| TERMS OF REFERENCE | |||||||||||||
| Hiring Office: | United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Philippines | ||||||||||||
| Consultancy Period | 90 person-days spread over a 6-month calendar period | ||||||||||||
| Purpose of consultancy: | The main objective of the consultancy is to conduct research on the Drivers of Harmful Social Norms as part of strengthening the GBV Prevention efforts in the Philippines and increasing service uptake.
The specific objectives are the following:
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| Scope of work: | Brief Background and Rationale:
The UNFPA 9th Country Programme for the Philippines is committed to empowering women and girls, particularly those marginalized and left behind, along with decision-makers in selected provinces. The goal is to enhance their agency and capacity to address discriminatory gender and social norms. This includes promoting gender equality, enhancing women’s decision-making abilities, and ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. As the leading advocate and coordinator for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), UNFPA Philippines has spearheaded numerous consultations. These dialogues involved a wide range of stakeholders, such as government bodies, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, international development partners, and other United Nations (UN) agencies. The primary objective of these consultations was to facilitate the development of a comprehensive National Strategy for Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The consultations sought to identify the challenges, gaps, priorities, and opportunities in addressing GBV. They aimed to foster a holistic approach, ensuring the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in championing efforts against Violence Against Women (VAW) in the Philippines. Through these collaborative efforts, UNFPA is working towards a more inclusive and effective strategy to combat GBV and promote gender equality in the country. During consultations with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the serving Secretariat for the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC), it was highlighted that the Council, chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and co-chaired by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), is in the early stages of developing a National Action Plan on Ending Violence Against Women (NAPEVAW). Recognizing the importance of this initiative, UNFPA has decided to align its efforts with NAPEVAW, demonstrating full support for the government’s efforts to address gender-based violence (GBV) in the country. The previous National Strategic Plan on VAWC 2017-2022 outlined three key pillars: Primary Prevention, Response System, and Cross-Cutting Actions and Structures. Through consultations, it was revealed that Prevention has been the weakest pillar across all sectors. In response, UNFPA Philippines, in line with its 9th Country Programme, has taken proactive steps to address this gap. It has initiated a series of studies on GBV prevention to generate evidence that can inform NAPEVAW and enhance knowledge. These studies aim not only to inform NAP EVAW but also to enhance knowledge and provide a comprehensive baseline dataset for UNFPA CO Philippines. One of these studies focuses on the Drivers of Harmful Social Norms, seeking to identify key factors that sustain harmful gender and social norms. The insights from this study will be crucial in designing and implementing targeted prevention interventions that address the root causes of GBV in the Philippines with evidence-based strategies. Duties and Responsibilities- Detailed Tasks: A specialist GBV consultant (international consultant) is being sought to complete key tasks as set out in the scope of work detailed in the list below:
9. Ensuring that the research is conducted in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner, respecting the rights and dignity of all participants involved in the study, particularly men and boys who may be sharing sensitive information related to their experiences with GBV and gender norms. Work Schedule Arrangements: The consultancy entails a commitment of 90 person-days spanning a 6-month timeframe, commencing promptly upon contract approval. This includes allocating 30 days for on-site visits in the Philippines during pivotal stages of the study, contingent upon the inception report submitted at the study’s onset. The rest of the processes can be efficiently carried out via virtual means, facilitating a flexible home-based work environment. The study will concentrate on UNFPA’s designated target areas, encompassing eight provinces outlined in the 9th Country Programme. The consultant will maintain close collaboration with key stakeholders, including the UNFPA CO Philippines Representative, Assistant Representative, Gender/GBV Programme Team, and the GBV Regional Advisor at the UNFPA Regional Office, alongside other essential partners. |
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| Duration and Delivery dates, Proposed Payment Schedule and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.): | The consultant will involve 90 person- days spread over a calendar period of 6 months, commencing immediately upon awarding of contract.
The consultant will be paid on a per deliverable basis following the schedule below:
Detailed Expected Outputs and Timeframe: (see Annex A) 1. The first payment of 30% will be made upon receipt and acceptance of the First Deliverable as per the table of deliverables (electronically); 2. The second payment of 40% will be made upon acceptance of the Second Deliverable as per the table of deliverables (electronically): 3. The remaining 30% will be made upon approval by the Representative and acceptance of the Third Deliverable as per the table of deliverables (electronically). |
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| Place where services are to be delivered: | The study’s scope will be centered on the eight provinces designated as target areas by UNFPA CO Philippines. Primary data collection within these provinces will be undertaken, employing a methodology that combines quantitative with qualitative approaches.
UNFPA Priority Areas: BARMM
Region 8
Region 7
Region 5
The consultant will primarily work remotely from home and deliver outputs to UNFPA Philippines CO. Travel for in-country missions will be conditional upon agreements and will align with country regulations and the mutually decided timeline. UNFPA will cover travel expenses, including airfares, land transportation costs, daily subsistence allowances (DSAs), incidentals, etc., in addition to the consultancy fee. |
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| Monitoring, Supervisory and quality check arrangements: | The UNFPA CO Country Representative, Assistant Representative and Gender/GBV Programme Team will work hand in hand to monitor progress of all deliverables and the entire consultancy. | ||||||||||||
| Expected travel: | The assignment will commence with home-based activities for orientation, conceptualization, planning, scheduling, and literature and desk review of relevant references. Following this, the subsequent two months will incorporate a 30-day visit to the Philippines, arranged based on the availability and preferred dates of both the consultant and UNFPA CO Philippines.
Immediate scheduling of specific dates for the 30-day visit is required at the project’s inception. The remaining 60 days of research work will be allocated according to the anticipated deliverables from the consultant. UNFPA will cover travel expenses, including airfares, daily subsistence allowances (DSAs), incidentals, etc., in addition to the consultancy fee. |
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| Supervisory Arrangements: | The UNFPA Country Representative will oversee the project’s overall management, with day-to-day technical support provided by the Assistant Representative and the National Programme Officer on Gender/GBV. The consultant is expected to collaborate closely with the UNFPA Country Office for coordination purposes.
The Management and Programme Team will engage with the consultant regularly at different stages to:
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| Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements: | Education:
Advanced degree or equivalent in Gender Studies, Development Studies, Social Sciences or any other relevant field of study Knowledge and Experience:
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| Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office, equipment), if applicable: | The consultant will collaborate closely with the UNFPA Implementing Partner for this study, which will provide support in various capacities. This support may include assistance in mapping relevant national and local policies, conducting data collection in the target areas, providing local language translation services, mobilizing local partners for dialogues and consultations, and offering technical assistance throughout the study.
Furthermore, the UNFPA partner will manage logistics for the workshop to discuss the study results with key stakeholders. This includes arranging the venue, meals, accommodation, and covering participants’ travel costs. During the consultant’s mission in the Philippines, UNFPA CO Philippines will furnish a desk and internet access for their use. Additionally, UNFPA CO Philippines will supply pertinent reports, databases, research materials, and other relevant documents available to assist in the development of the study. |
UNFPA Work Environment:
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce – click here to learn more.
Disclaimer:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.
Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.
To view the complete job description and apply to this position, click “Apply Now” below.
