Consultant on FGM evidence-based advocacy and accountability

Purpose of consultancy: The overall purpose of this international consultancy is to translate the latest empirical data, research findings, and legal/policy analyses regarding FGM/C in Asia into evidence-based advocacy messages, policy briefs and use them for movement-building to increase accountability. The consultant will bridge the gap between evidence and action, supporting regional networks, civil society organizations (CSOs), youth leaders, and national stakeholders to advance evidence- based advocacy and UNFPA COs to strengthen evidence- based narratives on FGM/C. How you can make a difference: UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies. In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff who embody these international norms and standards and will defend them courageously and with full conviction. UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact sustained results, ensuring effective external relations, communications, partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results Scope of work: An estimated 80 million girls and women in Asia have undergone Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), accounting for approximately 35% of the global burden. Despite its high prevalence across South and Southeast Asia—including Indonesia, Malaysia, India, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and others—the region remains underrepresented in global discussions due to limited political visibility, sensitive cultural contexts, and a growing trend toward the medicalization of the practice. Under the DFAT-supported TUSIP initiative, UNFPA and UNICEF are jointly implementing the regional programme "Breaking the Silence: Increasing Accountability on Addressing Female Genital Mutilation in South-East Asia" (2024–2028). The programme aims to accelerate progress toward SDG 5.3 by strengthening regional accountability, generating robust evidence, supporting civil society movements, and shifting social and gender norms. In the first half of 2026, the programme undertook a mid term review which featured key recommendations on strengthening knowledge management across countries in the region and elevate the regional accountability framework (RAF) to a flagship initiative for regional and global impact. Within this framework this consultancy will strengthen the knowledge management of the programme, ensuring cross-country learning and movement building for increased accountability, ensuring strengthened understanding and coordination for the implementation of the RAF among strategic partners and beyond. To do so, this consultancy will focus on translating emerging regional research and data into actionable advocacy products, strategic movement-building initiatives, cross-learning initiatives for increased accountability. In details, the consultant will: Develop a mapping of “who does what” among CSOs in the region Support the geo-visualization of the mapping, linking it with the implementation of Regional Accountability Framework Support the operationalization of the Regional FGM Accountability Framework to monitor national and regional commitments toward eliminating harmful practices. Develop tools and tracking mechanisms for regional coalitions to monitor institutional commitments, human rights reporting, and legal compliance across focus countries. Coordinate the organization of at least 4 strategic dialogues, knowledge-exchange webinars, and peer-learning workshops for UNFPA country offices, the Asia Network to End FGM/C and other partners. Support the review and synthesize recent regional research, national datasets, and thematic studies on FGM/C in Asia (including medicalization trends, social norms, and legal barriers) to disseminate findings widely and increase awareness on FGM/C in Asia. Draft evidence-based Advocacy Briefs, Technical Notes, and Policy Messages tailored for key decision-makers, regional bodies (e.g., ASEAN), healthcare associations, and faith-based leaders. Support evidence-based advocacy, through including findings from existing research in agenda, presentations for advocacy events, such as SVRI, Ministerial Conference on VAC, APFDS, CSW and others. Duration and working schedule: The total duration of the consultancy will be 80 working days between the 28 September 2026 to 15 June 2027 . The selected consultant will develop a monthly workplan in consultation with the GBV team. Place where services are to be delivered: Home based Delivery dates and how work will be delivered Payments will be made in instalments based on the supervisor’s approval of each deliverable. Each payment will be released upon submission and formal acceptance of the corresponding deliverable by the GBV Technical Specialist, UNFPA Asia and the Pacific Regional Office (APRO), in line with the agreed deliverable schedule. Expected Deliverables and Payment Schedule: Deliverable 1: by the 15th of November 2026: Mapping of “who does what” among CSOs in the region Deliverable 2: by the 15th November 2026: Tool and tracking mechanism for regional coalitions to monitor institutional commitments, human rights reporting, and legal compliance across focus countries. Deliverable 3: by 15th December 2026: Agenda, PPT and advocacy messages, report of: 1 session at SVRI, 3 days partnership meeting, 1 Session at Ministerial conference on VAC Deliverable 4: by the 30th March 2027 Synthesis of recent regional research, national datasets, and thematic studies on FGM/C in Asia (including on the linkages with disability, medicalization trends, social norms, and legal barriers) Deliverable 5: by the 30th March 2027: Geo-visualization of the mapping, linking it with the implementation of Regional Accountability Framework Deliverable 6: by the 30th March 2027: An implementation guide of the Regional Accountability Framework to monitor national and regional commitments toward eliminating harmful practices. Deliverable 7: by the 15th of June 2027: At least 4 strategic dialogues, webinars and peer learning opportunities on FGM facilitated, targeting UNFPA country offices, the Asia Network to End FGM/C and other partners. Deliverable 8: by the 15th of June 2027: Draft of evidence-based Advocacy Briefs, Technical Notes, and Policy Messages tailored for key decision-makers, regional bodies (e.g., ASEAN), healthcare associations, and faith-based leaders. Deliverable 9: by the 15th of June 2027: Agenda, PPT and advocacy messages, report of at least 2 advocacy sessions at CSW, APFSD or other platforms Monitoring and progress control A work plan/delivery monitoring schedule will be determined by APRO and the Consultant at the outset of the consultancy. A tracking sheet will be used to note progress against the TOR deliverables and deadlines. Supervisory arrangements: The consultant will directly report to UNFPA APRO GBV Specialist with overall supervision from GBV Advisor. No travel is expected Required expertise, qualifications : Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Public Health, Human Rights, International Relations, Gender Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field. Experience in research synthesis, drafting policy briefs, factsheets, or technical reports. Experience on researching/advocacy on FGM, GBV, Harmful Practices is desirable. Demonstrated experience in coordinating meetings, workshops, networks, or multi-stakeholder consultations. Prior exposure to topics related to FGM/C, harmful practices, or social norm change in the Asia-Pacific region is a strong asset. Experience with UN system operations, gender programming, or DFAT-funded projects is desirable. Previous experience with UNFPA is an asset. Strong drafting skills in English, with the ability to turn complex research into clear, concise text. Excellent time management, file organization, and task tracking skills. Excellent written and oral skills in English UNFPA Work Environment: UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more. Disclaimer: Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. #J-18808-Ljbffr UN News