- Background
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. Placing womenโs rights at the centre of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. UN Women provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member Statesโ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors. ย ย
Within the UN system, UN Women is mandated to lead, promote and coordinate efforts to advance the full realization of womenโs rights and opportunities. In Bangladesh, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2022-2026[1]ย prioritises gender equality and womenโs empowerment through a twin-track approach where these considerations are mainstreamed across all outcomes and specifically targeted in a dedicated outcome on gender equality and eliminating gender-based violence (outcome 5). UN Women coordinates gender equality efforts through several mechanisms, including the UNSDCF results group 5 and the Gender Equality Theme Group (GETG). Co-chaired by UN Women and UNFPA, GETGย focuses on enhancing the collective efforts, impact, and accountability of the UN in Bangladesh to contribute to gender equality and womenโs empowerment (GEWE).
As part of ongoing efforts at the country level to improve accountability for gender equality, in line with the Gender Equality Acceleration Plan[2], the UN in Bangladesh is developing a Country Gender Equality Profile (CGEP). On behalf of the country team, and in coordination with the GETG, UN Women is seeking to engage an international consultant to develop the CGEP. The CGEP will provide a deep understanding of persisting gender inequality issues in Bangladesh by incorporating a quantitative analysis of sex, age, and disability disaggregated statistics and a qualitative analysis of relevant national and international reports, and the outcomes of Human Rights treaty body processes and mechanisms including special procedures. Moreover, it will be a tool to provide timely and effective information on GEWE in Bangladesh in line with the national and international commitments to gender equality and womenโs empowerment, directly informing the Country Analysis (CA) and the development of gender equality results in the Cooperation Framework and Humanitarian Response Plan.
II. Objective and Scope of Work of the Consultant:ย
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The main objective of the consultancy is to develop a Country Gender Equality Profileย that willย undertake a rigorous intersectional gender, power, and conflict analysis as a compulsory component of all Country Analyses (CAs). This analysis will directly inform gender equality results in UN Cooperation Frameworks, following common standards developed by UN Women and the UN System.
The CGEP will become a joint and standardized UN system product and a key resource informing the work of existing mechanisms, such as the GETG.
As such, an international consultant will compile findings from interviews, multi-stakeholder consultations and secondary data on the gender equality context in Bangladesh and the progress made toward meeting the international, regional, and national commitments to gender equality. The CGEP should also generate findings and recommendations that target relevant stakeholders such as government, UN entities, civil society, and private sector on key country-specific gender equality priorities, including legal reform and policy change. It should also, where available, be guided by the Concluding Observations of the CEDAW Committee, the findings of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action national reviews, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations, and the Voluntary National Review.
2. Methodology:ย
The CGEP will be based on findings from interviews, multi-stakeholder consultations, existing, secondary data and will build on and update an existing statistical profile developed by UN Women in 2023. It should also be guided by the Concluding Observations of the CEDAW Committee, the findings of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action national review, and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations.ย The intersectional gender, power, and conflict analysis will be based on common standards developed by UN Women together with the UN System. All findings, recommendations, and forward-looking actions will be validated through consultations with local feminist organizations, civil society actors, and government representatives.ย
Outline of the CGEP:
- Executive Summary (2 pages)
3.1. Country context
3.2. Institutional, Legal, & Normative Framework Partnerships for gender equality (1-2 pages)ย Key findings (15-18 pages) Forward-looking actions (to accelerate SDGs) (3-4 pages) Annexes References
ย 3. Scope of Work:ย
Develop an Inception report including a methodology for the Country Gender Equality Profile, for discussion and approval by the GTEG in consultation with the RCO. Review existing quantitative and qualitative data related to the situation of women and girls, men and boys, and people of other gender identities, also considering intersecting forms of discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity, religion, disability status, sexual orientation, age, and geographical location, among others, to develop a draft CGEP on progress towards SDG 5 and other gender-related SDG targets, and the key factors informing progress in addressing gender disparities in Bangladesh, and providing the limitations in existing qualitative and quantitative data, using the structure provided. As part of this draft synthesis, undertake a role pattern analysis, including a mapping of key actorsโ roles and their impacts on specific GEWE priorities, including their levels of influence, capacities, resources, and their role in specific platforms or coordination mechanisms. Conduct key informant interviews of key stakeholders and organize four/five national multistakeholder consultations and focus group discussions to inform on the key thematic areas[3] Identify limitations in existing data Develop a first draft CGEP with a draft statistical annex with recommendations that target national or other relevant policy and legislative reforms, institutional, implementation and behaviour change on key country-specific gender equality priorities and Concluding Observations of the CEDAW Committee, the findings of the PFA national reviews and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations and the WPS agenda where available, building on the existing statistical profile with a draft Statistical Annex, for review and feedback by the GETG in consultation with the UNCT/RCO Incorporate feedback provided through the consultations, and update the draft CGEP and statistical annex for presentation for validation Consult and validate findings withย local feminist organizations, civil society actors, and government representatives, and incorporate feedback providedย
4. Guiding principles:ย
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International norms and standards: The CGEP must be framed according to the global norms and standards on gender equality and womenโs empowerment (GEWE), including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA) and the outcome documents of its reviews, the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), relevant UN Security Council resolutions,ย Women, Peace, and Security (such as Resolution 1325 and 1820), Agreed Conclusions of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) as well as other significant commitments to GEWE made in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Quito Declaration on the New Urban Agenda, Generation Equality Forum, the Pact for the Future, and other recent intergovernmental outcomes. ยย
National ownership and national capacities: CGEPs are to be generated in a manner that strengthens national capacities and systems for implementing and monitoring the advancement of international, national and regional commitments on GEWE. As such, national ownership and/or buy-in is to be sought for as much as possible for the CGEPs to be produced. This could take the form of: Co-publication of the CGEP by UN Women/UN system and the government and/or a highly regarded national entity; and/or UN System and other development partners,ย A UN System-owned document shaped through the active engagement and buy-in of governmental and non-governmental counterparts.ยFurther, the development of the CGEP may also be used to support the Government in assessing their data gaps for implementing and monitoring the SDGs.
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Leadership and accountability:ย The success of this initiative hinges on the active participation of UN entities. Under the guidance of the Resident Coordinator and GETG Co-chairs, GETG will lead these efforts, ensuring inter-agency implementation and oversight, including financial allocations for gender equality initiatives. It is imperative that all UN entities commit to providing GETG delegates the necessary expertise, time, and incentives to effectively support inter-agency mechanisms and processes. This responsibility is a collective UN System deliverable and should not rest solely on entities like UN Women, the Resident Coordinator's Office, or UNFPA. By reinforcing leadership accountability and integrating comprehensive gender analyses into strategic planning and review processes, theย Gender Equality Acceleration Planย strives to prevent rollbacks and accelerate progress in achieving gender equality worldwide.ย
Intersectional approach[4] and leaving no one behind (LNOB):ย LNOBis a central value of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It represents the unequivocal commitment of UN Member States to end discrimination and exclusion and reduce the inequalities and vulnerabilities that leave people behind.[5]ย The discrimination and inequalities that people face are often multiple and intersecting. As such, the CGEP will adopt an intersectional approach and consider the reality for people experiencing diverse forms of intersectional discrimination including Rohingya women.ย5. Key deliverables:ย
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An inception report including a methodology for developing the CGEP, and key identified sources of relevant data and national/international documents for consideration to inform their literature review), a detailed work plan and timeline, and a table of contents, for approval by GETG Co-chairs Conduct a comprehensive quantitative analysis of existing gender statistics, including but not limited to gender specific SDG indicators (as available) and indicators of relevant national action plans or strategies addressing key areas of concern including on Women, Peace and Security. The sources shall include but are not limited official statistics and administrative data. Detailed methodology as well as tables and diagrams should be presented in statistical annex. Conduct a comprehensive qualitative analysis of institutional, legislative and policy frameworks that underline economic, political, social, economic, environmental, security and humanitarian context in which efforts to advance GEWE are being undertaken,ย including a mapping of state and non-state actors contributing to advancing GEWE at national, and sub-national levels incl. state institutions, academic institutions, womenโs rightsย organizations, private sector and international development partners etc.ย Development of relevant data collection tools, facilitation of and analysis of the outcomes for KIIs and stakeholder consultations Draft a Country Gender Equality Profile no longer than 30 pages (excluding annexes) and present key findings, linkingย to the Humanitarian- Development-Peace nexus Consult UN agencies and incorporate their feedback into the document Validate findings with local feminist organizations, civil society actors, and government representatives and develop the final version of the CGEP Prepare PowerPoint presentation highlighting key findings and recommendationsย
6. Duration of the Assignment:ย
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The expected duration of the assignment is 30 working days spread over a duration of 3 months from May-July 2025
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7. Supervision and Performance Evaluation:
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The consultant will work closely with UN Women, the Gender Equality Theme Group, and the Resident Coordinatorโs Office, under the direct supervision of the UN Women Representative along with GETG Co-chairs. The supervisor will conduct a performance evaluation of the consultant at the end of the assignment.ย 8. Travel and DSA:
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No DSA will be paid as this is a remote consultancy. If unforeseen travel is required for this assignment, upon prior agreement/approval from UN Women such travel expenses shall be borne by UN Women and the individual contractor/SSA shall receive a per-diem not to exceed United Nations daily subsistence allowance rate in such other location(s) at the time of travel and actual travel cost. ย ย
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9. Expected Deliverables and Payment Modalities
Payments will be made based on deliverables as followsย
Items /Deliverablesย
Scheduleย
Payment Milestoneย
Deliverable 01:ย
An Inception Report outlining the methodology, sources including the desk review, a detailed work plan and timeline, and a table of content.ย6 working days
50% of the total contract amount shall be paid upon submission of deliverables 01 and 02 and all acceptance as certified by the UN Women contract administratorย
Deliverable 02:ย
12 working days
Deliverable 03:ย
Draft a Country Gender Equality Profile Present key findings, linkingย ย to the Humanitarian- Development-Peace nexus Consult UN agencies and incorporate their feedback into the document.ย
7 working days
50% of the total contract amount shall be paid upon submission of deliverables 03 and 04 and all acceptance as certified by the UN Women contract administratorย
Deliverable 04:ย
Validate and develop the Final Country Gender Equality Profile, no longer thanย 30 pages Prepare PowerPoint presentation highlighting key findings and recommendations5 working days
10. Required Qualifications:ย
CORE VALUES / GUIDING PRINCIPLES (applies to all) ย
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Education:
Masterโs degree (or equivalent) in Statistics, Gender Studies, Development Studies or similar field.Experience:ย
At least 10 yearsโ work experience in gender statistics and/or gender equality and womenโs empowerment issues.ย Experience in developing quantitative and qualitative analysis, high quality reports, policy briefs, and/or technical papers on gender equality. Demonstrated experience with UN system gender tools and mechanisms, such as the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard and the Gender Equality Marker.ย Demonstrable experience in data analysis using SPSS, STATA, R or similar software - and particularly on gender statistics. Demonstrable familiarity with international key GEWE frameworks, such as CEDAW, BPfA, UNSCR 1325, would be strongly desirable. Demonstrable Experience in compiling academic papers, situation analysis, synthesis reports. assessments and research reports on GEWE issues also desirable. familiar with the Bangladesh context incl. key state and non-state actors and GEWE issues.11. Competencies:
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Core Values:
Respect for Diversity Integrity Professionalismยย
Core Competencies:
Awareness and Sensitivity regarding Gender Issues Accountability Creative Problem Solving Effective Communication Inclusive Collaboration Stakeholder Engagement Leading by Exampleยย
Please visit this link for more information on UN Womenโs Core Values and Competencies:ย https://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment/application-process#_Values
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Functional Competencies:
Excellent analytical and report writing skills Excellent communication skills in English Strong understanding of gender equality and intersectional perspectives Partnership building skills Coordination and negotiation skills Commitment to continuous improvement and ability to take in constructive feedbackย Understanding of issues that will be relevant to highlight given the current context of Bangladeshย
Technical Qualification Evaluation Criteria:
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The total number of points allocated for the technical qualification component is 100. The technical qualification of the individual is evaluated based on following technical qualification evaluation criteria:
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Evaluation Criteria Obtainable Score Academic qualifications 10At least 10 years work experience in gender statistics and/or gender equality and womenโs empowerment issuesย ย ย
20 Experience in developing quantitative and qualitative analysis, high quality reports, policy briefs, and/or technical papers on gender equality 30Demonstrated experience with UN system genderย tools and mechanisms
25Excellent analytical and report writing skills, ability to take in constructive feedback, and understanding of issues that will be relevant to highlight given the current context of Bangladesh based on samples provided
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Only the candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% of total points will be considered as technically qualified candidates who may be contacted for validation interview.
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Financial/Price Proposal evaluation:
The total number of points allocated for the price component is 100.ย12. Suggested Submission of Application
Interested Individual Consultants will submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications.ย
To be included as part of the proposal:ย
A brief cover letter presenting your suitability for this assignment UN Women Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from:ย http://www.unwomen.org/about-us/employment List of relevant sample work completed and writing sample.At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All recruitment/procurement is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need.ย
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 to UN Womenโs policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.ย