TERMS OF REFERENCE (to be completed by Hiring Office) Hiring Office: UNFPA Turkmenistan CO Title: to support the development of Standard Operational Procedures for GBV in Emergency Purpose of consultancy:
UNFPA is one of the UN's lead agencies working to advance gender equality, womenโs empowerment, and supporting programmes aimed at ending and responding to gender-based violence. UNFPAโs gender programme focuses on strengthening a multi-sectoral response to gender-based violence, and promote the right of all women and girls to live free of violence and abuse.
Eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices is one of three UNFPAโs global transformative results. UNFPA is recognized for its longstanding work on prevention and response to GBV. In Turkmenistan, UNFPA is partnering with the Government and provides support in the implementation and monitoring of the National Action Plan on Gender Equality for 2021-2025. Some of the key areas of intervention include
Advocacy and policy making support to strengthen the response to GBV and improve the implementation of normative and policy frameworks on GBV in development settings; Strengthening multi-sectoral response to gender-based violence for healthcare, police and social services; Promoting gender equal positive social norms thus creating an enabling environment for advancing gender equality and preventing gender-based violence.In 2020 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the provision of specialised services to women experiencing domestic violence were developed for healthcare, psychosocial and police sector specialists. Currently, withinย the implementation of the Regional project on Strengthening prevention and response to violence against women and girls in Central Asia funded by the Central Asia - UK Conflict Stability and Security Fund (CSSF), UNFPA CO continues its support to providing GBV specialised social services to the target women and girls. These specialised social services are delivered in Ashgabat by CSO Keyik Okara and 6 Family Support Services under the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan that opened in 5 velayats and Ashgabat city.ย
Introducing and strengthening MSR to GBV mechanism has been initiated within these services and although currently it is not operational due to the absence of legislative framework to support it, UNFPA continues to support the Government and advocates for its advancement.ย As the next step in facilitating the advancement of MSR to GBV UNFPA CO plans to develop SOPs for establishing MSR to GBV in emergency situations. In this context UNFPA CO is in need to hire an international individual consultant to complete this workย within the Gender and Youth Programme. The consultant will work in close coordination with theย UNFPA Programme Analyst on Gender and Youth and will be supported by aย national consultant who will provide logistical, organizational, country context and administrative support.
Scope of work:
(Description of services, activities, or outputs)
The International Consultant will carry out the following tasks:
Literature and Desk Review: Review national legislation, the NAPGE 2021-2025 assessment,ย SOPs for MSR to GBV for healthcare, psychosocial and police sector specialists, existing MSR protocols, international and regional Minimum Standards for Prevention and Response to GBViE - 2 working days;
Drafting the SOPs: Develop the draft GBViE SOPs, including international best practices for GBViE response and survivor-centered case management as well as multi-sectoral referral pathways, information-sharing protocols, and sector-specific responsibilities (Health, Social protection, Safety/Police, Justice) - 3 working days;
Validation Workshop: Present the draft SOPs to national stakeholders:ย Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Social Protection, Supreme Court, National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan for technical feedback and incorporate necessary revisions to ensure national ownership - 4 working days;
Final Submission: Submit the finalized GBViE Standard Operating Procedures and a brief final consultancy report to UNFPA - 1 working day.
Total number of days: 10 working days Duration and working schedule: Duration of this consultancy is 10 working days from 2 February to 20 March 2026.ย Place where services are to be delivered: The consultancy services will need to be delivered on a home-based mode with one mission to the country. Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.): Dates for deliverables are provided under the section Scope of work. All deliverables will be provided in an electronic format.ย The International Consultant will report to the UNFPA Programme Analyst on Gender and Youth and will provide an update biweekly on progress, challenges encountered, and support requirements. Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline: The work of the IC at all stages will be monitored by the UNFPA Gender and Youth National Programme Analyst. Supervisory arrangements:ย The International Consultant will directly report and work under overall guidance of the UNFPA Programme Analyst on Gender.ย Expected travel: Mission to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, in February - March 2026, 4 days including travel. Travel costs will be covered additionally according to the UNFPAโs Duty Travel Policy. Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:
At least Master Degree in Gender Studies, Law, Social Sciences or equivalent; At least 5 years of experience in the development of Standard Operational Procedures for GBViE and similar documents to ensure GBV prevention and response in humanitarian context including at least 3 years of experience in facilitating technical workshops on the topic of GBV prevention and response. Profound knowledge of gender equality thematic topics including GBV services, MSR, case management and other including those related to emergency situations. Prior experience in Central Asia and knowledge of gender equality systems and practices in the region will be an asset. Excellent English speaking and writing skills required. Russian is an asset.ย Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office space, equipment), if applicable: UNFPA will provide the consultant with all the necessary materials, data, information and available reports.ย However, additional information will be identified by the Consultant through reviews, working with specialists, other. Other relevant information or special conditions, if any: The consultancy fee will be calculated based on the P3 Salary Scale for Professional and higher categories effective 1 January 2026. The fee will be paid in a lump sum upon quality provision of all deliverables. 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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. Persons with disabilities, and individuals of 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.