The Position:

The Individual Consultant Gender Programme Coordinator will support the UNFPA Kenya Country Office in strengthening the acceleration efforts towards the elimination of FGM, fulfilling the rights of girls and women by realizing social and gender norms transformation towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Goal 5, Target 5.3: “Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage, and female genital mutilation”. This position will ensure the quality execution of UNFPA’s role in convening a wide range of relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organizations (CSOs), front-line workers, women’s and youth rights movements, media, academic institutions, international organizations, bilateral partners, community leaders, law enforcement, and survivors, for the prevention and response to GBV and harmful practices.

The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the UNFPA KCO Gender Advisor and work in close collaboration with other technical and operations teams within UNFPA KCO.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Background

Gender equality, specifically freedom from Gender-Based Violence (GBV), is a cornerstone of the EU’s values and interests in Kenya. For example, Kenya is co-leading the Generation Equality Forum’s (GEF) Gender-Based Violence Action Coalition alongside the EU, other member states, civil society, and private sector partners. As a global leader in the fight against GBV, Kenya has committed to ending all forms of GBV and FGM by 2026, a commitment which was reaffirmed by President Dr. William Ruto in 2022. Kenya has ratified numerous international and regional legal instruments, enacted the Prohibition of FGM Act of 2011, and other laws that contain provisions that address FGM including the Children’s Act, of 2022 and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, of 2015. The National Policy for the Eradication of Female Genital Mutilation and the National Policy on Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence 2019 prohibits the practice of FGM and safeguards against the violation of a person’s mental or physical integrity through the practice of FGM. This protection is also enshrined within the Bill of Rights in Kenya’s Constitution.

The Prohibition of FGM Act 2011 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that defines and criminalizes FGM and other associated offenses and prescribes sanctions for those offenses. The Act established the Anti-FGM Board, which aims to offer policy leadership and programmatic coordination of the campaign in Kenya. Combined with the political leadership given by the previous and current presidents, the impetus exists in Kenya for multi-stakeholder strategies and roadmaps for addressing FGM, with the Anti-FGM Board leading the initiative. However, Kenya is currently facing a very difficult macro-fiscal situation, where funds for the effective implementation of important public policy initiatives are increasingly limited. Kenya has made significant progress towards eliminating FGM, from a prevalence (age 15-49) of 37% in 1998, 32% in 2003, to 15% in 2022 according to the recent Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS 2022). The percentage of circumcised women who were cut (type 1 – clitoridectomy) and had flesh removed (type 2 – excision) declined from 87% to 70%, while the percentage of circumcised women sewn closed (type 3 – infibulation) increased from 9% (2014) to 12% (2022). FGM prevalence at the sub-national level remains high in pockets of Kenya with an overwhelming prevalence of 97.5 % being recorded in the northeastern region which is predominantly inhabited by the Somali community and which accounts for around 50% of refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya. The FGM prevalence rate is at 94% among the Somali refugee population.

Due to intensified campaigns, legal prohibition, and criminalization, communities are transforming and finding ways to perform FGM without attracting sanctions. The festivities and ceremonies that previously accompanied and characterized “FGM season” are no longer prominent and overt, with some families and communities migrating across national borders to where they can be freely performed. Other emerging trends include the shift in the age for undergoing FGM and change in the type of FGM, including procuring services of trained medical personnel to perform FGM (so-called medicalization of FGM). These trends, including in humanitarian crisis situations, make detection more difficult, hence prevention and response efforts more challenging. As a result, it is estimated that over 475,000 girls are/will be at risk of FGM in Kenya between 2022 and 2030, in other words, 75% of girls may undergo the cut between the ages of 8 and 14, according to the estimates from the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on elimination of FGM in Kenya. This is due to persistent cultural and social norms stemming from gender inequality that prevent them from having a voice, choice, and agency to oppose FGM.

UNFPA in partnership with the European Union in Kenya is implementing a programme called “ Stop FGM Now! – Komesha FGM Sasa!” whose goal contributes towards the EU Gender Action Plan III 2021 – 2025 and its Country-level Implementation Plan (CLIP) for Kenya which focuses on ensuring freedom from all forms of GBV and promoting universal access to SRHR. It also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2022-2026 outcome 1.1. Furthermore, it is aligned with and contributes to the UNFPA 10th Country Programme transformative result area on accelerating the eradication of GBV and FGM in Kenya. The Programme is dedicated to eradicating FGM in Kenya through a collaborative, multi-faceted approach. This entails working closely with community leaders, frontline activists, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to build capacity, foster community engagement, and improve access to quality services for survivors of FGM. This collaborative methodology is grounded in a theory of change that recognizes the vital role these stakeholders play in achieving sustainable change.

Rationale for the Consultancy

To effectively advance FGM elimination efforts and ensure impactful programme implementation, a skilled Gender Programme Coordinator is essential. This individual consultancy will provide dedicated expertise to navigate the complex social and cultural landscape surrounding FGM. The consultant will play a crucial role in coordinating programme activities, fostering collaboration with key stakeholders (including government agencies, community leaders, and civil society organizations), and ensuring alignment with national strategies and international best practices. Their expertise in gender dynamics and community engagement will be invaluable in driving sustainable change and maximizing the programme’s impact on the lives of girls and women at risk of FGM.

In a world where fundamental human rights are under threat, we urgently need principled and ethical professionals who not only uphold international norms and standards but also defend them with courage and unwavering conviction. UNFPA is seeking a candidate capable of driving transformation, inspiring change, and achieving high-impact, sustainable results. We require individuals who are transparent, exceptional in managing entrusted resources, and committed to delivering excellence in the implementation of the “Stop FGM Now! – Komesha FGM Sasa!” programme.

Job Purpose:

The purpose of this consultancy is to advance efforts in eliminating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and ensure the effective implementation of the “Stop FGM Now! – Komesha FGM Sasa!” program. The Gender Programme Coordinator will provide essential expertise in navigating the complex social and cultural challenges surrounding FGM, coordinating programme activities, and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders such as government agencies, front-line organizations, community leaders, and civil society organizations. The consultant will ensure that the program aligns with national strategies and international best practices. Their expertise in gender dynamics and community engagement will be instrumental in driving sustainable change, with a focus on protecting the rights of girls and women at risk of FGM and maximizing the program’s long-term impact.

You would be responsible for:

Programme Management, Technical Support, and Capacity building

• Planning and implementation: support the development and implementation of detailed work plans and activity schedules for FGM programme activities in full alignment with UNFPA policies and procedures and donor requirements.
• Progress tracking and reporting: Support the monitoring and tracking of FGM programme progress, contribute to the preparation of regular progress reports, and document lessons learned for continuous improvement.
• Support the identification of needs and gaps in programming and recommend adjustments to ensure the program meets its intended outcomes.
• Logistics and administrative support: Assist with coordinating logistical arrangements for program activities (e.g., workshops, training, community outreach events) and provide administrative support as required to ensure smooth execution.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to implementing partners, government entities, and other stakeholders implementing FGM prevention and response interventions.
• Organize and facilitate workshops, training, and other capacity-building initiatives to enhance the skills and knowledge of staff and partners.
• Support the development of training materials and resources related to program objectives.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Knowledge Management for Policy Advocacy

• Support data collection and analysis: Assist in gathering and analyzing FGM data, programme activities, and policy implementation. This could involve conducting literature reviews, supporting field data collection, and contributing to data analysis reports.
• Prepare regular program reports, including progress reports, donor reports, and internal briefs
• Develop knowledge products: Support the development of knowledge products that showcase programme achievements and lessons learned. This might include contributing to briefs, presentations, human interest stories, or case studies.
• Collect and analyze data to assess program performance, outcomes, and impact. Assist in updating and maintaining programme databases and information repositories related to FGM policies, research, advocacy efforts, and programme implementation.
• Assist in documentation of best practices: Contribute to documenting best practices and lessons to enhance program quality and inform future initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of communication materials, including reports, fact sheets, and social media content, and participate in and contribute to knowledge-sharing events, meetings, and workshops related to FGM.

Stakeholder coordination and collaboration

• Act as a liaison between UNFPA and key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, civil society organizations, and community groups.
• Foster collaboration with partners and coordinate efforts to ensure alignment with national strategies and standards and global and regional evidence.
• Facilitate the engagement of relevant stakeholders, including community leaders and beneficiaries, to ensure program activities are culturally appropriate and impactful.

Resource Management, risk management, and compliance:

• Assist in managing program resources, including budgets, and supplies, ensuring their efficient use.
• Support the preparation of financial reports and ensure program expenses are tracked and comply with UNFPA’s financial policies and procedures
• Monitor resource utilization to ensure activities are implemented within allocated budgets.
• Identify and assess potential risks to program implementation and propose mitigation strategies.
• Ensure that program activities comply with UNFPA policies, ethical standards, and national regulations.
• Contribute to the preparation of program evaluation, spot checks, and audit activities.
• Developing and disseminating communication materials: This involves supporting collaborations with the communication unit and partners in creating engaging and informative content for various audiences to raise awareness about FGM and promote the program’s activities.

Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor, GBV/Gender Advisor, and UNFPA management ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to programmatic needs.

Duration and places of delivery

This is a deliverable-based consultancy and it is estimated to start in December 2024 for 6 months.

The consultant will be based in Nairobi and is expected to travel to programme interventions areas in line with programme focus: Northeast region (Wajir, Marsabit, Garissa, and Isiolo), Eastern region (Tharaka Nithi) and Rift Valley region (Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot) counties.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

Advanced (Master) Degree or equivalent in social sciences, development studies, human rights, gender/women’s studies, international development, social policy, public health, social mobilization, or other related fields is required

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience at the national or international level in the field of international relations, human rights, policy advocacy, and gender programming, particularly related to women’s rights, gender-based violence, or female genital mutilation (FGM) prevention and elimination.
• Experience in the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of donor reporting and capacity building is required.
• Strong understanding of sexual and reproductive health and rights issues.
• In-depth knowledge of gender dynamics, women’s empowerment, gender equality, and gender-based violence prevention strategies including protection and safeguarding.
• Familiarity with national and international frameworks and strategies related to sexual and reproductive health and rights.
• Understanding of project management principles and ability to apply them to program design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of gender issues in the humanitarian context, including relevant international human rights standards;
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and managerial skills required. Self-starter, proactive, and passionate about the issues.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective resource mobilization strategies and campaigns.
• Prior training in gender and their application in development and humanitarian settings;
• Excellent written and oral communication and editing skills in English.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling web-based management systems
• Demonstrated experience in working with government institutions, civil society organizations, and local community mechanisms in enhancing inclusive and responsive participatory approaches.
• A thorough understanding of the UN system in general, and especially the UNFPA mandate, its policies and operations, and current development topics and political issues in Kenya will be an added advantage
• Demonstrated ability to work in a teams

Interested consultants are requested to submit to UNFPA:

1. Up‐to‐date curriculum vitae(s);
2. Referees

Languages:

English language is required.

 

Required Competencies:

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• Embracing change

 

Core Competencies:

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,

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.

Conflict of Interest

The consultant will be asked to declare any potential conflict of interest before undertaking the work. The consultant will discharge his/her functions exclusively as a Programme Coordinator Gender to UNFPA and UNFPA will support the consultant to make the necessary contacts with government and relevant partners.

Relevant information

UNFPA will facilitate all relevant documents related to this programme and will be shared with the consultant once the assignment is awarded. UNFPA will facilitate the use of UNFPA virtual platforms or physical meetings, where necessary, for presentation of results and stakeholder engagements.

Consultancy rates shall be guided by UNFPA policies.

The consultant will be expected to undertake some mandatory courses (if not done previously) such as Security (BESAFE), Fraud and Corruption Awareness and Prevention-Anti-Fraud, the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).