CAT II Gender Expert - Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone

Project title: Studies in preparation of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative

Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone

Gender Expert:
General description of the position:

The gender expert is expected to analyse the incidence of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone
Expert category:

Cat. II (>6 years of experience)
Qualifications and skills required:

University degree in gender or other relevant social science subject - good knowledge and understanding of Sierra Leone context - excellent drafting skills
General professional experience:

At least 6 years professional experience in gender related topics
Specific professional experience:

 At lest 3 years in gender-related issues in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Language skills: Excellent English both oral and writing - Good level of Krio oral
Minimum number of working days: 20 days
Additional information: The following topics shall be addressed: - Gaps in the legal and policy framework (here-included statutory instruments and SOPs) to prevent and respond to FGM, especially to protect juveniles; and recommendations for formulation/review; - Female Genital Mutilation norms/drivers at the level of the individual, families and at the community level; - FGM Drivers and barriers to its eradication.(e.g. resistance from traditional/political and/or cultural leaders and why; Resistance from ethic groups and why (expectation of lost income, etc.; Politicization of the issue, impacting high- level support); - Intimidation and/or harassment faced by those who work to eradicate FGM; - Hindering factors to enforcement of existing law on the part of the police and/ or formal justice sector; - Review of existing studies / strategies aimed at ending the practice; - Explore options of promoting bondo without cutting; - Opinion of parents, family members, religious leaders, paramount chiefs and other key stakeholders on FGM. The following elements shall be taken into consideration while proposing activities: o Consider known enablers/factors in successful eradication or reasons for retention of undergoing FGM in FGM prevalent communities/families in the country; o be suited to the local context, taking into consideration factors such as literacy rates, cultural norms, transport difficulties in remote areas, national lab capacity (personnel and facilities), etc; o be based either on experience from Sierra Leone or from a country with a similar cultural and socio-economic profile. Research methods are expected to include: i) desk review of relevant polices/laws/statutory instruments/customary laws/ multi- annual plans, related budgets, reports & studies ii) in-person/virtual interviews with knowledgeable persons, Governmental and non-Governmental entities active in VAW/ HP prevention and response – here included grass-root organisations, paramount chiefs, religious leaders and FGM cutters