Gender Mainstreaming Consultant
In August 2002, GOAL shifted its operations to Katanga province. GOAL's Katanga programme, based in the town of Manono, serves a population of some 500,000 and is comprised of activities in community health, agriculture/livelihoods, community development and engineering sectors. GOAL is the only aid agency with a significant presence in this area and has a field-based team of eight expatriates and 120 local staff, supported by GOAL's DRC base in the town of Lubumbashi.
The project area is currently accessible only by air due to the deterioration in the road network throughout eastern DRC, following five years of conflict. As a result, GOAL is assisting a population in significant need and providing the only outside assistance in its sectors of activity.
Programmes in 2005-2007 initiated the transition from a relief to a development approach. In 2008, GOAL intends to continue to work closely with local communities to ensure that an integrated project cycle is developed with full participation of these communities, and other stakeholders.
WHY GENDER MAINSTREAM?
Gender discriminating cultural norms and values and state structures which marginalise and restrict the opportunity and voice of women continue to monopolise societies, particularly in the developing south. There therefore exist large imbalances in the quality of life between men and women, with women far more predisposed to the causes of poverty then their male counterparts, not to mention their vulnerability to incidence of GBV and subsequent susceptibility to HIV and AIDS. As GOAL aims to work with the 'poorest of the poor', this requires a focus being placed on women, as they continue to make up two thirds of the worlds poor.
As GOAL DRC undertakes the transition of its programme from post crisis recovery to longer term development, facilitating real sustainable development it is essential that we develop and implement programmes which are both gender sensitive, taking into account the different needs and interest of men and women and responding to both equally; and which promotes equality of the sexes, challenging systems and structures centred around gender discrimination and in some extreme cases abuse. To approach development in such a way is a challenge and requires the existence of a well development and well informed Gender Mainstreaming Strategy. This strategy must also be valued and supported by the staff implementing programmes on the ground, to ensure that what outlined on paper is being pushed forwarded and realised within the communities in which we work. For us to see real results achieved in the field men and women both need to be equal partners in their fight against poverty, should women remain marginalised from process of development then long term, effective change will not be achieved.
To date GOAL DRC does not have in place a well developed and informed 'Gender Mainstreaming Strategy'. Always striving to respond to the needs of the community in which we work, in a relevant and effective manner, it is necessary that such a strategy is development through professional consultation and advice.
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES:
Overall purpose:
To develop a Gender Mainstreaming Strategy for implementation within the Manono context.
Specific Objectives/Responsibilities:
* To carryout an assessment of the capacity of GOAL DRC to strategically mainstream gender within their programme.
* To carry out a study of GOAL DRC programmes to identify how and where gender can be mainstreamed. This should include a literature review the GOAL Gender Policy, GOAL DRC Strategic Plan.
* In collaboration with the ComDev officer work to develop a Gender Mainstreaming Strategy.
* To undertake a workshop for all senior level staff explaining the importance of gender to our programme and demonstrating best practice approaches to do this.
* Make recommendation as to how to role out the gender mainstreaming strategy and highlight areas internally where expertises need developing in order for GOAL DRC to effectively mainstream gender.
OUTPUTS
Outputs expected from the Consultant:
* To complete an assessment of GOAL DRC programme and identify how this programme can mainstream gender.
* Undertake an educative training workshop with senior level staff on 'What is gender mainstreaming? Why is it important?' And 'How does it fit with our programme here in Manono?'
* Within 2 weeks of the consultancy period ending submit a report detailing the methodology used, findings, analysis, key recommendations and lessons learnt, using a format to be agreed upon with the GOAL Community Development Officer. It should include the following:
1. Analysis of GOAL programme relating to gender.
2. Key findings regarding the capacity of GOAL DRC to implement a Gender Mainstreaming Strategy.
3. Recommendation for how GOAL DRC should go about internal capacity building to ensure effective implementation on the ground of a Gender Mainstreaming Strategy.
4. General Recommendation for moving forward.
5. Work plan for the Gender Officer / ComDev Department
6. Suggested links and networks - Locally, nationally and internationally.
* Within in 3 weeks of the consultancy ending a final draft if GOAL DRC Gender Mainstreaming Strategy / Policy, including a timeframe for action (3 years, 5 years) should be submitted.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
GOAL will provide the following:
* A copy of relevant project information;
* Materials for trainings as requested by training 3 weeks prior to commencing trainings.
* Accommodation & transport in-country
* Payment will be made by GOAL DRC on receipt of an invoice for same and after the consultant has provided the final approved partnership policy and strategy.
The Consultant agrees to the following:
* To achieve the objectives as stated above.
* Should the contract be frustrated due to security, access or other unforeseen factors, GOAL reserves the right to terminate the contract before or during the work, at the discretion of GOAL Dublin. Payment in such a situation would be made pro-rata for the work completed.
* The Consultant agrees to respect the confidentiality of GOAL at all times.
* The Consultant confirms that he/she is in sufficiently good health to undertake this assignment.
* The Consultant agrees to respect GOAL's Standards of Integrity throughout the consultancy.
CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
1. University Degree in Social Science, or equivalent. Post graduate qualification preferable.
2. Extensive knowledge of gender theory and practice.
3. 3 years of experience carrying out gender mainstreaming work.
4. Work experience in the NGO environment.
5. Experienced Trainer.
6. English, French, Swahili (desirable)
SUBMISSION OF OFFERS:
Applicants with relevant experience and appropriate qualifications as described in Section VII of this document should send an application letter with their CV, including two work references by email to comdevmanono [at] goaldrc [dot] org with the subject heading "Gender Mainstreaming Consultant Application".