International Gender Expert

Background

The UNDP Iraq Country Office, with funding from the GCF, is supporting the Government of Iraq through implementing the project ‘NDA strengthening in Iraq for climate finance programming, governance, regional cooperation and knowledge generation’.

The focus of the project is to strengthen the capacity of the NDA and ensuring access to GCF funds and support to national organizations seeking accreditation at GCF. The project will enable the Government of Iraq to strengthen capacities of the newly assigned NDA to institutionalize climate action coordination mechanisms; establish/build capacity of direct access entities; enhance climate finance programming for national/regional greenhouse gas mitigation measures; mainstream information on paradigm shifts/transformation into country programming; and develop capacity to identify and develop proposals on green growth investments. The beneficiaries of the readiness proposal are the NDA, related ministries/authorities, private sector, and candidates for GCF accreditation. Low engagement of the private sector in the GFC process in Iraq is one of the main barriers that will be addressed through building capacity within the NDA to support bankable green growth proposals, development strategic priorities in addition to identification and training of strong national agency candidates for GCF accreditation. The project has a GEN2 UNDP Gender Marker and aspire to integrate the active role of women in the project activities, mainstream gender issues and integrating gender perspectives into climate finance policies and programs.

Objectives

The objective of the work of the consultant is to support UNDP in implementing its project ‘NDA strengthening in Iraq for climate finance programming, governance, regional cooperation and knowledge generation’ to achieve the following:

Strengthening the capacity of the NDA to enhance the country programming to mainstream gender issues within climate finance programs.
Capacity building of stakeholders on mainstreaming gender issues and integrating gender perspectives into climate finance policies and programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

The International Gender Expert will act as an international specialist with the following responsibilities:

Development of guidance document for project developers on how to integrate gender inclusion issues into climate financing and programs
Deliver training materials and lead three training events targeting the NDA and related stakeholders
Develop documents that are required in project proposals for GCF funding addressing gender issues
Review the country programme to ensure that gender issues are mainstreamed

The overall consultancy will involve the development of the training materials targeting stakeholders engaged in the national GCF process in Iraq including the NDA, relevant ministries, and private sector on gender. The training material will be used to deliver three training/consultation events of one day each, implemented virtually if there are any travel restrictions, to selected participants from Iraqi public and private sector. A report is required for each event and finalized based on UNDP and national stakeholders’ comments. The consultancy will be for a period of 6 months. The assignment will be managed under the UNDP GCF Project Coordinator and the overall EECC pillar head.

Scope of Work and Key Deliverables

Under the overall supervision of the GCF Project Coordinator and UNDP GCF oversight team, the International Gender Expert shall contribute to the provision of the following deliverables

Scope of work

Key deliverables

1

Coordinate with the project team and consultants to enhance the NDA’s operational manual regarding gender and social Inclusion, inter-institutional coordination, and climate financing, housed in an online platform to promote access and transparency

Quarterly progress reports

2

Deliver training materials and lead three training events targeting the NDA and related stakeholders

Training materials
One report for each training event

3

Develop guidelines for project developers on integrating gender perspectives into climate finance policies and programs

Guideline’s document

4

Mainstream the gender issues in the country programme on climate finance

Progress report

The consultant is also required to make him/herself available to attend remote/ virtual meetings / discussions via skype/ zoom or other relevant modality for planning meetings (in person)/ feedback meetings convened by GCF Project Manager, head of the pillar, and the UNDP oversight team.

The International Gender Expert must be able and willing to collaborate and assist other team members in training events and provision of advice

Timeline for deliverables

#

Deliverables

Timeline 2022

Payment terms

1

Deliverable 1

4 weeks from contract start date

20%

2

Deliverable 2

12 weeks from contract start date

40%

3

Deliverable 3

16 weeks from contract start date

20%

4

Deliverable 4

20 weeks from contract start date

20%

Total

100%

5. Duration

The contract is effective from the date of signature by UNDP Iraq and the international Consultant for 6 months with the aim of starting the assignment by 15 February 2022 – 31 August 2022.

If the Government of Iraq and UNAMI regulations allows, the consultant will have two missions to Iraq for one week including travel days to facilitate workshops, he/she will be entitled DSA, travel and transportation cost. The travel is optional based on the current situations of COVID-19.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Maturity combined with tact and diplomacy;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Knowledge and skills requirement:

Shows ability to communicate and to exercise advocacy skills in front of a diverse set of audience
Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment;
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
Ability to work independently with strong sense of initiative, discipline and self-motivation.
Knowledge of Iraq’a social, political and economic situation
Knowledge of UNDP and its mandate in the area of democratic governance and programme development
Excellent analytical/conceptual thinking
Excellent interpersonal/communication skills

Required Skills and Experience

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Academic Qualifications:

Hold at least a master’s degree in climate, energy policy, environmental policy, economics, or a related field.

Experience:

Minimum of five (5) years of experience preferably in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region on gender equality and gender mainstreaming.
At least five (5) years engagement with UN agencies and international donors preferably GCF.
Experience in formal training in gender analysis and gender planning and demonstrated expertise in mainstreaming gender in projects and programmes.
Familiarity with gender analysis tools and methodologies.

Language:

Excellent oral and written command of the English language.