Job Purpose:
The purpose of this consultancy is to advance efforts in eliminating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and ensure the effective implementation of the "Stop FGM Now! - Komesha FGM Sasa!" program. The Gender Programme Coordinator will provide essential expertise in navigating the complex social and cultural challenges surrounding FGM, coordinating programme activities, and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders such as government agencies, front-line organizations, community leaders, and civil society organizations. The consultant will ensure that the program aligns with national strategies and international best practices. Their expertise in gender dynamics and community engagement will be instrumental in driving sustainable change, with a focus on protecting the rights of girls and women at risk of FGM and maximizing the program's long-term impact.
You would be responsible for:
Programme Management, Technical Support, and Capacity building
Planning and implementation: support the development and implementation of detailed work plans and activity schedules for FGM programme activities in full alignment with UNFPA policies and procedures and donor requirements.
Progress tracking and reporting: Support the monitoring and tracking of FGM programme progress, contribute to the preparation of regular progress reports, and document lessons learned for continuous improvement.
Support the identification of needs and gaps in programming and recommend adjustments to ensure the program meets its intended outcomes.
Logistics and administrative support: Assist with coordinating logistical arrangements for program activities (e.g., workshops, training, community outreach events) and provide administrative support as required to ensure smooth execution.
Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to implementing partners, government entities, and other stakeholders implementing FGM prevention and response interventions.
Organize and facilitate workshops, training, and other capacity-building initiatives to enhance the skills and knowledge of staff and partners.
Support the development of training materials and resources related to program objectives.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Knowledge Management for Policy Advocacy
Support data collection and analysis: Assist in gathering and analyzing FGM data, programme activities, and policy implementation. This could involve conducting literature reviews, supporting field data collection, and contributing to data analysis reports.
Prepare regular program reports, including progress reports, donor reports, and internal briefs
Develop knowledge products: Support the development of knowledge products that showcase programme achievements and lessons learned. This might include contributing to briefs, presentations, human interest stories, or case studies.
Collect and analyze data to assess program performance, outcomes, and impact. Assist in updating and maintaining programme databases and information repositories related to FGM policies, research, advocacy efforts, and programme implementation.
Assist in documentation of best practices: Contribute to documenting best practices and lessons to enhance program quality and inform future initiatives.
Contribute to the development of communication materials, including reports, fact sheets, and social media content, and participate in and contribute to knowledge-sharing events, meetings, and workshops related to FGM.
Stakeholder coordination and collaboration
Act as a liaison between UNFPA and key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, civil society organizations, and community groups.
Foster collaboration with partners and coordinate efforts to ensure alignment with national strategies and standards and global and regional evidence.
Facilitate the engagement of relevant stakeholders, including community leaders and beneficiaries, to ensure program activities are culturally appropriate and impactful.
Resource Management, risk management, and compliance:
Assist in managing program resources, including budgets, and supplies, ensuring their efficient use.
Support the preparation of financial reports and ensure program expenses are tracked and comply with UNFPA's financial policies and procedures
Monitor resource utilization to ensure activities are implemented within allocated budgets.
Identify and assess potential risks to program implementation and propose mitigation strategies.
Ensure that program activities comply with UNFPA policies, ethical standards, and national regulations.
Contribute to the preparation of program evaluation, spot checks, and audit activities.
Developing and disseminating communication materials: This involves supporting collaborations with the communication unit and partners in creating engaging and informative content for various audiences to raise awareness about FGM and promote the program's activities.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor, GBV/Gender Advisor, and UNFPA management ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to programmatic needs.
Duration and places of delivery
This is a deliverable-based consultancy and it is estimated to start in December 2024 for 6 months.
The consultant will be based in Nairobi and is expected to travel to programme interventions areas in line with programme focus: Northeast region (Wajir, Marsabit, Garissa, and Isiolo), Eastern region (Tharaka Nithi) and Rift Valley region (Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot) counties.
Qualifications and Experience:
Education:
Advanced (Master) Degree or equivalent in social sciences, development studies, human rights, gender/women's studies, international development, social policy, public health, social mobilization, or other related fields is required
Knowledge and Experience:
At least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience at the national or international level in the field of international relations, human rights, policy advocacy, and gender programming, particularly related to women's rights, gender-based violence, or female genital mutilation (FGM) prevention and elimination.
Experience in the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of donor reporting and capacity building is required.
Strong understanding of sexual and reproductive health and rights issues.
In-depth knowledge of gender dynamics, women's empowerment, gender equality, and gender-based violence prevention strategies including protection and safeguarding.
Familiarity with national and international frameworks and strategies related to sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Understanding of project management principles and ability to apply them to program design, implementation, and evaluation.
Knowledge of gender issues in the humanitarian context, including relevant international human rights standards;
Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and managerial skills required. Self-starter, proactive, and passionate about the issues.
Proven ability to develop and implement effective resource mobilization strategies and campaigns.
Prior training in gender and their application in development and humanitarian settings;
Excellent written and oral communication and editing skills in English.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling web-based management systems
Demonstrated experience in working with government institutions, civil society organizations, and local community mechanisms in enhancing inclusive and responsive participatory approaches.
A thorough understanding of the UN system in general, and especially the UNFPA mandate, its policies and operations, and current development topics and political issues in Kenya will be an added advantage
Demonstrated ability to work in a teams