JOB POSTING Gender Equality Technical Specialist

SUMMARY ABOUT THE PROJECT

Field Support Services Project (FSSP) is a five-year project (October 2019 – October 2024) funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and managed by Cowater International. FSSP provides administrative, financial, procurement, and logistical services as well as support to the in-country development programming for the Government of Canada through the provision of technical specialists in gender equality, governance and human rights, and environment and climate action and assisting GAC in procuring and managing local development initiatives. These programs will take place in Indonesia and the ASEAN regions.

BACKGROUND

Canada’s development program in Indonesia supports the Government of Indonesia’s development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is aligned with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy’s core action areas of: i) gender equality and empowerment of women and girls; ii) human dignity; iii) growth that works for everyone; iv) inclusive governance; and v) environment and climate action.

Gender inequality remains a significant challenge in Indonesia, with high prevalence of harmful and discriminatory practices and beliefs against women and girls, including child early and forced marriage (1 in 9 girls married before legal age), female genital mutilation and cutting (49% of women and girls), sexual and gender-based violence (2 in 5 women), and a high rate of teenage pregnancies (5th globally). In the economy, 60% of women’s employment is considered vulnerable, without social protection to guard against shocks. Women continue to be left out of decision-making at all levels and are concentrated in unpaid work and low wage employment, in the informal sector. Women’s access to productive resources, services and finance is constrained by legal and social discrimination.

Canada Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP 2017) seeks to eradicate poverty and build a more peaceful, more inclusive and more prosperous world. Canada firmly believes that promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls is the most effective approach to achieving this goal. Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls (SDG 5) is central to all our international assistance efforts because it will drive progress toward achieving the other SDGs.

Through its Policy, Canada’s efforts to advance gender equality will be strengthened by working in the following six (6) action areas: (1) gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls (core action area); (2) human dignity (health and nutrition, education, humanitarian action); (3) growth that works for everyone; (4) environment and climate action; (5) inclusive governance; and (6) peace and security.

In Indonesia, Canada works with women’s rights organizations, women-led enterprises, public and private sector actors to increase women’s and girls’ voices and leadership in democratic and economic processes, strengthen their control over and access to productive resources, as well as advance and protect their rights, notably their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Canada co-chairs with UN Women the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Coordination Group. Canada also supports the development of gender-responsive policies, targets and investments to transition to a circular plastics economy inclusive of women in decision-making, which contributes to their economic empowerment, through the National Plastic Action Partnership.

Programming initiatives undertaken by the ASEAN Regional Development Program supports and advances Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy. The goal is to reduce poverty for the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly for women and girls.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) requires the services of a Gender Equality Technical Specialist (the Consultant) to provide technical assistance and support to the Indonesia and ASEAN International Assistance Programmes. Specifically, the Consultant will work closely with all the officers of the Indonesia and ASEAN Programmes to provide advice on gender equality and women’s empowerment; engage with relevant gender equality actors; make relevant linkages to GAC’s programmes; provide analysis for strategies, projects and briefings; and represent GAC as requested.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Working on a day-to-day basis under the direction of GAC’s Sector Team Lead and in close coordination with the GAC HQ specialists, the expected services of the Gender Equality Technical Specialist will include, but not be limited to:

a.     Provide advice and support to GAC management, programmes and projects as listed below:

§  Compilation, analysis, interpretation and reporting on selected gender issues, including gender-based violence/family and sexual violence (GBV/FSV), using statistical data, research and reports;

§  Provision of analysis and substantive inputs to GAC on project and programming; and strategic documents;

§  Advice on possible areas for GAC project support and adjustment of on-going projects and programmes to ensure that GAC programmes are in line with national/regional policies and priorities;

§  Production and launch of gender equality reports;

§  Contribution to national, regional and inter-agency initiatives related to gender issues; and

§  Representation of GAC in different working groups and interagency working groups. 

2. Facilitate knowledge building through the following:

§  Facilitate the development of knowledge and the advancement of gender equality within GAC projects and programmes as well as participate actively in corporate GAC knowledge creation;

§  Provision of options and advisory inputs to GAC programmes and projects, ensuring the latter are responsive to national/regional policies, priorities and strategic plans as well as GAC's policies, especially the FIAP;

§  Contribute actively to knowledge networks and communities through the identification of best practices and lessons learned;

§  Conduct assessments of the country's/region’s gender equality policies and their impact on GAC’s operational and future programs; and

§  As necessary, provide training and capacity-development support on gender issues to GAC implementing partners, Government, ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Institutions and ASEAN Member States officials and other development stakeholders.

3. Assist in managing for gender equality results in projects:

§  Provide tools and advice for effective integration of gender equality within Results Based Management tools, and monitoring achievement of results;

§  Provide advice for effective monitoring in measuring progress on gender equality results by reviewing project reports, providing inputs to TORS for monitors and evaluators, assisting the GAC project officer in field visits, and providing suggestions and recommendations for improving monitoring toward GE results;

• Provide technical assistance and support in areas such as designing and conducting gender-based analyses (GBA) and assessments, and developing toolkits, resource guides, and other technical resources;
• Design and conduct gender-based analysis and gender-based assessments; and
• Ensure gender equality best practice and tools are translated into actions in all programmes at both national and regional levels;

4. Assist in the creation of strategic partnerships and provide support in mobilizing resources for gender equality:

§  Facilitate partnerships with government institutions, bilateral and multilateral donors, private sector, civil society based on GAC’s FIAP, country/region needs and donors' gender equality priorities;

§  Perform gender-based analysis and research on donors, prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation for the advancement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls;

§  Produce periodic updates and briefs on country/region gender equality development situation to be used by stakeholders;

§  Undertake selected studies/research on emerging gender equality development concerns that feed into government/development partners processes,
advocacy and promotion of awareness of GAC’s mandate; and

§  Participate in public and policy advocacy for GAC gender equality policies within the SDGs, pro-poor and equitable economic growth at relevant forums, conferences and trainings.

5. Developing and maintaining gender equality networks.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Organize or contribute to gender equality donor meeting(s) and other related meetings;
• Provide support to GAC’s Indonesian Program sector lead with regard to Canada’s co-chairmanship of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Coordination Group;
• Design and facilitate gender equality meetings, trainings, and workshops, using appreciative, participatory methodologies and approaches; and
• Collect and share innovative approaches to gender equality integration and the empowerment of women and girls, and participate actively in relevant professional (formal and informal) communities.

6. Providing general support for the operation of GAC’s field office activities in Indonesia. This includes, but is not limited to:

·      Database support and data collection on gender equality;

·      Documents review and editorial support related to gender equality;

Organize GE meetings, document GE meetings/visits with photos, write GE event updates for social media or further publications, and write GE meeting reports.

7. Providing oral and written briefings on any of the above services through ad-hoc and regular meetings/conference calls with GAC’s Indonesian Programme sector lead, GAC HQ specialists, and team.

8. Any other relevant tasks as assigned by the GAC.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Gender/Women’s Studies, Gender and Development or other relevant discipline, or a Bachelor’s degree with relevant training in gender equality or equivalent experience.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of professional experience at senior level advisory positions in gender equality, women’s/girls’ empowerment in Indonesia or ASEAN Region.

As required by GAC, the Gender Equality Technical Specialist will have a solid knowledge of general and specific gender issues, a good knowledge of the Indonesia and the ASEAN context, general knowledge of official development assistance principles, and a good knowledge of the Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP).

Competencies:

• Demonstrated strong understanding of gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment issues;
• Demonstrated ability (through previous similar assignments) to analyse, compile and synthesize information in coherent and succinct formats;
• Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of international development programmes and projects;
• A drive for results, including a proven track record of high standards/accountability for work products, meeting deadlines, an ability to prioritize tasks within the scope of the work program and strategies for working collectively with others on the team to deliver products of the highest caliber;
• Client oriented; and
• Demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and a professional commitment to promote a culture of gender equality and social inclusion.

Required skills and experience:

The Consultant is expected to possess skills and experience in the following fields:

• Proven experience in conducting gender-based analysis, development of strategies for both the integration of gender equality as well as gender equality-specific initiatives, development and execution of gender-based needs assessments;
• Substantial experience in design and monitoring gender equality projects and ensuring gender issues are integrated into all programs;
• Strong understanding of gender equality concepts and demonstrated experience in applying gender-based analytical tools and conceptual frameworks to programming; 
• Support and provide relevant inputs in planning, financing and implementing of development plans from a gender equality and girls’/women’s empowerment perspective;
• Previous experience in writing comprehensive reports on gender equality aimed at informing programme design and implementation;
• Demonstrated experience working on gender equality policy and programmatic issues with national and local governments and civil society organizations including women’s rights organizations;
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners, and building strategic alliances and partnerships in support of gender equality;
• Developing and implementing conceptually innovative approaches to the provision of gender equality technical expertise;
• Ability to think strategically and integrate diverse information on gender equality from varied sources; and
• Experience working in multi-cultural environments and build effective working relations with clients and colleagues.

The following skills and experience will be an asset:

• Experience in conducting Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), in women empowerment, and/or in addressing gender inequality across the sectors addressed by the FIAP action areas; 
• Experience carrying out participatory gender-based analysis;
• Experience collecting and formulating gender-sensitive indicators and sex-age group disaggregated data and preparing gender-based project analysis; developing gender equality action plans;
• Demonstrated understanding of the links between sustainable development, social and gender issues;
• Experience in designing and facilitating different types of meetings and workshops on gender equality using a variety of participatory methodologies and approaches;
• Experience in facilitating gender responsive stakeholder meetings is highly desired;
• Experience working with GAC and or other key donors in the region such as AUSAID or USAID; and
• Experience with project development and results-based management methodologies is highly desired.

Language Requirements:

The Consultant must be fluent in Bahasa and possess the following levels in English:

Oral        = 4 – Advanced Professional Proficiency

Reading = 4 – Advanced Professional Proficiency

Writing   = 4 – Advanced Professional Proficiency

Most of the reporting will be written in English.

WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

The Consultant will work from their home base with meetings/interviews with GAC colleagues and external experts. The Consultant is not permitted to sub-contract. He/she may conduct an extensive literature review, and perform triangulation by interviewing experts, if necessary.

The Consultant will report to GAC’s Sector Team Lead. Payment is conditional upon satisfactory delivery of the assignments. In the event that travel to other regions or cities is necessary, all necessary costs will be borne by GAC, through the Field Support Services Project (FSSP).

DURATION OF THE CONTRACT

The total expected duration of the assignment is approximately 220 days. All reports must be finalized and submitted within this period. The Consultant is expected to start in April 2020. Payments will be processed monthly upon the presentation of an invoice detailing the level of efforts for each deliverables.

How to apply:

Interested individual consultants must include the following documents when submitting the applications to admin@fssp.or.id latest by Wednesday 25 March 2020:

1. CV indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references

2.    Brief statement as to why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment and highlighting his/her knowledge and experience in conducting gender-based analysis, development of strategies for the integration of gender equality and gender equality-specific initiatives, development and execution of gender-based needs assessments.

3.    Financial Proposal shall be submitted in the following format:

-     The financial proposal should specify an all-inclusive daily rate for up to 220 working days;

-     The financial proposal must be all-inclusive and take into account various expenses that will be incurred during the contract, including: the daily professional fee and when applicable any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services under the contract, not including travel expenses.

Qualified women are encouraged to apply.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidate(s) about the outcome or status of the selection process.

Evaluation of Application

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as a) responsive/compliant/acceptable; and b) having received the highest score out of set of weighted technical criteria (70% - Comprising of 15% scores of desk review, 25% written test, and 30% scores of interview) and financial criteria (30%). The proposals that achieve a minimum of 70% in the technical desk review shall be further considered for interviews and written tests. The Financial score shall be computed as a ratio of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest priced proposal received by FSSP for the assignment.

Technical Score (70%)	Financial Score (30%)
Based on Qualification (desk review) (15%)
Written test (25%)
Interview (30%)

Technical Desk Review

The technical desk review is based on the following:

St No	Criteria	Points
1	Academic qualifications of the Consultant	10 points
2	Minimum 8 years of professional experience at senior level advisory positions in gender equality, women’s/girls’ empowerment in Indonesia or ASEAN Region.	30 points
3	Proven experience in conducting gender-based analysis, development of strategies for both the integration of gender equality as well as gender equality-specific initiatives, development and execution of gender-based needs assessments.	20 points
4	Substantial experience in design and monitoring gender equality projects and ensuring gender issues are integrated into all programs.	20 points
5	Strong understanding of gender equality concepts and demonstrated experience in applying gender-based analytical tools and conceptual frameworks to programming.	10 points
6	Consultant’s knowledge of other areas relevant to the assignment	10 points
	Total points	100 points

NB: Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 points (70% of the desk technical review) will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

ABOUT US

With more than 34 years’ experience, Cowater International is Canada’s global leader in management consulting services specializing in international development and has managed the implementation of over 800 projects in more than 80 countries around the globe. We work with governments, partner organizations, communities and civil society to design and implement sustainable solutions that generate lasting social, financial and environmental impacts. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2017 and 2018. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Cowater International also has corporate offices in Montreal, Quebec, Paris, France, Pretoria, South Africa, and London, United Kingdom, Nairobi, Kenya in addition to project offices in a wide variety of other locations across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.