Background:
Background/Context
UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, 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.ย
A series of UN General Assembly and ECOSOC resolutions have reaffirmed the United Nationsโ accountability towards advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women. Crucially, at the 59th Session of the UN General Assembly, Member States, in adopting the Triennial Comprehensive Policy Review (TCPR) of Operational Activities for Development of the UN System, called on all UN organizations to: โmainstream gender and to pursue gender equality in their country programmes, planning instruments and sector-wide programmes and to articulate specific country-level goals and targets in this field in accordance with the national development strategiesโ
In 2006, the UNDG Task Team on Gender Equality commissioned a background paper on accountability mechanisms in UNDG agencies. This paper reviewed accountability for programming in support of gender equality in ILO, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, and WFP and found that: โA common understanding of how to apply gender mainstreaming in UN operational activities is needed. This is because if there is no agreement on what constitutes a minimum level of actions to support gender equality, how will it be possible to hold agencies and UN Country Teams accountable for this. Reaching agreement across agencies on what constitutes a minimally acceptable performance to support gender equality, through an agreed set of indicators, would contribute to stronger guidance and accountabilityโ. Subsequently this background paper was endorsed at the UNDG Principalsโ meeting in July 2006, where agreement was reached on development of a UNCT-level โAccounting for Gender Equalityโ Scorecard that sets minimum requirements for UNCTs to assess their performance across the system.
The 2016 Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR) called for the United Nations development system to expand and strengthen the use of the Gender Scorecard as a planning and reporting tool for assessing the effectiveness of gender mainstreaming in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs). As of 2023, there is now an updated version of the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard, which was developed by the global UNSDG Task Team on Gender Equality under the Results Group on Voice, Values and Norms, to align the Action Plan with the SDGs and to it with its entity level equivalent, the United Nations System-Wide Action Plan, drawing on good global practices with motivating, managing and measuring institutional change processes. Furthermore, the 2019 UNSDGโs United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework Guidance calls for UN entities to โput gender equality at the heart of programming, driving the active and meaningful participation of both women and men, and consistently empowering women and girls, in line with the minimum requirements agreed upon by the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) in the UNCT System-wide Action Plan (SWAP) Gender Equality Scorecardโย
In line with UNSDG requirements, the UNCT Liberia conducted its first Comprehensive UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard in 2018 under the previous UN Cooperation Framework (2013-2017), which informed the development of the UNSDCF 2020-2024. The UNCT is now in the process of developing the new UNSDCF (2025-2030), guided by the recently launched Liberia National Development Plan (2024-2029). To support this process, the UNCT Liberia has proposed conducting a second Comprehensive UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard analysis to inform the UNSDCF in 2025-2030. The results of this scorecard will enhance accountability for gender equality and womenโs empowerment, align with the upcoming Liberia UNSDCF (2026-2030) and global UN General Assembly requirements, and help assess progress, identify gaps, and implement corrective actions to fulfill commitments.
To support the development of a gender-responsive UNSDCF and enhance the UNCT's accountability toward gender equality and womenโs empowerment, in line with UN corporate policy, the UN Country Team will utilize the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard. This tool will assess progress, identify gaps, and recommend corrective actions. The UN Gender Thematic Group will lead the process, ensuring it is conducted in a participatory and timely manner. This exercise will not only strengthen the capacities of GTG members but also engage members from other thematic groups, including the Operations Management Team (OMT), Interagency Program Team (IAPT), Communication and Advocacy Group, and Human Resources Group. These groups will collaborate through the Inter-Agency Assessment Team (IAT) to implement the UNCT-SWAP Scorecard and develop actionable plans, fostering greater coordination and accountability across all teams involved.
Objective of the Assignment:ย
The main objective of this consultancy is to facilitate the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard Comprehensive exercise to assess the effectiveness of the UN Country Team in gender mainstreaming, promotion of gender equality and womenโs empowerment as well as to provide a set of actions for improvements. ย
To assist UNCTs in identifying areas in which they are meeting or not meeting minimum UNSDG requirements on gender mainstreaming practices and performance.ย To stimulate a constructive dialogue within the UNCT about the status of support for gender equality and womenโs empowerment mainstreaming in Liberia, and how it can be improved through a coherent scorecard data collection, analysis and reporting process.ย ย To identify where technical assistance can support the achievement of minimum requirements.ย To share and reflect on existing good practices to advance gender equality and womenโs empowerment and submit a report of the consultancy work as well as the findings and recommended actions.To guide and support the Inter-Agency Assessment Team (IAT), the consultant will conduct the following activities within the stipulated timeframes:
Background document review, development of inception report defining methodology, process, data collection instruments, timeline (5 working days):
Corporate UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard Technical Guidance and Framework(new)ย The 2018 Liberia UNCT-SWAP Score Card Report; and subsequent annual certified reports in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024.ย Current country final CCA and UNSDCF 2020-2025 and subsequent planning, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and budgeting documents.ย Reports of the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard of reference inside and outside the region UN Gender Theme Groupโs TOR, reports and workplansย CEDAW Reports/other national assessments/national Gender Plans and legislation, etc. Any key nationally generated reports on the status of women and gender equality.ยPrepare and facilitate a UNCT-SWAP orientation during the UNCT meeting ( In Country, 1 working day)
Conducting an orientation session for the UNCT on what UNCT-SWAP Comprehensive Scorecard Exercise on Gender is, who is responsible for which tasks, how the reporting process would be executed in a most effective way, how the findings of the assessment should be used to identify the gaps, producing best practices and developing advocacy messages within and out of UNCT.
ย Initial assessment and data collection mission (in-country, 5 working days)
Prepare initial scoring based on information obtained through questionnaires, identify information gaps and prepare instruments for data collection in the country. Facilitate a SWAP assessment with members of the GTG, RGs, and relevant UNSDCF groups through individual and group interviews.ย Facilitate working sessions with and provide technical support to key stakeholders such as the Resident Coordinator; Heads of Agencies; key programme staff; M&E teams, partners, etc. to discuss and score areas of performance. Conduct interviews with external stakeholders: representatives of governments, civil society organizations/groups, business entities and other partners. Facilitate a debrief with the UNCT (HOAs) to discuss findings and proposed actionsAssistance and support for the IAT with the in-country assessment (in-country, 4 working days)
Support the collection of complementary data and evidence to rate indicators by the Inter-Agency Assessment Team (IAT) under Gender Theme Group.ย Conduct gender analysis of verification documents required to help the UN Gender Theme Group rate areas of performance.ย Facilitate working sessions and a constructive dialogue as needed with and provide technical support to key stakeholders such as the Resident Coordinator; Heads of Agencies; key Programme staff; M&E teams, partners, etc. to discuss and score areas of performance.ย Complete the rating matrix based on UN Gender Theme Group discussions and agreements.ยFinalization of SWAP assessment report and action plan (5 working days)
Complete the UNCT-SWAP narrative report and Action Plan based on feedback, including fromย the UNCT HOAs. Fill-in the data to the UNCT SWAP Gender Score Card online platform by set deadlines. Address comments and recommendations of the SWAP Gender Score Card Secretariat and finalizeย inputs to the SWAP online platform by set deadlines. Deliverables Expected completion time (due day)ย Payment Schedule (optional) 1)Inception Report: Detailed methodology, approach, work plan, timeline, and any preliminary findings from document review for conducting the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard assessment 6 June 2025ย ย 10% 2) Completed UNCT-SWAP Gender Scorecards Rating Matrix and draft Action Planย 21 July 2025ย 50% 3) Final UNCT-SWAP comprehensive assessment report including narrative report and action plan and a summary presentation to the UNCT. 6 August 2025 40%Consultantโs Workplace and Official Travelย
The consultant is expected to work home based and conduct an 8-day field mission to participate in meetings with UN agencies, partners, and stakeholders as per the agreed work-plan.ย
Competencies :
Core Values:
Integrity; Professionalism; Respect for Diversity.Core Competencies:
Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues; Accountability; Creative Problem Solving; Effective Communication; Inclusive Collaboration; Stakeholder Engagement; Leading by Example.Please visitย this linkย for more information on UN Womenโs Values and Competencies Framework:ย
Functional Competencies:
Strong commitment to and good understanding of gender equality and womenโs empowerment issues.ย Strong interpersonal skills.ย Strong organizational skills and strong self-direction.ย Strong research and communication skills.ย Ability to prioritize and work under pressure with colleagues at all levels,ย Knowledge of gender mainstreaming and understanding of the UN as a system; desired knowledge of the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard.ย Development and Innovation: Take charge of self-development and take initiative.ย Work in teams: Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multiethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.ย Communicating and Information Sharing: Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for effective communication.ย Self-management and Emotional Intelligence: Stay com- posed and positive even in difficult moments, handle tense situations with diplomacy and tact, and have a consistent behavior towards others.ย Conflict management: Surface conflicts and address them proactively acknowledging different feelings and views and directing energy towards a mutually acceptable solution.ย Continuous Learning and Knowledge sharing: Encourage learning and sharing of knowledgeยRequired Qualifications
Education and Certification:ย Advanced (Masters) degree in social and political sciences, human rights, gender equality etc. PhD degree is an asset.
Experienceย
At least 10 years of practical experience of work on gender mainstreaming in development, required.ย Programmes/projects management at national and international levels is required.ย Previous experience with the UN on gender equality is considered an asset.ย At least 3 yearsโ experience of work on results-based management, review and/or evaluation is required.ย Experience in gender data collection and analysis, including interviews, survey and focus groups, is preferred.ย Previous experience with the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard, narrative report and follow-up matrix is preferredย Experience in conducting gender trainings for staff of development agencies is preferred.ย Computer skills, internet communication and command of MS Office, required.ยLanguages: ย
โข ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Proficient in written and oral English, working level of (other language) is an asset.ย
โข ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Good command of MS Office and data visualization tools is an asset.ย
How To Apply Personal CV or P11 (P11 canย be downloaded from:ย https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-P11-Personal-History-Form.docย ) A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns, or other materials. ยStatements :
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.
Diversity and inclusion:
At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates,ย and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age,ย ability, national origin,ย or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.
If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.
UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere toย UN Womenโsย policiesย and proceduresย andย theย standardsย of conduct expected of UN Women personnelย and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)
Note: Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including the sections on education and employment history, are completed. If all sections are not completed the application may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process.
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