Terms of Reference Gender in Humanitarian Action (GiHA) Team of Research Consultants

Duties and responsibilities

Under direct supervision of the Gender-Centru, and of the overall guidance of UN Women Task Manager, the team of Gender Researchers/Consultants will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Conduct a desk review to compile data available from different sources on humanitarian needs and gender-based risks and vulnerabilities, including research/assessments produced by UN Women, the government, refugee response actors (i.e., Multi-Sectoral Needs Assessment MSNA), UN agencies, NGOs, INGOs,  be used for the elaboration of the “Gender Needs Assessment for inclusion in Moldova””.
2. Development of methodology and data collection tools (questionnaires, focus group guidelines, in-depth interviews) regarding the gender needs of different underrepresented groups.
3. Ensuring communication with the data collector in order to achieve quality and gender inclusive data collection.
4. Develop an edited and proofread document in English (maximum 25-30 pages) with full citation of the “Gender Needs Assessment for inclusion in Moldova”. The analysis will ensure the following:

• Examine the gendered dimensions of the crisis and its impact on the affected population in all their diversity.
• Examining the gender dimensions of the crisis and its impact on the affected populations in all their diversity. Gender analysis in the dynamics/comparability of the refugee crisis, including from the perspective of inclusion in host communities and marginalized groups ( elderly, disabled, LGBTQ).
• Unpack gender needs, priorities and capacities of different groups of the affected population in all their diversity.Overarching analysis on inter-sectoral gender needs and priorities.
• Include separate sections highlighting gender considerations under the following sectors:

o   Protection
o   Health and Nutrition
o   WASH
o   Education
o   Food Security
o   Livelihood and Cash
o   Shelter and Non-Food Items

The Gender analysis should include gender focused sector-specific and inter-sectoral recommendations to inform refugee response planning, coordination, programming, and response efforts.

1. Consultation Gender Needs Assessment for inclusion in Moldova with a view to validating the co-states with the lagging groups on humanitarian response and economic resilience and, as a result.
2. Develop an advocacy document on the gender needs of underrepresented groups in the humanitarian response.

Functional Competencies:

• Background in gender and social focused research.
• Proven intellectual and practical capacity to understand and interpret different texts and provide a sound synthesis and analysis.
• Ability to handle confidential and politically sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner.
• High level logical and methodical organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written skills in English.

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices from a variety of sources.
• Demonstrates a strong capacity for innovation and creativity in providing strategic policy advice and direction.

Judgment/Decision-Making

• Mature judgment and initiative.
• Proven ability to provide strategic direction to coordination processes.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in law, international relationships, international development, social science, gender/women’s studies, or a related field is required.

Experience:

At least 5 years of research experience focused on social issues, including gender equality and women’s empowerment.

At least 2 years of relevant experience working with humanitarian sectors, civil society organizations, international institutions and donors.

Experience of work in a conflict setting is an asset.

• Previous experience working/consulting for UN and international projects/programmes is an asset.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Romanian.
• Russian is an asset.