National Consultancy for development of gender norms strategy, 60 w/ds, Dushanbe, Tajikistan (open to Tajik nationals only)

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For every child, the right to all positive changes

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, advocacy, and operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Tajikistan currently ranks 112th out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index, a slight decline from its position at 111th in 2023. While there have been notable improvements in health and education, significant challenges persist in political empowerment and economic participation. Deeply rooted gender norms continue to shape many aspects of life, often limiting opportunities for women and girls. These norms, coupled with limited employment prospects, contribute to high rates of male labor migration. Consequently, women and children left behind may face increased vulnerabilities, including financial insecurity and social isolation. Traditional attitudes toward women’s roles within families and communities remain prevalent and, in some cases, are reflected in institutional practices. Addressing these interconnected issues requires a thoughtful, inclusive approach that promotes gender equality and empowers women and girls across all sectors of society.

Women and girls widely face discrimination and inequality in social, economic, and political life. Women and girls, living with extended families, receive the least investment; thus, they tend to be less educated, have less money spent on their health care and are less prioritized in civil engagement and employment opportunities than men and boys. Further, young women are more likely to be unemployed: 69% of working-age women are not working for pay, compared to 49% of men. In addition, 49% of women aged 15-24 in Tajikistan are not in education, employment, or training (NEET) compared to 7% of men. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in its concluding observation highlighted increasing trend on early marriages. In Tajikistan, the minimum age for marriage is 18, but the court can make exceptional decisions related to marriage from 17 years old. Despite the concerns raised by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, this trend still is increasing.

Against the backdrop of persistent gender inequality in Tajikistan, UNICEF will support the Committee on Women and Family Affairs under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in developing a National Gender Strategy. This strategy will outline strategic actions and interventions aimed at addressing harmful gender norms across the country. Its specific objectives include shifting discriminatory and harmful gender norms by promoting positive masculinities, empowering girls and women, increasing investment in the development, and fostering gender-responsive parenting. The strategy will be implemented through sector-wide and system-wide collaboration and cooperation.

It will align with the goals of the Government of Tajikistan, the United Nations, and other development partners to accelerate progress toward gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls—ultimately contributing to improved development outcomes for children, women, and men. The National Gender Strategy will be accompanied by a detailed action plan and budget and will engage all relevant government structures as implementing agencies, with support from the United Nations, development organizations, and international funding partners.

How can you make a difference? 

DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Duration: 60 working days between December 2025 - June 2026
Supervisor: SBC Officer with oversight provided by the Deputy Representative, Programme, UNICEF Tajikistan. 

TOR with detailed deliverables and concrete timeframes is at the following  National Consultant finalization gender norms strategy.docx

The primary purpose of this consultancy is to facilitate the development of the draft National Gender Norms Strategy and its Action Plan. Specific objectives are as follows.

Objectives:
• To facilitate and provide technical, capacity and coordination support in successful development of ‘National Gender Norms Strategy’ through a consultative process led by the CoWFA.
• Develop and validate costed action plan based on final strategy.

Work Assignment:

The national consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Social & Behaviour Change Officer and oversight of the Deputy Representative Programme.

Key Tasks:

Support and coordinate development of a ‘National Gender Norms Strategy’ and Action Plan in collaboration with CoWFA, UN, government, and partner agencies, through existing forums and mechanisms.

a. Transform the existing inter-agency ‘Gender Norms Strategy Note’ into a full-fledge strategy, with incorporating updated data and input gathered from all stakeholders and consultations.

b. Share the draft of strategy with all relevant agencies, the Working group 12 led by the CWFA and Ministry of economy and incorporate the recommendations and changes into the strategy.
c. Coordinate the regular meetings and exchanges on the initiatives, internally and externally and prepare the meeting notes from all the meetings

d. Conduct workshops and consultations with relevant stakeholders for development of National Gender Norms Strategy and costed Action Plan.

e. Present and validate the strategy and costed action plan with the Working group 12 and the and the Working group under the Executive office of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan on improving legal acts to eliminate gender stereotypes, protect women’s rights and prevent domestic violence

f. Get the final version of the ‘Gender Norms Strategy’ and Action Plan approved by the relevant government authority.

g. Coordinate the launch and delivery of the national Programme on gender norms.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Minimum requirements:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

Applications must be received in the system by 7 December 2025 on UNICEF website.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

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Remarks:  

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

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