International Consultant to Support and Coordinate the Implementation of the National Study on Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWP) in the Arab States Region

Consultant Human Rights

Contract

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Background

Grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, UN Women 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 throughout the world. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States' priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society, national machinery for women, and other relevant actors.

UN Women’s definition of Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWP) is:

“Violence against women in political life is an act of, or threat of, gender-based violence, resulting in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering to women, that prevents them from exercising and realizing their political rights, whether in public or private spaces, including the right to vote and hold public office, to vote in secret and to freely campaign, to associate and assemble, and to enjoy the freedom of opinion and expression. Such violence can be perpetrated by a family member, community member, and or by the State...”

VAWP is a global phenomenon that falls between the gap between gender-based violence and political violence. Challenges women survivors of gender-based violence experience are further exacerbated in a political environment, for example, evidence confirms high levels of underreporting of attacks because of social stigma and discrimination. In an election environment, women face additional hurdles to report. This in turn has a direct impact on the availability of administrative data, particularly regarding VAWP data.

Types of VAWP range from psychological, sexual, and physical, and, more recently, cyber acts of violence. Assassinations, physical violence, including rape and sexual harassment, sexist remarks, verbal abuse, and threats of reprisal are used as tools to intimidate, humiliate, and, worse, put an end to a woman’s political career.

This evidence is consistent with earlier studies on VAWP across the globe, with regards to forms of violence experienced, context/location of where the violence takes place, reporting (or lack of) of violent acts, and consequences of VAWP, as well as the critical need, to further strengthen the evidence base on VAWP.

The 2016 IPU issue brief on “Sexism, harassment, and violence against women parliamentarians” reveals the prevalence of violence against women parliamentarians: 81.8% of the respondents from all countries and regions reported having been victims of psychological violence. A similar study by the Network of Arab Women Parliamentarians for Equality (Ra’Edat) on the scale of violence against women parliamentarians in the Arab region found that 79.6% were exposed to one or more forms of violence. 32% reported experiencing harassment on the Internet or social media.

The Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, its causes and consequences, Dubravka Šimonovic reported that “women in politics are regularly victims of cyber violence and violence facilitated by information and communications technology (ICT). They receive cyber threats, generally of a misogynistic nature and often sexualized. Ultimately, cyber violence against women in politics is a direct attack on the full participation of women in political and public life and their enjoyment of their human rights. The extent to which such cyber violence is used by State and non-State actors to spread disinformation aimed at discouraging women from participating in politics, swaying popular support away from politically-active women, and influencing how men and women view particular issues has yet to be fully understood.”

The growing reach of the Internet, the rapid spread of mobile information and communications technologies (ICTs), and the wide diffusion of social media have presented new opportunities and enabled various efforts to Address Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). However, they are also being used as tools to inflict harm on women and girls and to perpetuate VAWG. Cyber and ICT facilitated -VAWG is emerging as a global problem with serious implications for societies and economies around the world. Women in politics, including parliamentarians, are particularly targeted by ICT- facilitated violence.

Cyber violence against women refers to any act of gender-based violence against women that is committed, assisted, or aggravated in part or fully by the use of ICT, such as mobile phones and smartphones, the Internet, social media platforms, or email, against a woman because she is a woman, or affects women disproportionately. While there is still a lack of comprehensive definition and data on cyber and ICT facilitated violence, research suggests that women are both disproportionately targeted and suffer serious consequences as a result. When women and girls do have access to the Internet, they face cyber violence more often than men through a continuum of multiple, recurring, and interrelated forms of gender-based violence.

In the Arab States, very limited data is available on the prevalence of cyber and ICT facilitated violence. A recent survey conducted in Morocco highlighted that 14% of women have been exposed to cyber violence. Anecdotal data from Tunisia confirms similar trends. Moreover, some groups of women in the region, including human rights defenders, women in politics, journalists, bloggers find themselves targeted by ICT-facilitated violence. With the spread of violent extremist ideas in some countries of the region and shrinking space for civil society and women’s rights, violence towards women leaders and activists has increased: In Libya for instance, gender-specific threats and violent language directed at women cyber constitute a form of violence against women that seeks to silence women in cyber fora.

The Lebanon study 2018: Experience of Women Candidates to 2018 Parliamentary Elections revealed that 16% of female MPs experienced cyber sexual harassment. A recent study conducted by UN Women ROAS to document the impact of COVID-19 on women and girls in 9 countries in the region highlighted that cyber violence was the highest reported form of violence by respondents who witnessed or know a woman who was subjected to violence during the lockdown. The same trend was noted by civil society organizations in the region as they pointed out an increase in cyber-violence against women. The Gender Justice regional dashboard that monitors the status of gender-responsive legislation in the region (https://arabstates.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2018/12/gender-justice-and-the-law-in-the-arab-region) will be expanded to include a focus on cyber violence.

International and national laws and trans-national collaborative alliances are slowly evolving to address common global concerns of VAWP. There is however a consensus around the lack of comprehensive global definition and data on cyber and ICT-facilitated violence.

The objective of the Assignment:

The main objectives of this study are to:

• Collect qualitative and quantitative data on VAWP, including on cyber-VAWP, in Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, and Palestine, to understand the magnitude of VAWP, risk and protective factors, help-seeking behavior, and consequences it may have on women’s political participation and leadership;
• To provide a regional model and tool for measuring and monitoring VAWP which can be modified to apply at a country level as required, and contribute to the positioning of UN Women as a key thought leader in the area of VAWP;
• Undertake a study on VAWP in Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, and Palestine to identify existing or potential protection and response mechanisms developed by private and/or institutional actors; Identify efforts, lessons learned, challenges in efforts to address VAWP, and particularly ICT facilitated-VAWP;
• Generate programming recommendations in light of the study findings.

Duties and Responsibilities

The International Consultant will work under the supervision of the UN Women Regional Policy Adviser on Women’s Political Participation and will work closely with UN Women HQ. The International Consultant will provide the technical support and coordination required to implement the Study on Violence Against Women in Politics in the Arab States Region.

To achieve this objective, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

Task 1: Support overall coordination and implementation of all components of the Study on Violence Against Women in Politics in the Arab States Region

• Develop a detailed work plan and the timeline for the implementation of the study in close coordination with UN Women ROAS together with relevant country offices and HQ;
• Lead and oversee the implementation of the work plan of the study in close coordination with UN Women ROAS together with relevant country offices and HQ., and resource agency/persons;
• Liaise with resource agency/persons and additional support persons to ensure the timely implementation of the different components of the study;
• Review and provide quality control of deliverables submitted by resource agencies/persons;
• Provide regular updates and coordinate the meetings of the Technical Team which comprises of UN Women ROAS together with relevant country offices and HQ.

Deliverables of the International Consultant under Task 1:

• Detailed work plan and the timeline for the study;
• Minutes of Technical Team meetings;
• Minutes of resource agency/person meetings;
• Substantive inputs to deliverables submitted by resource agency persons.

Task 2: Provide technical and advisory support to the research agency/persons leading the qualitative components of the study

Development of qualitative data collection tools

• Provide substantive inputs to the sampling framework and development of the qualitative data collection tools – including a questionnaire and interviewer’s manual – building on relevant existing methods of data collection on VAW and VAWP and preliminary qualitative research undertaken as part of this study;
• Design and facilitate select sessions (i.e. GEWE concepts and concerns, and research ethics and confidentiality) of the pilot training for enumerators and supervisors responsible for the administration of the qualitative survey, in close coordination with the lead research agency/persons. The pilot training will build on WHO and UNSD guidelines on research ethics.

Qualitative data collection:

• Provide substantive inputs to the sampling frame and the quantitative data collection plan;
• Design and facilitate select sessions of the main training (building on the pilot training above) for enumerators and supervisors responsible for the administration of the survey, in close coordination with the lead research agency/persons;
• Provide substantive inputs to the final survey report of the research agency/persons;
• Provide substantive inputs to the report on lessons learned from the field.

Deliverables of the International Consultant under Task 2:

• Substantive inputs to the qualitative data collection tools, including questionnaire, interviewer’s manual, testing strategy, pilot training, and pilot survey, and sampling design;
• Substantive inputs to the qualitative data collection plan, training, final survey report, and report on lessons learned;
• Facilitator’s notes for the pilot and main training for enumerators and field supervisors.

Task 3: Provide technical and advisory support to the research agency/persons leading the quantitative components of the study

Development of quantitative data collection tools

• Provide substantive inputs to the sampling framework and development of the quantitative data collection tools – including a questionnaire and interviewer’s manual – building on relevant existing methods of data collection on VAW and VAWP and preliminary qualitative research undertaken as part of this study;
• Provide substantive inputs to the development of a testing strategy, including pilot training and pilot survey, for the quantitative data collection tools;
• Design and facilitate select sessions (i.e. GEWE concepts and concerns, and research ethics and confidentiality) of the pilot training for enumerators and supervisors responsible for the administration of the quantitative survey, in close coordination with the lead research agency/persons. The pilot training will build on WHO and UNSD guidelines on research ethics.

Quantitative data collection

• Provide substantive inputs to the sampling frame and the quantitative data collection plan;
• Design and facilitate select sessions of the main training (building on the pilot training above) for enumerators and supervisors responsible for the administration of the survey, in close coordination with the lead research agency/persons;
• Provide substantive inputs to the final survey report of the research agency/persons;
• Provide substantive inputs to the report on lessons learned from the field.

Deliverables of the International Consultant under Task 3:

• Substantive inputs to the quantitative data collection tools, including questionnaire, interviewer’s manual, testing strategy, pilot training, and pilot survey, and sampling design;
• Substantive inputs to the quantitative data collection plan, training, final survey report, and report on lessons learned;
• Facilitator’s notes for the pilot and main training for enumerators and field supervisors.

Task 4: Preparation of a comprehensive report and advocacy materials:

• Review qualitative data analysis;
• Develop a comprehensive final report integrating evidence from qualitative and quantitative data collection and the review of legislative and policy framework, and highlighting short- and long-term entry points, opportunities, and priority actions for key state and non-state actors (parliament, electoral management bodies, political parties, legislative bodies, local administrations, traditional and religious leaders, elected women representatives, civil society and the women’s movement, representatives of social media companies, and UN Women and other UN agencies), to better monitor, prevent and respond to VAWP;
• Development of advocacy materials including one main advocacy brief (4-6 pages) and seven short thematic, geographic, and/or demographic briefs (2 pages each), based on the comprehensive report and data collected;
• Liaise with a translator/translation company for the translation of the comprehensive report or its executive summary and/or advocacy materials into Arabic and French, including quality assurance;
• Document knowledge generated from the whole initiative, specifically on its progress, design, and management together with the Technical Team. Communications materials, including human interest stories and/or articles on good practices, may be considered to support knowledge management of the project.

Deliverables of the International Consultant under Task 4:

• Detailed outline for the final report, including preliminary findings, key messages, and recommendations;
• Comprehensive final report (50-70 pages) integrating evidence from qualitative and quantitative data collection and the review of legislative and policy framework;
• Advocacy materials including one main advocacy brief and seven short thematic, geographic, and/or demographic briefs;
• Substantive inputs to the Arabic and French versions of the final report or its executive summary and/or advocacy materials;
• Communications materials including at least two human interest stories and/or articles on good practices;
• Substantive inputs to lessons learned documentation.

Task 5: Liaise with regional and national stakeholders and experts to ensure their buy-in and participation in the implementation of the study and dissemination of its findings

Coordinates the Reference Group composed of regional and national stakeholders relevant to acting on violence against women in politics

• Substantive inputs to the TORs for a Reference Group, composed of regional and national stakeholders relevant to acting on violence against women in politics. The Reference Group will be established at the beginning of the project to ensure that the process and results of the study are relevant to and owned by those who will be responsible for implementing the recommendations of the study;
• Coordinate and facilitate the meetings of the Reference Group. At least two Reference Group meetings (at the beginning and the end of the project) are envisioned;

Launching of the report;

• Coordinate the organization of national and provincial (Provinces 2, 3, and 7) workshops with relevant stakeholders and experts, including elected women representatives and members of vulnerable and excluded groups to launch the report and share its findings and recommendations;
• Develop a dissemination plan for the dissemination of the final report and advocacy materials.

Deliverables of the International Consultant under Task 5:

• Substantive inputs to the TORs of the Reference Group;
• Meeting summaries of the Reference Group meetings;
• Meeting summaries of national and provincial workshops;
• Dissemination plan for the dissemination of final report and advocacy materials.

It is anticipated the assignment will take up to 125 working days over a period of 8.5 months.

Deliverables

Timelines

Deliverable 1: Detailed Workplan and timeline; Inception report comprising of a proposed methodology and tools for the preliminary qualitative research, initial literature review, and draft outline for the comprehensive final report

15 days

By 31 December 2020

Deliverable 2: Mapping of existing quantitative and qualitative approaches in collecting data on VAW and VAWP in the context of the Arab States region; Review of current legislative and policy frameworks in the Arab States region

25 days

Mid-February 2021

Deliverable 3: Summary report of information gathered in preliminary qualitative research;

10 days

Mid-March 2021

Deliverable 4: Summary report of information gathered in the quantitative data collection

20 days

Early May 2021

Deliverable 5: Summary report of information gathered in the main qualitative data collection

20 days

Early June 2021

Deliverable 6: Comprehensive final report and advocacy materials; dissemination plan

20 days

Early July 2021

Deliverable 7: Meeting summaries of regional and national virtual workshops; Communications materials and substantive inputs to lessons learned documentation

15 days

31 August 2021

TOTAL DAYS

125

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.

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies: https://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/about%20us/employment/un-women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf?la=en&vs=637

Functional Competencies:

• Sound practical knowledge on women’s political participation and EVAW programming including on prevention and mitigation of violence against women in elections/politics;
• Previous experience in field-based women’s political participation/EVAW programming in a variety of cultural and political contexts, particularly in developing countries, is an asset;
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with people from varied cultures and professional backgrounds, demonstrating excellent interpersonal communication skills;
• Results based management skills;
• Ability to produce well-written reports and/or programme documents demonstrating analytical ability;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Experience in working with UN Women or UN or international NGOs on women’s political participation orelectoral assistance.

Judgment/Decision-Making

• Openness to change and the ability to receive/integrate feedback;
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or Ph.D.) in Gender, Political Science, Sociology, International Relations, Law or relevant field;
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

• At least 5 years of experience providing technical assistance and coordinating and conducting research studies in the area of gender; experience on women’s political participation, EVAW, electoral assistance, and integration of gender equality in elections, including legal and policy review would be an asset;
• Demonstrable expertise on violence against women;
• Sound knowledge of international standards on human rights, women’s rights, elections, and related instruments;
• Experience working with multi-stakeholder organizations including governments, electoral management bodies, CSOs particularly women’s organizations and the UN/ multilateral/bilateral institutions in the Arab States region;
• Experience in programme design and results-based management would be an asset.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English and Arabic is required;
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset;
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools, including Zoom, ability to use the Internet, and email.

Evaluation Criteria

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology: Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the technical evaluation would be considered for the financial evaluation.

Criteria Weight Technical: 70% (70 points)

The total number of points allocated for the technical qualification component is 70. The technical qualification of the individual is evaluated based on the following technical qualification evaluation criteria:

Technical Evaluation Criteria

Obtainable Score

Education

10 points

Experience and skills

50 points

Language and other skills

10 points

Total Obtainable Score

70

Only the candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% of total points (i.e., 49 points) will be considered as a technically-qualified candidate.

Financial: Lowest Financial Proposal: 30% (30 points)

The points for the Financial Proposal will be allocated as per the following formula:

• The contract will be awarded to the technically qualified consultant who obtains the highest combined score (financial and technical);
• The points for the Financial Proposal will be allocated as per the following formula: (Lowest Bid Offered*)/ (Bid of the Consultant) x 30;
• 'Lowest Bid Offered' refers to the lowest price offered by Offerors scoring at least 49 points in the technical evaluation.

Application:

Interested Individual Consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

• A cover letter with a brief presentation of your consultancy explaining your suitability for the work and link to the portfolio of work;
• UN Women Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from http://www.unwomen.org/about-us/employment;
• Personal CV; and Financial proposal; Proposed inclusive daily rate.

The above-mentioned documents should be merged in a standalone file including all of them since the online application submission does only permit to upload of one file per application. Incomplete submission can be a ground for disqualification.

Note:

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

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Added 3 years ago - Updated 3 years ago - Source: jobs.undp.org