In its Phase III, the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation will strongly pursue an approach that will capitalize on ongoing continental, regional and sub-regional opportunities and initiatives to be able to ensure efforts are well articulated and coordinated across all levels. Linking the evidence base being generated at community and national level with political advocacy for sustainable change and commitment to eliminating Female Genital Mutilation at continental level will be given due attention and focus.

The African Union Commission (AUC) has an important role to play in intensifying and galvanizing the ongoing initiatives to eliminate the practice of Female Genital Mutilation at continental, regional and country levels. By the very fact that most of the Female Genital Mutilation high prevalence countries are within the region, AUC is a strategic political space and opportunity to positively influence the process at different levels.

Hence UNFPA is recruiting a consultant to be stationed within the Liaison Office and seconded to the African Union Commission to provide all the required support and technical assistance in effectively and timely delivering the African Union’s Saleema Initiative on Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation, with funding from the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation: Accelerating Change.