RECRUITMENT OF A CONSULTANT FOR THE LIVELIHOOD AND WOMEN ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT STRATEGY UPDATE - Yaoundé Center Region with field visits at UN Women

Akwajobs   (Yaoundé, Centre, Cameroun)

Posted : 6 November, 2021

Category : International Affairs   Location : Yaoundé, Centre, Cameroun

Job type : Full Time

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Background

Context and Justification

Cameroon is experiencing three simultaneous complex and protracted crises, namely the attacks by Boko Haram in the Far North region, the flow of refugees from the crisis in the Central African Republic and a socio-political crisis with secessionist demands in the Northwest and Southwest regions. These crises triggered large-scale displacement that affected nine out of Cameroon's ten regions (Figures from the UN Refugee Agency (HCR) show that Cameroon is currently hosting over 401,213 refugees, primarily from the Central African Republic (289,982) and Nigeria (108,164). They also contribute to an increase in human rights violations and abuses. Despite the organization of the Grand National Dialogue in 2019 and the subsequent implementation of its main recommendations, the conflict in the Northwest and Southwest regions persists. Among the factors of these crises, we note socio-economic inequalities, particularly in access to basic services or the availability of infrastructure, or the centralization of a governance system marked by limited participation of citizens in decision-making, especially at the local level.

The Anglophone crisis began on 11 October 2016 in Bamenda when lawyers from the Northwest and the Southwest went on strike. Several consultation meetings were held to determine solutions, but, despite these efforts, an armed conflict broke out and seize confrontations between armed groups and the national army. To date, it is estimated that these confrontations have resulted in approximately 2,000 deaths, and the destruction of private and public property. The conflict further led to reduction in public services offered by state and non-state services and had a significant impact on economic opportunities. This crisis caused a lot of discrepancies as the NWSW which were calm areas and where activities were carried out successfully, turned to be a conflict zone. Many persons became affected especially women and girls as they had to migrate to different areas, many lost their homes, income generating activities, jobs etc. Hostilities, armed clashes, increased use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), in addition to inter-communal clashes between farmers and grazers in Menchum division in the North-West are continuous. The population remains caught in the crossfire and exposed to violence leading to the displacement of thousands of people. For several weeks, roadblocks have been obstructing humanitarian access, preventing the delivery of aid to affected people. About 8,500 persons were reportedly displaced in August and about 530 persons returned to their areas of origin as they could not cope with the poor living conditions in hosting towns. Most of the reported displacements are pendular. (Cameroon situational report of 12 Oct 2021)

The impact of the crisis in the South-West and North-West can be further understood by looking at the displacement figures. According to the United Nations, the crisis has led to the displacement of 65,500 people to Nigeria (UNHCR, Nigeria: Registration of Cameroonian refugees, 30 June 2021) and 712,800 internally in Cameroon. Among the internally displaced persons (IDPs) outside of the two crisis regions, 80% have found refuge in the West (162,726) and Littoral (80,925) regions (OCHA, IOM and CHOI, MSNAs August and September 2020). [1]

This situation has been exacerbated with the COVID-19 crisis outbreak which broke out in March 2020. This pandemic affects the whole country, increasing the number of people in need of assistance and needs of people already affected by humanitarian crisis. The COVID – 19 exacerbates vulnerabilities and acts as a multiplier of the challenges previously identified.

To effectively address these factors, it is necessary that efforts be focused more on considering the needs of populations affected by security crises and the prevention of future shocks. The acceleration of decentralization as well as the protection of human rights, in particular the fight against discrimination against women, the protection of refugees, the fight against statelessness and leave no one behind.

The humanitarian crisis caused by the Boko Haram uprising in the Far North region which began in the year 2014 also continues to disproportionately affect men, women, girls and boys. Beyond livelihood issues, women and girls are for many victims and survivors of Gender Based Violence especially in Mayo-Sava, Mayo-Tsanaga and Logone-Et-chari. This crisis has provoked the massive immigration of the population from Nigeria commonly known as refugees, some of whom have settled in the Minawao camp, and the migration of the Cameroonian population, known as the Internally Displaced Population (IDP), whose villages of residence have been affected, to the hinterland of the region. The occurrence of a relative calm in some villages has contributed to the return of some IDPs who are referred to as Returnees.

In view of alleviating poverty and supporting economic recovery of Women and Girls through economic empowerment, livelihoods development and market improvement, with the former strategy in place, it is necessary to revise the livelihood strategy. The strategy should include the three regions therefore, UN Women has envisaged to recruit (1) one Consultant to give inputs on a global strategy which can be used to support women in the context of the crisis and the methods to put in place to enable the smooth rehabilitation and empowerment of women during the crisis and after in the Far North, South West and North West Regions. This will help displaced and vulnerable women to be empowered so as to increase their income to meet their basic needs and provide for their families, it will also curb radicalisation of women and girls who have been systematically targeted.

Duties And Responsibilities

OBJECTIVES

Taking Into Account The Strengths And Weaknesses Of The Current Strategy The Consultant Will Specifically

In line with the already existing UN WOMEN Standard Operating Procedures for Livelihood activities, the overall objective of the consultant is to set up and revise the current strategy on Rehabilitation and Economic Empowerment of Women and Girls victims of conflicts in the different regions mentioned above.

• Bring up strategies that will increase the access of vulnerable women and girls, IDPs and host communities to resources, assets, services, and incomes; (access to resources and services such as land, income, market, business development, entrepreneurship, capital, financial services).
• Set up or review the strategies and standards that can be used to empower women and girls among refugees, IDPs and host communities to be self-reliance (skills, knowledge, capacity building, self-esteem, social networks, capacity to prevent, manage and resolve conflict/crisis,).
• Recommend new strategies to Promote access to livelihood options by reducing GBV, all forms of discrimination and harmful cultural practices and work towards changed gender norms (access to entrepreneurship options, preventing/stopping GBV, ensuring legal protection and reforming discriminatory laws and regulations, working with men and boys and decision makers).
• Provide guidelines to economically empower women and girls and increase their leadership and engagement in livelihood opportunities,
• Set up a good monitoring system that would ensure the proper follow up of all livelihood and women empowerment activities.
• The consultant will work in close collaboration with UN Women Humanitarian and Livelihood program team. The consultant will also consult with national partners, implementing partners and other stakeholders.
• EXPECTED RESULTS
• At the end of the consultancy period, the following should be available and done by the consultant:
• strategies that will increase the access of vulnerable women and girls, IDPs and host communities to resources, assets, services, and incomes made available.
• strategies and standards reviewed
• Guidelines to economically empower women and girls are available
• A good monitoring system has been set up and the plan is available
• DELIVRABLES
• Inception report available two weeks after the signing of the contract.
• Intermediate report giving the strengths/weaknesses of the previous strategy in the current context and strategic/operational guidelines for the new strategy in the three crisis areas (45 days after the signing of the contract).
• Final report with a strategic plan showing how livelihoods for women and girls involved in the three crisis can be sustained (60 days after the signing of the contract)

Competencies

Core competencies

• High Awareness and Sensitivity regarding Gender issues
• High Accountability
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Effective Communication
• Creative Problem Solving
• Leading by Example
• Stakeholder Engagement.

Functional competencies

• Analytical skills (Excellent analytical, synthesis, writing and presentation skills) ;
• Communication skills (Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills) ;
• Good knowledge of Livelihood and GBV issues ;
• Teamwork (Ability to work independently and in a team) ;
• Mastery of data collection and analysis techniques
• Mastery of the participatory approach

Recruitment Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

Educational Qualifications: Master’s degree, or Advanced Degree in the following fields: Agriculture, Development, Economics, Sociology and any other related field

Experience

• Holder of a Master’s degree or Advanced Degree in the following fields: Agriculture, Development, Economics, Sociology, and any other related field
• At least five years of experience in the field of Livelihood and Women Empowerment
• Good knowledge on Livelihood activities especially for Women and Girls
• Good knowledge of humanitarian principles and standards
• Excellent analytical, Synthesis and report writing skills
• Proof of operational experience in designing strategies
• Experience in working in conflict areas is going to be an asset

Language Requirements

• Good mastery of both English and French languages

PAYMENT MODALITIES

• Delivery of Inception report : 40%.
• Delivery of Intermédiate report : 30%
• Delivery of Final Report : 30%.

APPLICATION MODALITIES

Interested candidates should attach the following documents to their applications:

• A technical proposal critically analysing the terms of reference and, above all, presenting in detail the methodological approach for carrying out the assignment. This technical bid should also present the experience of the consultant in similar assignments, including the documents produced in these contexts ;
• The detailed CV of the consultant ;
• Photocopies of diplomas and proof of Professional experience.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA Technical evaluation (only shortlisted candidates) /100

Have proposed a relevant methodology, including the timetable for the assignment

60

Professional experience related to the theme of the assignment

20

Knowledge of the intervention environments and the study area

20

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