Consultant jobs in South Africa

Job Description

Background:

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security.

Through its programmes and projects, UN Women provides technical assistance to national partners (governmental and non-governmental), including the private sector, in implementing international and national commitments to women’s rights and gender equality. It facilitates networking, exchange of good practices, and advocates for women’s rights in all areas of life. Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) are pervasive global issues, affecting over one in three women worldwide, with alarming statistics on femicide and violence in private, public, online, and digital spaces.

UN Women’s work in South Africa aligns with its Country Strategic Note 2023-2025, the UN-South Africa Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and the Global Strategic Plan (2022-2025), contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The South African Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) supports the G20 Presidency, especially within the Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG), advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment globally, in line with the Beijing Platform for Action and SDG 5.

The consultant will report to the UN Women EVAW Specialist and work closely with the Programme Coordinator and Country Representative.

Responsibilities / Scope of Work:

The Consultant will work under the supervision of the EVAW Specialist to produce analytical reports on the legal and regulatory environment regarding GBVF in G20 Member States. The role includes collaboration with the Ministry responsible for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) to inform policy recommendations and legislative reforms.

Technical Contributions:

• Support South African Government engagements on GBVF prevention and response.
• Identify and present promising practices in GBVF response, including working with men and boys.
• Contribute to research design and methodologies for GBVF-related studies.
• Assist in localizing solutions for GBVF resource mobilization.
• Provide expert advice on international frameworks like IASC GBV Guidelines, CEDAW, and UNSCRs on Women, Peace, and Security.

Technical Assistance & Capacity Development:

• Develop knowledge products on GBVF.
• Create content for policy briefs, concept notes, and project summaries.
• Support G20 activities related to GBVF.
• Identify support areas for GBVF prevention, response, and resourcing.

Legal and Justice System Support:

• Advise on judicial and legal reforms concerning gender-based violence.
• Understand the justice chain and inter-agency relationships.
• Support prevention work based on socio-ecological models.

Monitoring & Reporting:

• Contribute to concept documents, reports, and data collation.
• Assist in organizing activities for the positive masculinities side event.
• Draft reports, summaries, and briefing notes.

Advocacy & Knowledge Building:

• Create background documents, policy briefs, and presentations.
• Coordinate knowledge management on GBVF.
• Contribute to outcome documents on GBVF.

Deliverables include:

• Coordination of GBVF working groups.
• Technical advisory services and briefing notes.
• Position papers, policy briefs, and reports.
• Participation in meetings and activities.
• Monthly progress reports.
• Data collation and report drafting.
• Preparation for side events on positive masculinities.

Special Conditions:

Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information discreetly. Travel to W20 sites and the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities as needed, in accordance with UN Women policies.

Competencies:

Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity.

Core Competencies: Awareness of gender issues, accountability, problem-solving, communication, inclusion, stakeholder engagement, leading by example.

Functional Competencies: Programme management, budgeting, results-based management, data analysis, UN systems knowledge.

Qualifications:

• Master’s in social sciences, Gender Studies, Anthropology, Management, Public Policy, or Social Work. First degree + 2 years’ experience may suffice.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in legal/policy reform, GBVF, data analysis, advocacy, or related fields.
• Experience in EVAW with at least 2 endorsed works/products.
• Proven experience in training, toolkits, and monitoring on VAW.
• Knowledge of international GBVF frameworks is an asset.
• Research and writing skills required.

Languages:

• Fluent in English; knowledge of French or other UN languages is an asset.

Additional Information:

UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion. All employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. Candidates requiring accommodations should specify this in their application. UN Women maintains a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct, including sexual exploitation and harassment, and conducts thorough background checks.