Independent Consultant

Job Description

Result of Service

Successful completion of the outputs as described below

Work Location

Home Based

Expected duration

Two months

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will undertake, but not be limited to, the following tasks: Inception Phase

• Review relevant network documents, including:

o EAWHRDN Terms of Reference;

o Strategic plan;

o Reports of annual meetings and annual work plans;

o Steering Committee records;

o Secretariat reports;

o Funding proposals and project reports;

o Membership records and governance documents.

• Develop an inception report detailing methodology, workplan and data collection tools.

Assessment and Evaluation

• Evaluate the network’s achievements against its stated objectives.

• Assess governance effectiveness, leadership structures and decision-making processes.

• Assess current membership structure and representation model.

• Review the functionality and effectiveness of the Steering Committee.

• Review Secretariat performance, transition arrangements and operational systems.

• Assess communication, coordination and member engagement mechanisms.

• Examine fundraising, partnerships and sustainability efforts.

• Identify barriers affecting active participation and accountability.

• Evaluate the network’s contribution to advancing women’s human rights and protection of WHRDs in the region. Stakeholder Consultations Conduct consultations with:

• Current and former Steering Committee members;

• Current and former Secretariat hosts;

• Network members;

• National WHRD coalitions/networks/initiatives;

• Women’s rights organizations;

• OHCHR East and Southern Africa Regional Hub;

• DefendDefenders;

• Key regional partners and allies;

• Selected donors and stakeholders where relevant. Regional Mapping Exercise Undertake a mapping exercise of relevant networks, coalitions, and initiatives in East Africa to assess areas of overlap and complementarity between these actors and the EAWHRDN and identify opportunities to strengthen the network through strategic partnerships and expanded membership. Such networks/coalitions/initiatives may include:

• Existing national WHRD coalitions, networks, and initiatives in East Africa;

• Women’s rights and feminist organizations;

• Protection-focused initiatives;

• Grassroots and community-based organizations;

• Emerging youth-led and digital activist movements;

• Potential future network members and strategic partners. Recommendations and Reform Options Develop practical recommendations aimed at enhancing the network’s effectiveness, sustainability, and impact, including with respect to:

• Membership reform and representation structures

• Governance strengthening;

• Constituency engagement, communication and accountability mechanisms;

• Strategic positioning;

• Sustainability and resource mobilization;

• Intergenerational inclusion;

• Regional representation;

• Election and transition processes.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or higher) in one or more of the following areas: Human Rights, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Political Science, Governance, Law, Social Sciences, Organizational Development and International Relations.

Competencies

• Excellent analytical and research skills.

• Strong facilitation and consultation skills.

• Excellent report-writing abilities.

• Ability to produce practical and actionable recommendations.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Demonstrated understanding of regional human rights systems and civil society networks.

Compliance of the UN Core Values:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards

• Respect for diversity: Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

• Fulfils all obligations of professionalism including gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience.

• Demonstrated experience conducting organizational assessments, institutional reviews or evaluations of civil society networks.

• Strong expertise in women’s rights, feminist movements, gender equality and human rights.

• Experience working with human right defenders, women human rights defenders and protection mechanisms in Africa is highly desirable.

• Experience facilitating governance reform and strategic planning processes.

• Experience conducting stakeholder mapping and institutional capacity assessments.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of written and oral communication English. • Knowledge of French and/or regional languages will be an added advantage.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.