ToRs-Consultant Gender Specialist (GS)

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

We are implementing a project titled “Gilgit-Baltistan Local Area Development Programme (Diamer) Region” in District Diamer. It focuses on enhancing ecosystem services and conservation practices, improving local livelihoods, and increasing climate resilience through community-based initiatives. The overall goal of the project is to contribute to poverty alleviation through climate-resilient sustainable development.

The key objectives of the project are:

1. Developing bio-physical ecosystem management practices to supply ecosystem services.
2. Developing governance capacity for ecosystem management, including climate sensitive gender mainstreaming.
3. Developing economic instruments to promote desired ecosystem results.
4. Promote renewable energy solutions for green growth and development.

The Expected Results (ERs) of the project are:

1. Improved biophysical ecosystem management practices through provision of ecosystem services.
2. Strengthened governance capacity for ecosystem management, with a focus on climate sensitive gender mainstreaming.
3. Enhanced economic instruments effectively promoting desired ecosystem outcomes.
4. Increased access to renewable energy solution delivering environmental, economic, and social benefits.

Objective of the Consultancy (GS)

Contributing to Objective II this consultancy will integrate gender-sensitive approaches into ecosystem management, regulatory frameworks, and advocacy efforts, ensuring gender equity and inclusion in all aspects of governance and environmental sustainability within the project context. This consultancy will emphasize capacity building, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement to ensure inclusive governance, environmental sustainability, and gender mainstreaming in the context of ecosystem management.

Scope of work and expected outputs / deliverables:

Main Activities:

• Analyze and revise existing legal and regulatory frameworks to identify gaps in gender equality and social inclusion.
• Design and implement advocacy campaigns and communication materials to promote gender equity in ecosystem management.
• Facilitate consultations with stakeholders to promote gender-sensitive governance and decision-making.
• Develop capacity-building programs and training materials focusing on women’s empowerment and gender-inclusive governance.

Expected Outputs:

• Comprehensive report analyzing legal and regulatory frameworks with actionable gender-sensitive recommendations.
• Advocacy campaign materials and documentation of awareness-raising initiatives.
• Stakeholder consultation report summarizing key inputs and outcomes.
• Training manuals and reports documenting capacity-building efforts.

Methodology: 

The consultant will adopt a participatory and inclusive approach, ensuring stakeholder engagement through:

• Desk review of relevant reports, policies, and data.
• Stakeholder consultations and focus group discussions.
• Development of training modules and communication materials.
• Use of monitoring tools to assess gender-sensitive policy impacts.

Time Frame and Input.

The consultancy will span 15 to 20 months.

Key Qualifications of Consultant

• Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Environmental Policy, Law, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in gender analysis, policy development, or advocacy related to environmental or sustainable development issues.
• Proven expertise in gender mainstreaming principles and legal analysis.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, with fluency in English; proficiency in Urdu or local languages is preferred.
• Familiarity with international frameworks such as CEDAW and SDGs.

Deliverable & Reporting Requirements

 Deliverables

The consultant will provide the following deliverables:

Reporting Requirements:

The consultant will report directly to the Director Programs and Partnerships, providing regular updates and ensuring alignment with project goals. Deliverables will include detailed reports, presentations, and documentation as outlined in the schedule above.