International Programme Specialist – Female Genital Mutilation, Tarime, Tanzania

Opening for Consultancy

Programme Specialist – Female Genital Mutilation

Job title: International Programme Specialist

Duty Station: Tarime, Tanzania

Duration : Six Months

Deadline for applications: 16 January 2015

Organization Unit UNFPA Tanzania Country Office

Background

UNFPA Tanzania has since 2013 supported activities towards the abandonment of FGM/C both at the community level and policy level.

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is a common cultural and traditional practice in Tanzania and more prevalent in regions of Manyara, Mara, Arusha, Dodoma and Singida. The forms and severity of FGM/C practices varies from one area to another. FGM/C is a life threatening health issue, human right issue and a manifestation of gender inequality. It has a direct contribution to neonate and maternal mortality. FGM/C abandonment can be achieved by behavioural changes both at the individual level and in the community at large.

In Tanzania FGM/C is against the law and there have been several efforts by the government, civil society organisation and other stakeholder to encourage communities to abandon it, the practice still prevails due to among others strong culture beliefs.

UNFPA Tanzania is currently providing support in Mara region specifically in Tarime; and has plans to upscale the programme to the other areas in the region and to other regions.

Deliverables/ Expected Outputs:

The main assignment of the Consultant

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist Gender, the International Programme Specialist assists in the formulation of a comprehensive multi-sectoral FGM programme for Tarime and Mara region as part of the UNFPA broader Gender Programme. She/He will support implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the current support provided in Tarime to ensure that the outcomes are in line with government, UN Delivery as One and UNFPA policies and procedures. In this she/he will liaise with other UNFPA implementing partners in Tarime among other stakeholders. The International Programme Specialist is part of the gender team that provides support to the national response to sexual and gender based violence and also serves as a technical resource for FGM response for the UNFPA CO and its Implementing Partners. She/He is instrumental in facilitating programme/project implementation using and developing appropriate mechanisms and systems and ensuring compliance with established procedures.

The International Programme Specialist will:

• Provide technical support to the Tarime FGM Network to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to end FGM
• Review the UNFPA support in Tarime, map other partners' support in Mara region and recommend for a comprehensive FGM programme in Mara
• Identify gaps in service provision and make recommendations for the development of services at the Masanga Centre, including the Masanga health facility to improve the effectiveness of services in providing protection and support to girls and women experiencing FGM and other SGBV
• Develop and improve ways of addressing the behaviour and attitude of parents and the community in general towards FGM and SGBV by means of enforcement, including prosecution, and support for behaviour change.
• Liaise with other stakeholders including the police, health, traditional leaders and ngaribas to identify mechanisms to protect girls and boys from FGM and SGBV
• Train the youth at Masanga centre to document human interest stories and other information/advocacy materials, such as newsletters, papers, leaflets, and factsheets for both web-based and traditional media as appropriate.
• Support organising and promoting agenda for the international day against FGM, International Day of the Girl Child, International Women's Day and 16 Days of Activism in Masanga

Qualifications and Experience:

· Successful candidates must have an advance degree in gender, health, population and/or other related social science field. A basic degree in medicine is an added advantage

· We expect professional experience of 5 to 10 years in community work, preferably in health, FGM, SGBV and in gender

· Thorough knowledge of state of art, proficiency in current office software applications. Language requirements are: fluency in English.

· Knowledge of Kiswahili is an advantage.

· Familiarity and knowledge of the functioning of the UN and its policies will be an added advantage.

· Experience work in Tanzania and specifically in Mara region is an asset

§ Initiative and sound judgment.

§ Dedication to the United Nations principles and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with persons of different national backgrounds.

§ Ability to work under pressure and against tight deadlines.

§ Excellent communication, analytical, oral and report writing skills.

Conditions & Remuneration:Salary Scale: SSA

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants are kindly requested to send their CV and P11 form which can be accessed through (http://www.unfpa.org/employment/docs/p-11.doc) along with a cover letter to UNFPA Office in Dar es Salaam by e-mail to tanzania.office@unfpa.org by 16 January 2015.Please indicate in the cover letter the post reference clearly, otherwise your application may not be considered. Applicants will be short-listed on the basis of their qualifications and work experience. Only the short-listed candidates will be invited for interview.