[Hiring] Consultant on FGM Evidence-Based Advocacy and Accountability @UNFPA

Role Description

The overall purpose of this international consultancy is to translate the latest empirical data, research findings, and legal/policy analyses regarding FGM/C in Asia into evidence-based advocacy messages, policy briefs, and use them for movement-building to increase accountability. The consultant will bridge the gap between evidence and action, supporting regional networks, civil society organizations (CSOs), youth leaders, and national stakeholders to advance evidence-based advocacy and UNFPA COs to strengthen evidence-based narratives on FGM/C.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Public Health, Human Rights, International Relations, Gender Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Experience in research synthesis, drafting policy briefs, factsheets, or technical reports.
• Experience on researching/advocacy on FGM, GBV, Harmful Practices is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating meetings, workshops, networks, or multi-stakeholder consultations.
• Prior exposure to topics related to FGM/C, harmful practices, or social norm change in the Asia-Pacific region is a strong asset.
• Experience with UN system operations, gender programming, or DFAT-funded projects is desirable.
• Previous experience with UNFPA is an asset.
• Strong drafting skills in English, with the ability to turn complex research into clear, concise text.
• Excellent time management, file organization, and task tracking skills.
• Excellent written and oral skills in English.

Requirements

• Develop a mapping of “who does what” among CSOs in the region.
• Support the geo-visualization of the mapping, linking it with the implementation of Regional Accountability Framework.
• Support the operationalization of the Regional FGM Accountability Framework to monitor national and regional commitments toward eliminating harmful practices.
• Develop tools and tracking mechanisms for regional coalitions to monitor institutional commitments, human rights reporting, and legal compliance across focus countries.
• Coordinate the organization of at least 4 strategic dialogues, knowledge-exchange webinars, and peer-learning workshops for UNFPA country offices, the Asia Network to End FGM/C and other partners.
• Support the review and synthesize recent regional research, national datasets, and thematic studies on FGM/C in Asia (including medicalization trends, social norms, and legal barriers) to disseminate findings widely and increase awareness on FGM/C in Asia.
• Draft evidence-based Advocacy Briefs, Technical Notes, and Policy Messages tailored for key decision-makers, regional bodies (e.g., ASEAN), healthcare associations, and faith-based leaders.
• Support evidence-based advocacy, through including findings from existing research in agenda, presentations for advocacy events, such as SVRI, Ministerial Conference on VAC, APFDS, CSW and others.

Benefits

• Home based work.
• Payments will be made in instalments based on the supervisor’s approval of each deliverable.

Expected Deliverables and Payment Schedule

• Deliverable 1: Mapping of “who does what” among CSOs in the region by the 15th of November 2026.
• Deliverable 2: Tool and tracking mechanism for regional coalitions to monitor institutional commitments, human rights reporting, and legal compliance across focus countries by the 15th November 2026.
• Deliverable 3: Agenda, PPT and advocacy messages, report of 1 session at SVRI, 3 days partnership meeting, 1 Session at Ministerial conference on VAC by 15th December 2026.
• Deliverable 4: Synthesis of recent regional research, national datasets, and thematic studies on FGM/C in Asia by the 30th March 2027.
• Deliverable 5: Geo-visualization of the mapping, linking it with the implementation of Regional Accountability Framework by the 30th March 2027.
• Deliverable 6: An implementation guide of the Regional Accountability Framework to monitor national and regional commitments toward eliminating harmful practices by the 30th March 2027.
• Deliverable 7: At least 4 strategic dialogues, webinars and peer learning opportunities on FGM facilitated by the 15th of June 2027.
• Deliverable 8: Draft of evidence-based Advocacy Briefs, Technical Notes, and Policy Messages tailored for key decision-makers, regional bodies (e.g., ASEAN), healthcare associations, and faith-based leaders by the 15th of June 2027.
• Deliverable 9: Agenda, PPT and advocacy messages, report of at least 2 advocacy sessions at CSW, APFSD or other platforms by the 15th of June 2027.

Monitoring and Progress Control

A work plan/delivery monitoring schedule will be determined by APRO and the Consultant at the outset of the consultancy. A tracking sheet will be used to note progress against the TOR deliverables and deadlines.

Supervisory Arrangements

The consultant will directly report to UNFPA APRO GBV Specialist with overall supervision from GBV Advisor. No travel is expected.

UNFPA Work Environment

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce.

Disclaimer

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.