Review of research report on “Women in the Security Sector Reform in The Gambia

Mission and objectivesUNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization that advocates for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help build resilient nations and improve the livelihoods of people. UNDP Gambia was established in 1975 as a development partner to provide technical assistance through advice, access to its global knowledge networks and financial support to implement government development frameworks to boost capacity development and promote national efforts to eradicate poverty and attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In The Gambia, UNDP supports national efforts for sustainable human development in line with the Gambian National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 – 2021 which is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development/SDGs and the African Union Agenda 2063. To deliver on its mandate, UNDP partners with key government institutions and employs different means of actions including institutional capacity strengthening, harnessing strategic linkages, support to evidence-based policy formulation, planning and implementation, resource mobilization, support to national planning processes and mainstreaming of relevant issues.

ContextThis task supports UNDP’s Governance and Peacebuilding work in The Gambia, which aims to promote inclusive, accountable, and gender-responsive security sector institutions. The research report, “Women in the Security Sector: Barriers, Opportunities, and Reform in The Gambia,” examines structural, institutional, and socio-cultural barriers limiting women’s participation and leadership in the security sector, while identifying entry points for policy and institutional reform. Strengthening the quality and clarity of this research is essential to ensure it effectively informs dialogue, advocacy, and evidence-based decision-making with national stakeholders. The Online Volunteer’s contribution will enhance the analytical rigor, coherence, and policy relevance of the report, enabling UNDP and partners to use it as a credible knowledge product to support gender-responsive security sector reform. This task directly contributes to the achievement of the SDGs, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by promoting women’s participation and leadership in security institutions, SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by strengthening inclusive and accountable security governance, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through evidence-based collaboration with national institutions and civil society.

Task DescriptionWe are looking for an experienced and creative Online Volunteer who will support our Governance and Peacebuilding Team to review the research report. Specific tasks include: • Reviewing the draft research report for clarity, coherence, and logical flow. • Editing and strengthening analysis, conclusions, and recommendations from a gender and governance perspective. • Ensuring consistency in terminology, structure, and referencing throughout the report. • Providing suggestions to improve readability, presentation, and policy relevance for diverse stakeholders. • Supporting finalization of the report in line with UNDP quality standards. For close coordination and discussion, the Online Volunteer is expected to be available for calls via Skype/Zoom/Microsoft Teams.

Competencies and values

Living conditions and remarks