CALL FOR CONSULTANTS

Baseline study on the prevalence and forms of Gender Based Violence in 5 selected districts

Background

Gender-based violence continues to be a reality in Lesotho. It constitutes one of the most widespread human rights abuses and public health problems in the world today, with devastating long term consequences for victims’ physical and mental health. It ranges from acts of violence in the form of physical, psychological, or sexual violence against a person specifically because of his or her gender. However, the magnitude of its forms is not properly known as there is no precise data and adequate reporting mechanisms on this.

In 2008, the first baseline study was conducted in the following five selected districts – Leribe, Mohales Hoek, Thaba Tseka, Mothotlong and Quthing. The proposed study for 2010 will target the remaining five districts of Maseru, Berea, Mafeteng, Botha Buthe and Qacha’s Nek. It will review and consolidate available studies on violence against women with the goal to have a comprehensive situation analysis of violence against women in Lesotho; and will be undertaken within the framework of the Joint Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports & Recreation (MGYSR), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) project Measures to Counteract Violence Against Women.

Objectives of the baseline study are to:

·        Gather baseline information on attitudes and beliefs about gender based  violence

·        Identify the extent of different types of  violence which are occurring or have occurred within the specific districts;

·        Identify the health needs which arise as a result of these forms of violence;

·         Identify groups which are especially vulnerable;

·        Identify the individual and community strengths and resources that exist to prevent and to respond to violence;

·        Identify intervention strategies for prevention and treatment based on these community strengths and resources.

Management and Description of Responsibilities: The baseline study will be conducted under the overall supervision of the Ministry of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation, with the support of a Task team.

The consultant or institution conducting the baseline study will take the overall responsibility for the technical quality of the study, and will specifically:

• Prepare a comprehensive methodology as stated above
• Prepare a detailed inception report with work plan for the entire study
• Ensure preparations are made for field work
• Review and consolidate available studies
• Ensure that field work and other related study activities are undertaken in accordance with the work plan and budgetary allocations

• Undertake the report writing, and present a report to stakeholders for dissemination in workshop or meeting organised by the Task team

• Disseminate the results

Skills and Competencies

The following key specialized skills, experience and technical knowledge are required to undertake the assignment:

·        Familiarity with issues related to Gender-based violence, Gender audits, and Gender mainstreaming;

·         Quantitative and qualitative data collection;

·        Comprehension of human right-based approaches to programming;

·         Strong research and writing skills;

·        Analytical and programming work in gender equality and women's advancement;

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in international relations or other related field
2. At least 3 to 5 years of experience in HIV or gender
3. Fluency in English; knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Budget:

The consultant or institution conducting the study will prepare and submit a realistic budget on cost of the base line study.

Deadline for receipt of applications:  30th July, 2010

Please refer to the detailed Terms of Reference available on www.undp.org.ls/jobs. All applications should include a comprehensive CV with names and contact details of three referees. Please clearly mark your application “Baseline study on the prevalence and forms of Gender Based Violence” and send it to registry.ls@undp.org. Or hand deliver to: UNDP, 3^rd Floor, UN House, Maseru, Lesotho.

v  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.