International Consultancy to operationalize a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) One Stop Center (OSC) model for GBV services delivery in 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 operationalize an additional mode of GBV services delivery that is grounded in the One-Stop Centers (OSC) model principle. The suitability of this OSC model to the local realities in Guyana was explored during 2021 and 2022 through desk research and consultations during the Phase 1 period of this consultancy. This process and the implementation plan which emanated, provides sufficient information to inform the operationalization of this OSC model to the local realities in Guyana. 

OSCs are coordinated and or integrated GBV support services designed to place a number of necessary GBV interventions and services under one roof. OSCs help survivors of GBV to access a range of integrated medical, legal, and psychosocial support and therefore is an option for increasing the provision of as well as uptake of quality services for survivors of GBV.  OSC models that have been reviewed have demonstrated a capacity to provide GBV direct services related to medical care, psychosocial first aid, case management, legal services, social services, support groups services, client referrals, as well as shelter services. 

The structure and location of OSCs have typically been shaped by the needs of the community or society within which they are found. Existing structures of OSCs include those that are managed by CSOs and others that are located within hospitals, to name a few. OSCs are generally staffed by a team of part-time and full-time professionals and specialists including pediatricians, nurses, doctors, social workers, police, survivor support officers, counsellors, legal practitioners, and social welfare workers. 

Under Pillar four of the SI programme in Guyana, UNFPA seeks to engage an International Consultant in support of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to operationalize the OSC model in keeping with GBV guiding principles and following a safe space for women and girls approach, that is adapted to the local realities in Guyana (with particular emphasis on administrative regions 4 and 6, Spotlight target regions). The operationalization of the OSC model for the Guyana context will parallel ongoing efforts to strengthen the GBV Essential Services Package for Guyana as well as to strengthen GBV mobile and remote services delivery in Guyana.
 

III.    REQUIREMENTS AND COMPETENCIES

The ideal International Consultant will need to possess a record of accomplishment, having supported the delivery of GBV One Stop Center 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 One Stop Center 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.  
 

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/OSM/GUY/IIC-004

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.