The Position
Despite the fact that the Arab region has experienced significant positive strides in improving across several social development dimensions and narrowing a multitude of development gaps, the premise of leaving no-one behind brings an additional critical milestone to reach the most vulnerable and empower them. It is time to develop a deeper understanding of social and structural inequities that affect tens of millions of vulnerable people.
For decades, discussing and programming for the needs of persons with disabilities has not gained the attention and prioritization it deserves. With the launch of the global burden of disease study, which highlights that around 15.3% of the world population has moderate to severe disability, it’s inescapable to pause and make conscious decisions for ensuring inclusive programming.
Globally, the total burden of disability increased by 52% between 1990 and 2017, and it is estimated to affect around 1.15 billion persons. It is also estimated that the prevalence of disabilities goes up to 20% in developing countries and to go higher in times of crisis. Persons with disability are often disproportionately affected at times of conflicts and emergencies where they are unable to flee, unaware of the dangers facing them and oftentimes are left behind by their families and caregivers. Estimates in the Arab region are therefore expected to be higher as a result of the ongoing conflicts and the increase in the elderly population.
The vulnerability of Persons with disability increases as they often experience exclusion from sexual and reproductive health services, education and information. Young people and women with disabilities face significant barriers to access information, education and services in sexual and reproductive health that are adequate, comprehensive and free of prejudice. At the same time, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS, harassment and sexual violence, to which many young persons and women with disabilities are exposed, are a major threat to their personal development, health and life quality.
You will report directly to the Sexual Reproductive Health regional programme specialist.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2018-2021), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.
Job Purpose:
The overall objective of this consultancy is to produce a regional analysis of the sexual and reproductive health and gender-related needs of persons with disabilities in the Arab region; in addition to identifying social and structural barriers that affect accessibility to SRH and GBV services for persons with disabilities. At this stage we will begin with a desk review of relevant literature that integrates an in depth analysis of the situation in the Arab states using available data sources.
You would be responsible for:
UNFPA is looking for a consultant or a consortium of 2-3 expert
consultants to conduct a desk review on the SRH/GBV related needs, challenges and barriers to accessing SRH care for persons with disabilities and the mapping of the main active stakeholders working with persons with disabilities regionally including:
- Overview of the situation of persons with disabilities in the Arab States (AS) region highlighting linkages between CRPD, ICPD and SDGs and programming implications in the region
- Overall health status of persons with disabilities in the AS region with focus on SRH
- Overview of the persons with disabilities related legal constructs in the region with focus on SRH enabling or disabling frameworks in the region
- Analyze SRH/GBV related needs of persons with disabilities in AS region
- Analyze Barriers to access SRH care and fulfil SRH tights: societal, systemic, programmatic and individual barriers
- Identify, and propose entry points to address / enhance the SRH utcomes of persons with disabilities in the AS region
- The consultant(s) is expected to provide a draft report by 10 July which will be followed by a thorough review from UNFPA-ASRO.
- The report is to be finalized by 25 July 2020 following the review of UNFPA-ASRO and returning the report to the consultant(s) for finalization.
- The consultant(s) is expected to make a presentation of the desk review in virtual regional meetings that are organized by UNFPA ASRO, or in person presentation once the travel restrictions are removed, as requested by UNFPA.
- Costs to any travel that may be required will be covered by UNFPA according to its policies outside the monetary value agreed upon for the subject consultation.
Duration and Location:
30 working days. All the work will be done remotely with virtual meetings with the UNFPA Arab states office SRH team. If the situation allows, a validation meeting could be organized. No expected travel. If the travel restrictions are removed, 1-3 days travel may be required and all related costs will be covered by UNFPA according to its policies.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Relevant academic post-graduate qualification from an accredited institution (masters level at a minimum, PhD in the specified areas will be an asset)
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in research and analysis particularly in the areas of SRH and disabilities
- Familiarity with the mandate of UNFPA in the region is an asset especially in relation to SRH and RR
- Persons with disabilities that have the required expertise and especially encouraged to apply.
- Fluency in Arabic & English is a requirement (reading and writing), French is an asset
Required Competencies
Values:
- Exemplifying integrity,
- Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
- Embracing cultural diversity,
- Embracing change
Core Competencies:
- Achieving results,
- Being accountable,
- Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
- Thinking analytically and strategically,
- Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
- Communicating for impact
Compensation
UNFPA offers an attractive remuneration package.
Disclaimer
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Fraudulent notices, letters or offers may be submitted to the UNFPA fraud hotline http://www.unfpa.org/help/hotline.cfm
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, Embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities.
How to apply:
- Please email your CV/Resume along with a cover letter to asrovacancies@unfpa.org.
- Please specify the position title in the email subject.
- Only applications sent to asrovacancies@unfpa.org will be considered
- Applications received after the deadline of June 9, 2020 will be disregarded