Background
In 2018, the Government of Lesotho initiated a national dialogue and reforms process to stabilize, bring peace and unity in Lesotho. In 2018, Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation; the Lesotho Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (LCN); and the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) with the support from UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) held the National Women’s Conference whose main objective was to create a platform and space for Basotho women in all their diversity across sectors to dialogue and share experiences on key national political, democratic and governance issues as articulated in the vision for “The Lesotho We Want.” One of the deliverables from the Conference was ‘A Women’s Common Position’ on the national dialogue and reform process in Lesotho, that ensures women’s equal representation and participation including in conflict management and resolution, and peace building. It is against this background that the Lesotho National Dialogue and Stabilization Project (LNDSP) emerged. One of the successful outcomes of the LNDSP was the establishment of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) and a proposal to conduct a desktop review of Lesotho women, peace and security context and support to a stakeholder consultative process towards the development of a Lesotho National Action Plan (LNAP) on Women Peace and Security (WPS).
Objectives of the assignment:
The Ministry of Gender, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, etc. and in partnership with UN Women SAMCO share the mandate on women peace and security and have resolved to support the development of a NAP on SCR1325. In this regard, UN Women seeks to recruit an international consultant who will be required to exercise overall responsibility for planning, managing and technically supporting the development of a National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 for Lesotho in full consultation and collaboration with relevant stakeholders in Lesotho. The consultant is also expected with support from a local consultant support with facilitating national stakeholder consultative processes towards the development of the NAP, the drafting process and finalization of the NAP informed by national and district consultations – until the NAP is adopted officially.
Travel:
The assignment requires travel to the field for consultation workshops in the process of developing the costed NAP on UNSCR 1325. UN Women will organize the logistics of the travel and pay daily substance allowance and terminal fee as per the travel policies set by UN Women.
Budget:
The consultant is expected to submit a budget for the activities to be undertaken including:
All-inclusive Project personnel’s time, regular ground travel locally and communication (excluding air travel and district consultations);
All item costs related to the project.
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/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf
Functional/Technical Competencies
Expert knowledge in Women, Peace, and Security;
Proven ability to advocate and provide policy, substantive and strategic advice in women, peace, and security;
Ability to develop and maintain strong partnerships;
Ability to synthesize program performance data and produce analytical reports to inform management and strategic decision-making;
Excellent analytical and communication skills required;
Strong knowledge of UN programme management systems.
Required Skills and Experience
Eduaction:
Masters’ degree in Peace and Security or Conflict Management, Politics, Gender studies, Law, Social Science or other related fields;
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 and skills:
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in managing complex and multi-component programme interventions with national partners, preferably related to Women, Peace and Security;
Extensive experience in supporting the development of NAPs on UNSCR 1325;
Experience in training various stakeholders on gender equality and WPS;
Proven experience facilitating high level consultative workshops for Governmental Institutions and CSOs;
Deep understanding of gendered aspects of politics, peace and security and emergency and humanitarian response, good governance or gender-based violence;
Proven experience in developing and or leading policy and strategy formulation;
Experience in writing research reports and communication materials;
Experience in training and capacity building is desirable;
Previous experience working with UN agencies, government and/or international organisations and experience in international instruments/conventions will be an asset.
Language and other skills:
Excellent command of written and oral English;
Knowledge of Sesotho is an added advantage;
Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools, ability to use internet and email.
Application:
The application should include a cover letter (max. 1 p.), CV and a technical proposal following the recommendations below.
Recommended Presentation of Technical Proposal
The Consultant is expected to submit a technical proposal which will be used in evaluating the application. All proposals should include an introductory note, summary of understanding of the terms of reference, clear outline and methodology of the assignment, a draft timeline for completion of assignment and CV. The technical proposal should be no more than 5 pages and include the following:
Name and brief background including experience and expertise that will be of benefit to the proposed assignment;
Background information that includes an interpretation and understanding of the terms of reference;
Methodology and approach outlining a clear conceptual and analytical framework for proposed assignment;
Proposed work plan outlining clear timeframe and steps in conducting the assignment;
Expectations from UN Women in terms of logistical, technical, and other forms of support for the assignment and its products;
Names and contact information for the 3 most recent client references for relevant assignment.
Closing date: 31 March 2022