GBV Consultant - Garowe, Puntland (IOM)

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Post/TitleGender/Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Consultant
Date of issue: 26th January 2015
Duty Station: Garowe, Puntland
Duration of Assignment February 2015 to March 2016
Deadline for applications: 6th Feb 2015

II. Background Information

****Summary****

Currently, access to medical services and assistance for victims and survivors of GBV in Somalia is limited. This includes access to PEP kits, post-rape care and clinical treatment, for example. Qualified medical personnel are lacking in number and psycho-social support service capacity is inadequate in Somalia. Altogether, these factors exacerbate the complexity of the situation. Furthermore, there is a marked lack of awareness on the definition of gender and the constitution of each gender’s role in society. Social, religious, traditional and cultural factors are at the very core of the issue thus it is vital that communities become sensitized in a manner that befits their way of life whilst simultaneously ensuring realization of human rights, justice delivery, protection and accessibility of services to assist survivors of GBV.

In light of this, IOM is taking the lead on a large-scale project funded by the European Union entitled, “Prevention of Child Trafficking and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as well as Protection and Care for Victims in Somalia” in the selected regions of Bari, Nugaal, Mudug and Galgudud in Puntland. It is the hope of IOM that the objectives of this project will be achieved through working in close partnership with key groups including security officials, local authorities, policy-makers, immigration officers, journalists and affected communities.

About Puntland

Puntland—officially the Puntland State of Somalia—is a region in northeastern Somalia. It is bordered by Somaliland to its west, the Gulf of Aden in the north, the Indian Ocean in the southeast, the central Galmudug region of Somalia in the south, and Ethiopia in the southwest. Its leaders declared the territory a semi-autonomous state of the Federal Republic of Somalia in 1998. Since then, the Puntland Government has implemented limited reconstruction and development programs using its own resources, with some support from the donor community. The needs still remain enormous given that the government must build modern infrastructure, systems and structures to provide basic social services such as healthcare and education. The capital of Puntland is Garowe (Nugaal province), though the cities of Bosaso (Bari province) and Galkayo (Mudug province) are far more populous.

****About GBV in Somalia****

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a widespread and rapidly growing problem in Somalia. Scarcity of field data renders it particularly difficult to attain a clear and evidence-based situational analysis of activities occurring on the ground. Despite this, governments in Somalia, local authorities, civil society and the international community at large agree that GBV needs to meet an end.

Years of instability and conflict, ongoing outbreaks of violence in pockets of the different regions, displacement and common harmful traditional practices place women and girls under great risk of experiencing forms of GBV.

Typical examples of violations include rape, intimate partner violence (IPV), physical and sexual assault, psychological and emotional abuse, forced marriage, sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation (FGM) and denial of resources which may result in women and girls seeking dangerous forms of livelihood such as sex work, for example. Though conflict significantly increases the risk of GBV, deep-rooted cultural mentalities are at the absolute core of the issue, creating persistent inequalities between the two sexes. As a result of unequal power relations, women are at greater probability of victimization.

With regard to the justice system, three separate sources of law exist in Somalia which includes state law, xeer (customary or traditional law) and Shar’iah or Islamic law. Rather than making use of the formal judicial system, most victims (if they seek assistance) will be referred to Shar’iah law or xeer. Justice within these systems is not usually delivered in favor of the victims. In most cases, justice will be agreed upon by either the perpetrator or survivor’s male heads of household or guardians.

****About the Ministry of Women, Development and Family Affairs****

IOM is seeking a qualified Gender and/or Gender-Based Violence expert to be commissioned to provide comprehensive training to the Puntland Ministry of Women’s Development and Family Affairs’ (MOWDAFA) department of Gender-Based Violence. As part of this training, the successful candidate will provide on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship to the technical staff of the institution. MOWDAFA is the lead ministry in matters related to gender and GBV.

III. Activities / Key Results Expected

Working in close coordination and consultation with the Puntland Ministry of Women’s Development and Family Affairs (MOWDAFA)’s department of Gender-Based Violence, the incumbent is expected to carry out their tasks alongside the following objectives:

· To undertake a situational capacity assessment of the technical staff at MOWDAFA in order to gauge the existing knowledge and command of gender definitions, internationally enshrined gender laws, gender-based violence and methods of prevention.

· To identify from the situational capacity assessment areas where knowledge is sufficient and up-to-date and areas where significant gaps in knowledge exist
· To develop a comprehensive and consolidated training curriculum, with a heavy focus on areas where major gaps have been detected
· To train technical staff on the concept of gender and gender-based violence
· To acquaint staff with a firm understanding of legal frameworks and conventions, both national and international, that stipulate the rights of women and advocates against discrimination of women
· To train staff on the justice mechanisms available for cases of GBV and of the referral process, both medical and legal
· To ensure continuous and systematic transfer of skills and knowledge on technical expertise in gender-based violence, specifically on prevention and close monitoring of incidence
· To closely coordinate with law enforcement officials and justice departments to ensure that perpetrators are punished according to available case evidence and abiding to the legal framework
· To build on and strengthen referral systems for reported cases of GBV
· To build the capacity of technical staff on methods by which cases should be reported, referral mechanisms and assistance/services offered to victims of GBV
· To provide technical assistance, review and input on drafting of new or improvement on existing policies, laws and documentation.
· To liaise with and form good working relationships and networks with associated line ministries and key persons, civil society/implementing partners, immigration officials, law and policy-makers, media persons, health service providers, religious focal points and local leaders.
· To communicate closely and regularly with IOM and all other relevant stakeholders.
· To attend monthly coordination meetings and present on the current status of the project.
· To oversee and participate in quarterly monitoring and evaluation activities.
· To inform consultative meetings with the counter-trafficking unit from a gender-based perspective.
To prepare monthly progress report and update on their tasks on the ground as per the agreed work plan****.****IV. Target Outputs
Conduct a needs assessment on the capacities and gaps at MOWDAFA. Post assessment evaluations should be carried out to measure transfer of skills and institutional capacity building at MOWDAFA.
Monthly progress reports to be submitted to IOM by the 5th day of the following month
A comprehensive training curriculum for MOWDAFA.
Offer technical assistance on policies that are developed during the tenure at MOWDAFA and support the development of legislation related to GBV
Monitoring and evaluation of partner work-plans (IOM)
Training and informative session reports.
V. Requirements

Besides the specific outputs mentioned in section IV, MIDA is requiring the following steps/actions to be undertaken throughout the assignment. These are standard requirements for all assignments undertaken through this project:

****1.****Transfer of skills: One of the main responsibilities of the qualified Somali expatriate, and one which he/she will be measured against, will be to ensure continuous and systematic transfer of knowledge and skills as related to the assignment. It will have to be agreed with the beneficiary institution which civil servants will have to benefit from this knowledge.

****2.****Work plan: A work plan will have to be developed with the Supervisor during the first week of assignment which will provide clear and time bound activities to successfully implement the outputs of the assignment. This work plan will be shared with the JSB-MIDA Project team. This work plan can be revised during the mid-term review to reflect new developments or changes in strategy.

****3.****Mid Term Review:There will be a mid-term review of the assignment between the incumbent and the beneficiary institution to discuss progress of the assignment and feedback on performance.

****4.****Interim and Final Reports:A progress report will be submitted by the incumbent to the Supervisor, MHD Protection focal point and to the IOM-MIDA Project Assistant. At the end of the assignment, the Participant must also provide a final report covering the duration of his/her assignment.V: Qualifications

Level of Education: · Postgraduate degree Area of Study: · Social Science, Public Health, International Relations or Gender Studies or related fields Years of work experience in what area(s): · At least five to ten years of professional experience in the field of gender or gender-related activities, ideally in Somalia

· Proven track record in training and/or capacity building

· Experience in liaising with government and local authorities in the development of and/or implementation of gender policies and programs Languages needed: Essential:

· Fluency in Somali

· Fluency in English

Desirable:

· Arabic General Skills / Other Requirements: · Excellent communication, listening and negotiation skills

· Strong background in issues of gender and gender-based violence

· Strong interpersonal and organizational management skills

· Good understanding of the UN system, International Non- Governmental Organizations, or Local No-Governmental Organizations.

· Expert knowledge on the GBV Information Management System

· Willingness to contribute to colleagues’ learning and in improving relevant skills

· Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and awareness

· Excellent understanding of the Somali geo-political landscape, particularly that of the government of Puntland

· Incorporates a high level of professionalism in all aspects for the duration of the project

· Possession of good leadership skills but also contributes to an effective, collegial and agreeable team environment

· Capable of handling sensitive situations and cultivate productive relationships

VI: Salary

The monthly stipend amount will be determined by IOM MIDA based on degree and years of relevant experience.

VII: Security and insurance modalities

Health insurance—including evacuation due to medical emergency—will be provided by the project. However, experts will be requested to provide a recent medical certificate stating that they are physically fit and able to work in a hardship area in Africa. Please note that IOM, according to the contract, will not be responsible for the security of the qualified Somali expatriates. The host beneficiary institution will be responsible for the security of the individual. Before leaving the country of residence or upon arrival in Nairobi or in Somalia, the qualified Somali expatriate will receive a pre-service briefing including security advice and cultural background.

HOW TO APPLY:
All applicants must apply online through the QUESTS-MIDA website. To start the application process, the applicants are required to register an account with the QUESTS-MIDA website. Go to login and register as a user, then fill the form and create a password to enter in the applications section. Fill in the 1-page online application form.

Send your Resume/CV to quests-mida@iom.int. Stating the position in the subject line of your email. Only Short-listed candidates will be informed of the status of their application.