights specialist – 30% of the payment by 2nd week

• Deliverable 2: Upon the acceptance and approval of the 1st Draft Report, as described under section C, by UNDP Business and Human Rights specialist – 50% of the payment by 3rd week

• Deliverable 3: Upon the acceptance and approval of the Final Report, as described under section C, by UNDP Business and Human Rights specialist – 20% of the payment by 7th week