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.
The UN Women India Country Office works in collaboration with national and state governments, civil society partners, and development organizations to advance women's political participation, economic empowerment, and gender-based violence prevention. UN Womenโs priority areas include increasing womenโs leadership and participation in public and political spaces, ending violence against women, enhancing womenโs economic empowerment, engaging in all aspects of women peace and security processes, making gender equality central to national planning and budgeting through Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) and advancing gender in intergovernmental processes. UN Womenโs work on ending violence against women focuses on advocacy for, and support to, women and girlsโ access to quality, multi-sectoral services essential for their safety, protection, and recovery, especially for those who already suffer multiple forms of discrimination.ย
In India, UN Women works in partnership with the Government of India, UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector, to drive initiatives that foster sustainable growth, improve livelihood opportunities, and ensure equitable participation in all spheres of society.
In 2022, Indiaโs National Crime Records Bureau, responsible for compiling and analyzing crime data, reported a 4% increase in 2021 in crimes against women in the country. The National Family Health Survey (2019-2021) revealed a distressing statistic: nearly 29.3% of Indian women aged 18-49 have endured domestic or sexual violence. Despite India's progressive laws against domestic violence and workplace sexual harassment, the challenge lies in their enforcement, thereby restricting victims' access to justice and safety. This issue demands more robust preventive measures and accountability for perpetrators. Varied barriers and vulnerabilities confront women across different demographics, impeding their participation in educational, professional, and public spheres and negatively affecting their health and overall quality of life. Thereโs a pressing need to strengthen existing response and prevention efforts.ย
With a substantial investment of over โน7712.85 crore since 2013, the Government of India has established a strong foundation for enhancing the safety and security of women and girls through the Nirbhaya Fund. The fund has successfully supported a diverse portfolio of schemes nationwide. As these initiatives mature, this forward-looking assessment will identify opportunities to further strengthen their effectiveness and strategic alignment. The goal is to optimize future investments and programming by building on the valuable experience gained over the past decade.
Objective of the Assignment:
The objective of the assignment is to conduct a comprehensive review and gender audit of Nirbhaya Fund schemes:
To review whether major schemes/programmes under the Nirbhaya Fund are effectively implemented at the field level; andย To assess the gender mainstreaming and women-centric focus of government schemes/programmes under the Nirbhaya Fund and provide actionable recommendations to enhance their gender responsiveness.ย Identify gaps, good practices and lessons learned, and propose actionable recommendations for strengthening policy design, implementation, monitoring and accountability from a gender perspective.Roles and Responsibilities:
The Thematic Experts (Gender) will undertake the audit of Nirbhaya funds with methodology a mixed-method approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the implementation of schemes and programmes under the Nirbhaya Fund. Sampling will ensure geographic and regional diversity, covering states and programmes with varied levels of fund utilization and those addressing the needs of women survivors of violence.ย
Schemes under Nirbhaya Fund:
One Stop Centre [OSCs]; Women Helpline [WHL]; Fast Track Special Courts [FTSCs];ย State-wise Vehicle Tracking Platform for Safety & Enforcement; Integrated Emergency Response Management Scheme [IERMS];ย Women Help Desk [WHDs] in Police Stations. ยProgrammes under Nirbhaya Fund:
Emergency Response Support System; Video Surveillance System under Konkan Railways- 17 Stations;ย Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs);ย Safe City projects under the Nirbhaya Fund Scheme in eight cities; Strengthening of DNA Analysis and Cyber Forensic Capacities in State Forensic Science Laboratories. ยThe audit will be structured around five core indicators:
Effectiveness: Have the intended outcomes been achieved? (e.g., improved service access, faster response times); Efficiency: How well have human and financial resources been managed? (e.g., reasons for underutilization, administrative delays); Relevance: Do interventions reflect the real needs of beneficiaries, especially marginalized women; Sustainability: Are the interventions built to last? (e.g., integration into government programs, adequate staffing); Quality & Accountability: Are services delivered in a right-based, trauma-informed manner? (e.g., feedback mechanisms, user satisfaction.The assignment will cover a specified set of centrally sponsored schemes, central sector schemes and stand-alone projects funded wholly or partially through the Nirbhaya Fund (listed above). The gender audit will include, but not be limited to, the following dimensions:
Policy and design level:
Review of policy documents, guidelines and scheme frameworks approved under the Nirbhaya Fund framework issued by MWCD/Ministry of Finance.โ Assessment of the extent to which programme objectives, results frameworks and indicators reflect womenโs rights, safety, access to justice, agency and empowerment. ยInstitutional and implementation arrangements:
Assessment of governance and coordination mechanisms, including the role of MWCD as nodal Ministry and line Ministries/Departments, State Governments, and local implementing agencies.โ Training and orientation on gender-based violence (GBV), survivor-centred, trauma informed approaches and ethical standards. Mapping of grievance redressal, safeguarding and accountability mechanisms, including prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse/harassment (PSEA/POSH) measures.Service delivery, access and impact:
Analysis of the extent to which scheme design and implementation are survivor-centred, rights-based, trauma-informed and non-discriminatory. Examination of accessibility, coverage and quality of services for diverse groups of women, adolescents and girls, including those in rural/remote, conflict-affected or marginalized communities. Review of available monitoring and evaluation data (quantitative and qualitative) to assess outcomes and emerging impacts on womenโs safety, security, access to services and justice. ยParticipation, voice and accountability:
Assessment of participation of womenโs organisations, survivorsโ collectives, civil society and community-based organisations in design, implementation, monitoring and review processes. Review of mechanisms for feedback and accountability to rights-holders, including community oversight, social audits and public disclosure of information. Cross thematic and intersectional approachGeographic Scope:
As part of the audit, the consultant will be expected to include at least one state per geographic region (as mentioned in the table below) and scheme/programme under review ensuring diversity and enabling a comprehensive assessment of implementation across interventions.Regions (List of States)
North- Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand Leh, Ladakh, Jammu Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Chandigarh. West and Central- Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa. East-Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand. Northeast-Sikkim, Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya. South-Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar.Additional Guidance
Explicit Deliverables: Each delivery must be clearly defined, with timelines and means of verification. Sampling Logic: The sampling matrix/table must include representation from suggested geographies across scheme/programme coverage. Stakeholder Engagement: The audit should plan should engage key ministries, service delivery departments, and civil society. In addition, the consultant will work with UN Women to conceptualize and lead two virtual regional consultations with key stakeholders (government officials, service providers etc.) representing different regions of India to investigate into various interventions (OSCs, Women Help Desk, Anti Human Trafficking Units, Womenโs Helpline, Fast track Courts). A workshop will be organized in Delhi in hybrid mode to validate the findings in Delhi.Expected Deliverables and Payment Terms:
The Thematic Consultant will cover the following tasks:
Inception and Desk Review (20%) Inception meetings with key stakeholders. Submission of an Inception Report with: Detailed methodology and analytical framework (including indicators and tools). Mapping of schemes/policies and documents to be reviewed. Sampling strategy for field visits/consultations. Desk Review of policy documents, scheme guidelines, administrative orders, MoUs, MIS formats, training modules, budget documents, evaluation and audit reports, and research studies related to Nirbhaya Fund schemes.โ Development of a gender audit framework/checklist tailored to Nirbhaya Fund interventions Risk management and ethical protocols, particularly for work involving survivors of violence.2. Surveys (Online): Online Surveys with Officials & Frontline Functionaries (20%)
Tool Developmentย - survey questionnaires (Central/State officials; District officials; Frontline staff). Roll out surveys to assess implementation status and capacity of the concerned respondent fromย central/state, schemes/regions.ย Analyze and Consolidate survey findings with central, state and district-level officials and frontline functionaries to assess implementation status and capacity.3. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): Conduct interviews with representatives from MWCD, state officials, and CSOs to understand sustainability, quality, and accountability (20%)
Respondent Mapping: Finalize list of keys (MWCD and state officials, CSOs) across schemes/regions.ยFinalize semi-structured questionnaire guideย
Pilot with few respondents.
Schedule and Conduct key informant interviews and focus group discussions with: Officials from MWCD, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Law & Justice, Department of Justice and other relevant Ministries/Departments. State/UT Departments (Women & Child Development / Home / Social Justice / etc.). Implementing agencies, service providers (OSCs, helplines, police, legal aid, shelters, health facilities, etc.). Representatives of womenโs rights organisations, civil society, networks and domain experts. Where appropriate and ethically feasible, consultations with survivors and community members, with clear safeguards and referral protocols. Draft 5-page interview summary for Draft KII Audit Report (with anonymized quotes, matrices). Flag 3-5 policy recommendations4. Virtual Regional Workshops: 2 regional consultations with key stakeholders (20%)
Final concepts note, participation list and agenda. Final Report and recommendations5. Validation Workshop (Hybrid mode): A validation workshop will be organized with representatives from key ministries, service delivery departments, and concerned stakeholders. (20%)
Design the hybrid national validation consultationย agenda, including: Presentation of consolidated findings from all regions on OSCs, Women Help Desks, AHTUs, Womenโs Helpline and Fast Track Courts. Thematic panels and breakout discussions to test and refine recommendations (policy, institutional and operational). Prepare and deliver highโlevel presentations and policy briefs targeted at senior officials of MWCD, MHA, Department of Justice, State representatives, judiciary, and development partners.โ Facilitate discussions to: Validate key findings, close information gaps and address divergent perspectives. Prioritize recommendations and identify ownership (which Ministry/Department/level will take forward which actions). Revise the analytical report and recommendations based on feedback from the validation consultation and submit a final set of recommendations, including a roadmap for strengthening Nirbhayaโfunded interventions nationwide.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 gender equality and the empowerment of women, with demonstrated experience of researching or working on gender issues. Strong research and writing skills, with strong analytical skills and creative thinking. Ability to think and work logically and work precisely with attention to detail. Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members of different national and cultural backgrounds.Education and Certification:
Masters in Gender Studies, Social Sciences; or equivalent degrees from premier institutions.Experience:
Atย least 12- 15 years of professional work experience with action research, data and policy analysis, to advance the normative global framework on gender equality and womenโs rightsย Experience of working at the National level working with the development of gender responsive programmes such as evaluation of policies/ conduct consultations for drafting the state/ national policies. Experience working on National/State safety schemesย (Urban and Rural). Experience in working with institutional mechanisms to strengthen prevention and response to survivor centric services.ย Masterโs or higher degree in social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, international development, or a related field is required Good command over English is an asset. Substantial knowledge and expertise in gender data and research. Demonstrated experience in gender equality, women's empowerment, or women's political participation initiatives.Language Requirements:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and any other Indian language with the ability to communicate research findings to a variety of audiences.Interested applicants should apply to this announcement through UN Women jobs site:ย
Careers at UN Women | UN Women โ Headquarters
UN Women will only be able to respond to those applications in which there is further interest.
Evaluation and Selection Criteria:
Criteria for shortlisting of CVs will be based on the following assessment:
Required Qualification; Minimum Experience relevant to the assignment; Experience working on urban centric projects with cities and states, state/central programs.The evaluation process for selection of the candidate will be based on the following assessment:
Interview (80 points) Presentation (20 points)ย ย ย ย Please Note:
For an assignment requiring travel, consultants of 65 years or more require full medical examination and statement of fitness to work to engage in the consultancy. Due to large number of potential applicants, only competitively selected candidates will be contacted for remaining steps of the service procurement process. This is a part-time assignment.ย The consultant is expected to use their own computer equipment. The office will not provide any computer equipment for this assignment. Travel and DSA will be booked and settled as per SSA norms directly by UN Women on submission of F-10 form with original ticket stubs, vouchers, etc. as per actuals.Statements :
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.
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