UN WOMEN: WOMEN AND ISLAM RESEARCH SPECIALIST

Grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, UN Women works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women's rights at the centre of all its efforts, UN Women will lead and coordinate United Nations System efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It will provide strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States' priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors. Under UN Women’s Gender Justice portfolio in Afghanistan, work has begun in supporting national partners to open spaces of dialogue around women rights and Islam to increase the opportunities for girls and women to develop their human capital, and enjoy their rights under Islam. Work on women’s rights in Islam will build on partnerships developed with other line ministries, local government entities in the justice, interior, social protection and health sectors, NGOs and community-based groups to strengthen legal protection mechanisms that are socially and culturally sensitive to Afghanistan’s context. In support of the above work, and in partnership with national Government and Civil Society partners, UN Women will recruit a consultant to support research and develop recommendations on how to strengthen societal and institutional awareness on women’s rights in Islam. UN Women is dedicated to advancing gender equality and women’s human rights in Afghanistan. Staff and consultants of UN Women Afghanistan are expected to contribute to a professional working environment in which the strengthening of national capacities and human potential is prioritized. Respect for diversity and human dignity is required, as is the active pursuit of a collaborative and inclusive approach to both internal and external stakeholders, including colleagues and partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Gender and Justice Unit Manager and in coordination with Deputy Country Director and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) and other relevant line Ministries, the consultant will: Develop a methodology for conducting a participatory, field based research on the application of women’s rights in Islam in Afghanistan, which would include a review of legal frameworks from this perspective, relevant academic curriculum, and a mapping of the potential for advancing women’s rights in Afghanistan from this lens; Work with a national research institution to carry out the research, mentoring the national partners on methodology and time line for conducting the research; Based on discussions with the national institution, submit an annotated outline of the analytical report, and finalize based on inputs and feedback from national partners and UN Women; Upon the approval of the proposed methodology, time frame and annotated outline, provide technical backstopping to the national research institution to collect data. Lead the analysis of the data and development of an Analytical Report which contains findings on: i) how legal frameworks address women’s rights in Islam and what the gaps and the consequences are; ii) analysis on how to incorporate the results of this research into the policies and laws, in line with the Afghan constitution and Afghanistan’s international obligations and commitments; iii) recommendations on how academic and research institutions can raise capacities and awareness on women’s rights in Islam; iv) recommendations on the type of support required to ensure a more comprehensive, nationally owned application of women’s rights in Islam by Government, academic institutions, and civil society. The initial draft of the Analytical Report is to be submitted to UN Women and national partners within an agreed upon schedule, and in partnership with the national institution; Based on the feedback from national partners, the consultant will then finalize and submit a final version of the Analytical Report on Women’s Rights in Islam in Afghanistan. The above research will be conducted in partnership with a national research institution, under the close partnership and guidance of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and other relevant ministries which MoWA may bring into the process. Duration of Remuneration: The duration of the contract is 50 working days over a three month period, with possibility of extension based on needs identified. A minimum 30 working days is Afghanistan based, with the remainder of days being home-based subject to the approval of UN Women senior management in Kabul. A remuneration schedule will be agreed to in partnership with the consultant. UN Women will cover all costs of travel as per UN Women travel and procedures, rules and regulations.

Competencies

Core Values and Ethics: Demonstrated sensitivity, discretion, tact, and courtesy in relation to gender equality and women’s rights, development principles and projects, implementing partners, and national and international personnel of varied nationalities and backgrounds Comply with UN WOMEN rules, regulations and code of conduct; Commitment to upholding the organizational values and principles of UN WOMEN Afghanistan. Functional Competencies: Proven leadership skills, including the ability to set priorities, manage time effectively, and contribute to a team environment of respect, recognition, and mutual accountability.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Academic accreditation in and around Islamic and Sharia studies and a Masters degree in social science assessments and research, Law, political science, or gender with knowledge of research. Experience: Demonstrated expertise in analysis of legal frameworks and social norms and standards under the lens of Islam; 5-7 years of relevant work experience conducting comprehensive field research in developing countries, research conducted in conflict/post conflict settings and written research reports would be an asset; Demonstrated research skills in Afghanistan, preferably on Women Rights under Islam or Human rights and Gender Based Violence(GBV),and an informed awareness about the real situation of Afghan women and complexity of customs and traditions that are considered as Islamic principles while in reality it contradicts it; An understanding of the Religious, social, cultural, and political context of Afghanistan and its relation to gender and women rights under Islam; Experience working in issues related to women rights under Islam, human rights and gender considered an asset. Language Requirements: Excellent English and Arabic written and oral communication skills. Submission of Application: The application process comprises a one-page cover letter explaining the interest and suitability for this position as well as the UN P-11 (CV). Interviewing will follow for short-listed candidates. All interested candidates should apply online through the mentioned link: http://www.undp.org.af/Jobs/index.htm Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for an interview.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.