Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP)

Presentation of the mission

Presentation of the context
Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP) for better, more inclusive policies that adequately and systematically address the needs and rights of persons with disabilities. STEP advocacy strategy on inclusive development concentrates on strengthening the inclusion of persons with disabilities particularly focusing on women and girls with disabilities facing double discrimination, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence. STEP’s advocacy is embedded in the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and its “Leave no one behind” principles, as well as in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). STEP with UNFPA support aims at providing evidence, analyses, and recommendations to policymakers to help them implement the commitments they have made and the legal human rights obligations they are accountable for evidence show that the current COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risks and vulnerabilities of y women and girls with disabilities, which include:

1. Double discrimination as a result of their gender inequalities and disability= women and girls with disabilities face increase vulnerability including violence.
2. The breakdown of economic structures, health care, family and community support, educational opportunities, housing, transportation, and other infrastructures increases the vulnerability of women and girls with disabilities. They may find it harder to flee or be left behind, making them more vulnerable to attack.
3. The loss of assistive devices, caregivers, and protection networks as a result of lockdown makes women and girls with disabilities more dependent on others and at greater risk of exploitation.
4. The affected women and girls with disabilities face increased levels of sexual and gender-based violence in and out of the home, especially those with intellectual and mental disabilities. This is a result of factors such as stigma and discrimination, being seen as ‘easy targets, extreme poverty, social exclusion and isolation, loss of protective mechanisms, and limited mobility. Women and girls with disabilities are also largely excluded from gender-based violence prevention programs, including the variety of women’s empowerment initiatives aiming to break the cycle of vulnerability to violence.

As a result, STEP together with UNFPA, support aims to provide tele-psychosocial and GBV referral services to women and girls with disabilities. To this end, STEP is seeking the services of a senior consultant for the capacity building of PSS and GBV referral counselors.

Job Description

The technical Adviser would be responsible for institutionalizing a gender-focused approach and the development and implementation of a gender mainstreaming policy, supporting and promoting program-wide integration by providing expert advice on national and sectoral level gender issues, including opportunities and risks. S/he will facilitate the project Programme team in (i) Developing capacities both in-house and counterparts to integrate gender concerns in all practice areas including PSEA; (ii) Providing gender-responsive policy advisory services that promote gender equality and women empowerment; and (iii) Supporting specific interventions that benefit women with disabilities to mitigate gender-based violence

At the operational level with a specific focus on (i) ensuring strengthened women participation in decision-making spaces, through policy adviser and development of networks; and (iii) promoting and ensuring equal opportunities for women with disabilities in proposed community development initiatives like access to GBV services, protection and rural infrastructure services; and (iii) providing advice on any barriers that limit women with disabilities participation and gender inclusion in the process.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop a concept note to observe the 16 days of activism based on the policies guidelines and the 2020 disability right act which will elaborate how service providers and policymakers can focus on the needs of survivors who are WWDs to ensure their safety, wellbeing, and physical and mental health.
• Hold meetings and conduct consultations with stakeholders including government institutions (including Social Welfare Departments, Women Development Departments, and Commissions on the Status of Women), civil society organizations (especially disabled people organizations).
• Devise a roadmap for enhancing coordination on the 16 days of activism activities and obtain consensus from key stakeholders.
• Develop a training package that will include agenda, presentations, handouts, background materials, pre, and posttest, etc.
• Roll out one-day policy dialogues between disabled people organizations, service providers, and Policymakers. A total of 3 policy dialogues, two pieces of training, and one event to observe the International Day of Persons with disabilities.
• Preparing the report of the activities along with recommendations and policy brief.
• Develop content for media campaigns and press released.

Academic Background:

• Postgraduate degree in social sciences, international law, development studies, and/or gender studies, or similar.
• A minimum of 3 years of practical experience in implementing activities that support gender equity and equality and community participation;
• Ability to work well in a team environment and to act both responsively and proactively to ensure effective implementation of program activities related to gender.
• Experience in working with governmental bodies as well as civil society organizations on the advancement of women and equal rights.
• Written and spoken, English and Urdu

Competencies:

• A good understanding and proven application of all gender aspects and other related tools and mechanisms for the realization of a gender-based approach.
• Strong knowledge of gender and development issues, operational as well as theoretical and political.
  Proven ability to develop research methodologies, data collection tools with the aim of gender mainstreaming.
• Competency in conceptualizing, designing, implementing gender-focused strategies, and evaluating outcomes.
  Demonstrated capacity in planning and implementing community participation training, including the development of materials and using participatory methods.
• Strong communication skills, ability to handle details and present a persuasive case.
• Ability to work harmoniously with persons of different nationalities and cultural background issues
  Initiative and proven ability to work with little supervision

How to Apply

You can send your profiles and cover letter to the email address below.

info@step.org.pk