National consultant to support the National Agency on Preventing and Combatting Violence against Women and Domestic Violence to strengthen the existing mechanisms and practices within the law enforcement sector related to GBV


JOB DESCRIPTION

Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The work of UN Women in Moldova is guided by its new Country Strategic Note 2023-2027, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Moldova 2023-2027 (UNSDCF), UN Women Global Strategic Plan, National Programs and Strategies, and aims to contribute to the gender-responsive implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Strategic Note focuses on four main areas: 1) Ending Violence against Women; 2) Women’s Leadership and Governance; 3) Women’s Economic Empowerment; and 4) Humanitarian and Peace development nexus and UN Coordination on gender equality.

Violence against women (VAW) is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today. It is a major obstacle to the fulfilment of women’s and girls’ human rights and to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In Moldova, as in the region and around the world, it affects individuals regardless of the context, culture, or socio-economic status, with serious repercussions for women, their families, and society in general. The prevalence of VAW in Moldova remains high, three out of four women, or 73%, have experienced some form of partner abuse. 71% were victims of psychological abuse, while a third of women have experienced physical violence and 20.9% sexual violence.  Despite significant progress, including in legal and policy reforms, research, and awareness-raising campaigns, the prevalence of VAW in Moldova remains high.

As of November 2023, UN Women launched the implementation of an EU-funded Project, “Ending Violence, Expanding Livelihood Opportunities for Women and Accelerating Gender Governance in Moldova (EVOLVE4GE). The project interventions aim to improve the prevention of GBV and contribute to behavioral change toward strengthening the culture of reporting and supporting women and girls in exercising their rights, reaching out to recourse mechanisms, and expanding and improving the specialist services. Importantly, the project envisages enhancing the overall planning, coordination, and oversight of the progress on implementation of the EVAW program through provision of technical and expert support to the National Agency for Prevention and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. The Agency’s mission is to implement public policies aimed at preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence and to ensure the national implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. In accordance with the legislation, the Agency is also authorized to provide policy recommendations and proposals to the central public administration authorities for development of draft normative acts, legislative revisions and policy documents related to violence against women and domestic violence.

In this framework, UN Women Moldova within the EVOLVE4GE project seeks to contract a consultant (here and after “The Consultant”) to support the National Agency for Prevention and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence to enhance the existing mechanisms and practices within the law enforcement sector related to gender-based violence cases.

Duties and Responsibilities

The overall objective of this consultancy is to contribute to enhancing the response of the Law enforcement to gender-based violence. Additionally, it aims to improve the inter-institutional coordination among GBV service providers and strengthen the referral system in the country.

More specifically, the consultant​​ will be responsible for the following tasks, including but not limited to:

  • Conduct an assessment and provide recommendations for enhancing existing protection orders, enforcement mechanisms, reporting mechanisms for violence against women, and the process of laying charges against perpetrators.
  • Assess the functionality of the current referral systems across multi-sectoral services, including psychological and psychosocial support, social care, healthcare, as well as police and judicial responses, to ensure effective collaboration and victim-centered support.
  • Provide concrete recommendations for amendments to the legal framework and policy measures based on the findings from the assessment and consultations with stakeholders.
  • Provide actionable recommendations for strengthening institutional capacities of Law Enforcement Authorities for each as per the functional roles.
  • Participate in regular meetings with representatives of the National Agency for Prevention and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and UN Women, provide updates and recommendations for overcoming identified bottlenecks and challenges.
  • Submit monthly progress reports on major tasks performed.

The consultant is expected to work in close coordination with the representatives of the National Agency for Prevention and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and the UN Women project team. All written products should be agreed with the National Agency for Prevention and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and UN Women and be provided in electronic copy. The monthly reports to UN Women should be provided in English.

Duration of the assignment 

The estimated duration of the contract is from 01/11/2024 to 31/03/2025.

Management arrangements 

The consultant will work under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the UN Women EVAW Project Officer and the representative of the National Agency for Prevention and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, to ensure effective coordination and alignment of initiatives/tasks, with a strong focus on promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Performance evaluation 

The consultant’s performance will be evaluated against performance criteria such as timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and quality of the products delivered, emphasizing the effective integration of gender considerations throughout the assignment.

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Financial arrangements 

Payment will be disbursed every month upon submission and approval of deliverables and timesheets with actual days worked.  The payment shall be made upon certification by UN Women and EVAW Agency that the services have been satisfactorily performed. The number of days worked is to be determined solely by UN Women. The Consultant agrees and acknowledge that acceptance of the Contract does not guarantee any minimum fee to be paid to the Consultant.

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel 

The Consultant will not be located on the premises of UN Women and will have to work remotely. However, the consultant is expected to have periodic coordination meetings with representatives of the National Agency for Prevention and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and the UN Women EVAW Project Officer to ensure effective coordination. No travel is envisaged under the current assignment. In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs should be agreed upon between UN Women and the National Consultant prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

Competencies

Core Values:

  • Respect for Diversity;
  • Integrity;
  • Professionalism.

Core Competencies:

  • Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
  • Accountability;
  • Creative Problem Solving;
  • Effective Communication;
  • Inclusive Collaboration;
  • Stakeholder Engagement;
  • Leading by Example. 

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies:

https://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment/application-process#_Values

Functional competencies:

  • Strategic Thinking and Leadership
  • Gender Mainstreaming
  • Digital Transformation Expertise
  • Project Management and Coordination
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building
  • Communication and Advocacy
  • Resilience and Adaptability
  • Critical Thinking
  • Intersectionality Awareness
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • A University degree in law, sociology, gender studies, public relations, development studies, and other social science-related areas relevant to the assignment is required.
  • Additional training and certification in gender equality, human rights, gender-based violence, etc., would be considered an advantage.
Experience:
  • At least seven (7) years of proven work experience in the field of preventing and combatting violence against women and domestic violence and/or law enforcement sector is required;
  • At least three (3) years of experience in reviewing laws/policies/regulations and/or providing training in the field of preventing and combatting violence against women and domestic violence and/or in law enforcement sector is an advantage;
  • Previous experience in working with/in the government and/or non-governmental sectors in the field of gender equality and ending violence against women would be considered an advantage.

Language Requirements

  • Excellent command of Romanian. Working knowledge in English; Knowledge of Russian would be considered an advantage.

How to Apply

Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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