National Consultant: Technical Support to the NAP 1325 Secretariat and National Directorate of Community Conflict Prevention

Background

UN Women is the UN organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.  A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide. 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; fosters women’s empowerment and equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, peace and security. UN Women also coordinates and promotes the UN system’s work in advancing gender equality, and in all deliberations and agreements linked to the 2030 Agenda. The entity works to position gender equality as fundamental to the Sustainable Development Goals, and a more inclusive world.

UN Women’s goal in Timor-Leste is to promote women’s human rights and gender equality as the country works towards sustaining and furthering achievements in stability and development. This includes efforts to ensure women’s right to live free from any form of violence, efforts to advance women’s economic empowerment and women’s leadership and participation in support of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, and advance international agreements and commitments related to gender equality and women’s empowerment, including through adequate planning and budgeting.

The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (UNSCR 1325) was adopted unanimously on 31 October 2000. This landmark resolution has become an important normative framework for advancing the crucial roles of women and girls in prevention and resolution of conflicts, peacebuilding, humanitarian response and post-conflict recovery. It reiterates the importance of the equal participation and full involvement of women in all efforts for building sustainable peace.

UN Women, through the WPS Programme, provides support to the Government of Timor-Leste in implementing its commitments on promoting gender equality and women’s rights in line with international, regional and national normative and legal frameworks, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and its Concluding Observation 2023, Beijing Platform for Action, UNSCR 1325, National Strategic Plan (2011-2030) and the NAP 1325. The Government of Timor-Leste, through the leadership of the Ministry of Interior, adopted the first National Action Plan for the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (NAP 1325) on Women, Peace and Security (2016-2020), and has demonstrated its commitment to achieve gender equality, and promote women’s leadership and participation in national security and sustaining peace.

In partnership with the Ministry of Interior, UN Women has been providing technical support to national security institutions and line ministries in the NAP 1325 structure, including Ministry of Interior and National Directorate of Community Conflict Prevention (DNPCC), in strengthening their capacities to plan, implement, finance, monitor and report their commitments in the NAP, in collaboration with the civil society organizations. In the past decade, to promote gender mainstreaming in national security policies and reforms and advance women’s meaningful leadership in decision-making processes at all levels, toward accountable policy implementation, gender-responsive conflict prevention and peacebuilding, and to promote services that meet the security needs of women and girls in Timor-Leste, UN Women has been providing technical support tailored to the local political economy context to ensure women’s voices and concerns are visible in peace and security policy formulation, implementation and monitoring, and promoting collaborative partnership and coalition-building among state, civil society and development partners for enhanced impact of conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and protection efforts across sectors. From 2020 to 2022, the Government of Timor-Leste, with the support of UN Women and civil society organizations, has developed the second-generation NAP 1325 (2024-2028). UN Women stands ready to continue and provide support to the Ministry of Interior and the NAP 1325 Secretariat to coordinate and lead the second NAP 1325 implementation, and monitoring and reporting.

To ensure efficient and coordinated efforts in implementing the NAP 1325, the NAP 1325 Secretariat was established as a core part of the NAP 1325 Structure, and it serves as a central coordinating body providing assistance for the functioning of the structure and mechanism for the NAP 1325 implementation and reporting, and coordination amongst the Steering Committee, Working Group and Monitoring Team. It provides support to the Ministry of Interior and the Chairs of the Working Groups to organize meetings and facilitate documentation, and compile joint plan and budget for the implementation of the NAP 1325, and provide support in the reporting process.

Since the launch of the first NAP 1325 in 2016, UN Women has been providing support to the Ministry of Interior and the NAP 1325 Secretariat (particularly the DNPCC, which is appointed as the Secretariat) in strengthening its capacity in implementing, coordinating, and monitoring and reporting. As the second generation of the NAP 1325 being launched, the newly appointed team under the DNPCC of the Ministry of Interior will undertake the secretariat’s roles and provide support to the NAP 1325 Structure. UN Women will continue to extend its support to the new NAP 1325 Secretariat, and develop its capacity to launch the second NAP 1325 with the new Structure and members, and to consistently and effectively facilitate the functioning of the NAP 1325 mechanism, and coordinate the monitoring and evaluation of progress and impacts, ensuring and sustaining a high level of accountability.

In addition, the DNPCC is mandated to promote peace, social cohesion and non-violence conflict resolution while preventing and addressing local community conflicts in Timor-Leste. The DNPCC assumes a pivotal role within the second NAP 1325, where its functions and responsibilities are indispensable, particularly under the Prevention and Participation Pillars. Upon the request of the DNPCC, UN Women will upscale its technical support to the DNPCC in delivering its mandates under the national WPS agenda, and promoting gender-responsive and non-violent conflict prevention and resolution in the local communities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Overall objective of the assignment

The overall objective of the proposed consultancy is to provide technical assistance to the NAP 1325 Secretariat (DNPCC) and strengthen its capacity to facilitate coordination, implementation, monitoring and reporting under the new NAP 1325 Structure. Besides, the National Consultant is required to assist the Ministry of Interior and the DNPCC in strengthening capacities of newly recruited mediators in gender-responsive conflict resolution, and ensuring gender analysis and WPS lens are integrated in understanding and addressing community conflicts, and providing tailored and technical advice on strengthening national mechanism and interventions planning to address the root causes of the community conflicts, contributing to the implementation of the second NAP 1325 (2024-2028).

Scope of work/Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of UN Women Head of Office, and direct supervision by the UN Women WPS Programme Officer, and in coordination with Ministry of Interior, the DNPCC and the NAP 1325 Secretariat team, the assignment of the National Consultant will include the following:

• Provide assistance and strengthen the capacity of the NAP 1325 Secretariat in organizing the launch of the second NAP 1325 (2024-2028), and providing operational and logistic support to the NAP 1325 Steering Committee, Working Group, and Monitoring Team in organizing meetings and documenting results of the meeting and training.
• Provide technical assistance to the NAP 1325 Secretariat in supporting other line ministries to identify, plan and implement thematic activities assigned, under the second NAP 1325 in Timor-Leste.
• Provide support to the NAP 1325 Secretariat and strengthen its capacity to facilitate coordination, implementation, monitoring and reporting under the new NAP 1325 Structure. Work with UN Women and the NAP 1325 Secretariat to plan and design, and implement monitoring and evaluation policies and tools. Support the NAP 1325 Secretariat to provide relevant training to the NAP 1325 focal points from line ministries and civil society organizations when requested.
• Assist the Ministry of Interior and the DNPCC in strengthening capacities of newly recruited mediators and community coordinators in gender-responsive conflict resolution.
• Support the DNPCC in reactivating the Prevention Network, and coordinating with the members from the line ministries, CSOs and development partners in formulating and implementing the Work Plan, and designing joint interventions in advancing the WPS agenda.
• Conduct in-depth analysis and provide policy advice to the DNPCC in developing strategies and policies to increase women’s participation and leadership in community conflict prevention and resolution, and provide gender analysis and apply WPS lens in identifying signs of conflicts, and designing interventions for addressing community conflicts and security challenges (including non-traditional security threats) in Timor-Leste in a conflict-sensitive and gender-responsive approach.
• Synthesize comments from consultations and provide recommendations clearly articulating the thought process, and link to CEDAW, UNSCR 1325 and women’s human rights, drawing on international best practice.
• Organize workshops and/or dialogues to promote knowledge and expertise exchange and share good practices amongst the existing ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste on advancing the WPS agenda.
• Provide support to UN Women in the continued technical leadership and networking for UN Women’s strategic posture.

Duration of the assignment

The total duration of the contract will be from 1 March – 31 August 2024 (with possible extension).

Expected Deliverables

The consultant is expected to submit a Monthly Report with the following:

1. Monthly Workplan along with clear timelines for identified areas of support for the Ministry of Interior, the DNPCC and the NAP 1325 Secretariat (focusing on WPS). The Monthly Workplan should be designed and planned in coordination with DNPCC and UN Women at the beginning of each month, and the Workplan should be shared by 5th of each month. The final Monthly Workplan should be attached as an Annex in the Monthly Report.
2. Monthly progress reports against proposed Workplans, including the reports documenting logistics support and coordination required for meetings/discussions with Parliamentarians and/or government partners,  as well as notes from meetings and events.
3. Documentation of policy advice and technical support provided to Ministry of Interior, the DNPCC and the NAP 1325 Secretariat.
4. Workplan, tools and materials developed for the knowledge exchange events,  dialogues, capacity development activities and trainings. Reports documenting the detailed results of the events and trainings organized, with the analysis of the pre- and post- tests for all trainings.

All the documents, including reports, questionnaires, presentations, and reports, should be submitted in the English language, or if in Tetum, include an English summary.

1. Inputs
   1. The consultant is expected to use her/his own computer, presentation equipment and software for related tasks.
   2. The DNPCC and UN Women will provide the Consultant with working space (a desk and a chair), and necessary documents for desk review.
   3. UN Women will provide transportation to the other municipalities for activities required in the duty of its function.
   4. UN Women will provide Daily Subsistence Allowance to cover expenses outside of Dili or outside of Timor-Leste when applicable, and upon reception of a Travel Authorization.
   5. The cost of telecommunication and transportation within Dili will be covered by the consultant.

Competencies

Core Values:

• Respect for Diversity
• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement

Leading by Example Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf

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;
• Previous experience (also volunteer experience) from the non-profit sector is an advantage.
• Ability to multi-task and address competing priorities
• Ability to produce quality deliverables in a timely manner
• Strong computer skills, including Word, Excel, and Power Point

Required Skills and Experience

1. Performance evaluation:

Contractor’s performance will be evaluated against such criteria as: timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and quality of the products delivered.

1. Required skills and experience:

Education:

• Master’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Social Science, Law, Gender, Development or other relevant field with 5 years of relevant experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 7 years of relevant experience.

Experience:

• 5 years of work experience (or bachelor’s degree, 7 years)  on Women, Peace and Security, or  gender equality, or women’s rights or related areas;
• Proven experience in providing gender analysis of legal and policy frameworks. The relevant experience on WPS, and conflict prevention and resolution would be an asset;
• Proven experience in capacity development of government institutions and civil society organizations on CEDAW, UNSCR 1325 and NAP 1325. Extensive experience in working with the government institutions in coordinating, implementing, monitoring and reporting on strategies and programmes related to gender equality or WPS. Experience in facilitating high-level dialogues, trainings, consultations, including with government counterparts in Timor-Leste.

Language and other skills:

• Proficiency in oral and written English and Tetum. Knowledge of Portuguese is an advantage.
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools, ability to use Internet and email.

1. Submission of application

Interested candidates are requested to submit electronic application to UNDP Job Site no later than 15 February 2024.

• Submission of package:         

• Cover letter & Copy of the latest academic certificate
• CVs or P11, including contact information for 3 references;
• Financial proposal. The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount per month and/ or the daily professional fee in USD and other related admin & travel costs.

Please note that the submission package needs to be uploaded in one file/ document to UNDP Job site

Selected candidates will need to submit prior to commencement of work:

• UN Women P-11 form, available here from http://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment
• A statement from a medical doctor of ‘good health and fit for travel’.
• For any travel outside of Dili, UN Women will require the consultant to provide the certificate proving completion of BSafe training (see trip.dss.un.org).

1. Evaluation

Applications will be evaluated based on the Cumulative analysis.

1. Technical Qualification (100 points) weight; [70%]
2. Financial Proposal (100 points) weight; [30%]

A two-stage procedure is utilised in evaluating the proposals, with evaluation of the technical proposal being completed prior to any price proposal being compared. Only the price proposal of the candidates who passed the minimum technical score of 70% of the obtainable score of 100 points in the technical qualification evaluation will be evaluated.

1. Technical qualification evaluation criteria:

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:

Technical Evaluation Criteria	Obtainable Score
Education	20 %
Experience and skills	60 %
Language and other skills	20 %
Total Obtainable Score	100 %

Only the candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% of total points will be considered as technically qualified candidate.

• Financial/Price Proposal evaluation:

• Only the financial proposal of candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% score in the technical evaluation will be considered and evaluated.
• The total number of points allocated for the price component is 100.
• The maximum number of points will be allotted to the lowest price proposal that is opened/ evaluated and compared among those technical qualified candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% score in the technical evaluation. All other price proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.

1. Payments

Payments for this consultancy will be based on the achievement of each deliverable and certification that each has been satisfactorily completed. Payments will not be based on the number of days worked but on the completion of each stated deliverable within the indicated timeframes.

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, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.