Consultant - Gender and Political Parties in Commonwealth Caribbean/Americas region ~ Paradaise Today

Location: Home-based with some duty travel
Closing date: 11 March 2016
Contract duration: 55 days

Fee: £300 per day

Consultant required to research the current terms of political party governance structures and mechanisms in the Commonwealth Caribbean/Americas region and develop a framework for engagement of political parties and capacity building

Project Title

'Women's Political Leadership in the Commonwealth Caribbean/Americas Region: Research and Capacity Building Project'

Background

The Secretariat's gender priorities as articulated in the Strategic Plan envisage that 'Gender equality and the empowerment of women be effectively mainstreamed into member states policies, frameworks and programmes and the Secretariat's projects.' Over time, the Gender Section has developed tools and knowledge products that can be built upon and deployed for this purpose across Divisions. In particular, an area where this knowledge could be sufficiently enhanced and would add value is in the political landscape where women continue to be underrepresented in many Commonwealth countries. Consequently, political decisions that impact on democracy and development are often made without taking into account the perspectives of both genders.

Scope and Purpose of Assignment

The Consultant will report directly to designated staff in the Political Division. Through the designated staff in the Political Division, there will be close collaboration and consultation with the Gender Section under the Office of the Secretary-General.

Objectives

To research and identify the current terms of political party governance structures and processes in the Commonwealth Caribbean/Americas which affect the recruitment and retention of women for political leadership.
To raise the awareness in political parties of the Commonwealth Caribbean/Americas region and provide options for reforms to enable increased number of women in political leadership.
To directly engage with political parties in the Caribbean/Americas region, to design and implement procedures and projects that increase the number of women in political leadership.

Core Competencies

Demonstrated understanding of the Commonwealth's fundamental values and principles as outlined in the Commonwealth Charter.
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.
Promotes enabling environment for open communication.
Solid political acumen

Required Skills and Experience

The successful candidate should ideally possess:

Postgraduate degree in social sciences/humanities such as development studies, gender, public administration, political science or other related field or other relevant disciplines.
Minimum 10 years' experience in research and policy development at national, regional and wider levels.
In-depth knowledge of development issues and management in developing country contexts, and in the Caribbean Region
Substantive experience in developing high-level research and working with international project teams.
High-level communication and facilitation skills, especially for engaging with stakeholders for research.
Knowledge and experience of work in Commonwealth societies.

How to apply

The applicant must submit:

A curriculum vitae and a motivation letter explaining why he/she is suitable to carry out the expected tasks.
A brief outline of how he/she might approach project implementation.
A sample of a relevant research and policy document he/she has produced.