International Consultancy to operationalize and strengthen the Gender Based Violence (GBV) Mobile and Remote service delivery models for Guyana - Spotlight Initiative Guyana

THE UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND (UNFPA)

The Spotlight Initiative Guyana invites interested Individual International Consultants to apply

I.    BACKGROUND 

The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) embarked on a global initiative in 2018 focused on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) - the Spotlight Initiative. The Spotlight Initiative country programme in Guyana was formulated in 2019 through extensive multi- stakeholder consultations and formally launched by the EU, the UN, and the Government of Guyana, on October 31, 2020. 

II.    PURPOSE OF THIS ENGAGEMENT

Access to supportive services to respond to instances of GBV vary from one geographic area to another, with the rural and hinterland areas of Guyana being the areas that are generally underserved. The centralization of social and other essential services to the capital city makes GBV support services inaccessible for those in the hinterland and remote areas. Moreover, the influx of migrants (particularly from Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela) in the hinterland who now seek GBV social services support and safety has increased the population in need [inclusive of Indigenous women and girls] in these underserved regions of the country.

Given the disparities in services available across geographic areas in Guyana, as well as the disparities in the level of access available to GBV response services, there is a need to support the operationalization of strengthened additional modes of GBV services delivery in the form of GBV mobile and remote services delivery. The suitability of the GBV mobile and remote services delivery model to the local realities in Guyana was explored in parallel with efforts to finalize the GBV Essential Services Package for Guyana, during 2021 and 2022. The findings of desk research and consultations conducted during 2021 and 2022 has provided sufficient information to guide the operationalization of the strengthening of GBV mobile and remote services delivery models to the local realities in Guyana. 

GBV mobile and remote services delivery is usually best suited for as an outreach intervention for hard-to-reach areas and is often considered as part of a wider approach to facilitate access to GBV response services. This model of service delivery was designed to meet the needs of varying categories of GBV survivors, particularly those drawn from vulnerable populations that are dispersed in urban and rural settings, who are often hidden, difficult to reach, isolated, and at heightened risk of violence. GBV mobile and remote services delivery endeavors to meet the needs of GBV survivors who cannot readily access static services, due to limited mobility, distance, insecurity or other obstacles. For GBV mobile service delivery, providers move to sites where the population is located. 

In Guyana, there exists vast hinterland regions that have remote and hard to reach communities spread across them, in which the needs of women and girls are not always adequately addressed. In Guyana’s hinterland regions, there also exists a number of women and girls pursuing economic opportunities in hard to reach mining communities in which they are placed at risk of being subject to GBV. Guyana also has a large and growing influx of migrants, particularly from Venezuela. In light of this situation, there is a clear need to examine the suitability of the GBV mobile and remote services delivery model for Guyana.

Under Pillar four of the SI programme in Guyana, UNFPA seeks an International Consultant [who will work along with a local consultant] to support the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in operationalizing strengthened GBV mobile and remote services delivery models in Guyana, in keeping with the local realities in Guyana (with particular emphasis on administrative regions 1 and 7, Spotlight target regions) and in keeping with findings from desk research and consultations conducted during 2021 and 2022.
 

III.    REQUIREMENTS AND COMPETENCIES

The ideal International Consultant will need to possess a record of accomplishment, having supported the delivery of GBV mobile and remote services and/or GBV essential services.

The ideal International Consultant will need to meet the following requirements:

1. EDUCATION

Have a minimum of a Master’s degree in relevant areas: Gender based violence, Gender Studies, Social Science, Law, Human Rights, Political Science, International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, International Development, Public Health, Public Policy or another related field. Post-grades in areas related with GBV and sexual and reproductive health and rights is an important asset.  

2. WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least seven (7) years’ experience in programming in relevant areas, such as, gender, social work, GBV service provision to GBV survivors (particularly within the health, social services, Police, and/or justice sectors), as well as project development and implementation.
• Technical experience in the elimination of violence against women and girls and knowledge and experience in the delivery of GBV mobile and remote services and/or GBV Essential Services Package is essential.
• Experience in providing policy advice to the government officers and/or designing and developing programmes. 
• Working experience in the Caribbean region, especially Guyana, will be an asset. 
• Previous experience with the UN and specifically UNFPA will be an asset.

3. LANGUAGE

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and competence in basic IT packages, particularly MS Word and MS Excel.

4. COMPETENCIES 

Excellent analytical and writing skills and results oriented. Fluency in Spanish would be an asset. 

IV.    EVALUATION CRITERIA 

All applications and proposals submitted will be assessed and evaluated based on an Evaluation Criteria Matrix and Capacity Assessment Checklist.   

V.    SUBMISSION DETAILS

The interested International Consultant is requested to submit an application package. The submission package should include:

1.    CV of the Individual International Consultant who is applying 

2.     Proposal of how the Individual International Consultant intents to undertake the assignment outlined in the approved Terms of Reference (ToR), inclusive of Budget  

 
Interested Individual International Consultants should submit their Application packages by Sunday, January 15, 2023 by email to guyana.office@unfpa.org ONLY.

Hard copies can be dropped off at the office - Attention: Adler Bynoe, Liaison Officer, UNFPA Guyana Liaison Office, Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean, UN House, Lot 107 -108 Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana.

Virtual Meetings with interested Individual Consultants can be arranged to answer questions regarding this Call for Applications.  Individual Consultants can indicate their interest via email address: guyana.office@unfpa.org.

To apply, kindly submit application letter and CV to:

Vacancy #: 2023/M&R/GUY/IIC-003

The Spotlight Initiative

107-108 Duke Street, Georgetown, Guyana

Email:  guyana.office@unfpa.org

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Note:

• There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process. 
• UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status. 
• UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.