Background:

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, 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.

The UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325), adopted unanimously in October 2000, underscores the critical role of women’s equal participation and full involvement in all efforts to maintain and promote peace and security. Since then, seven additional resolutions have been adopted, further strengthening the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

UN Women works to advance women’s engagement in peace and security by promoting the effective implementation, monitoring, and reporting of global commitments on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. These commitments are outlined in the Beijing Platform for Action and in Security Council Resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009), 1960 (2010), 2122 (2013), and 2242 (2015), as well as in relevant Presidential Statements and UN accountability frameworks. The resolutions on sustaining peace (S/RES/2282 and A/RES/70/262) emphasize a comprehensive approach to peacebuilding that strengthens capacities for peace across all stages of the conflict cycle. In this context, UN Women supports efforts to build the capacity of actors engaged in inclusive peacebuilding and national dialogue processes, with the goal of enhancing women’s participation, influence, and gender-equality outcomes.

The Federal Government of Somalia has demonstrated strong commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda as an integral part of its broader state-building and peace consolidation efforts. In January 2023, the Government launched its first National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security (2022–2026), developed through an inclusive process led by the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development (MoFHRD) in collaboration with federal member states, civil society organizations, and development partners.

The NAP provides a strategic framework to enhance women’s participation and leadership in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, protection, and recovery processes. It is aligned with the National Development Plan, the National Gender Policy, and the National Reconciliation Framework, underscoring the Government’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment as key drivers of peace and sustainable development. While notable progress has been made in promoting women’s representation and engagement in governance and peace structures, significant challenges persist. These include ongoing insecurity, limited institutional capacity, weak coordination among WPS actors at federal and state levels, and social and cultural barriers that constrain women’s full participation in decision-making and access to justice and protection mechanisms.

Objective of the Consultancy:

The WPS Consultant will oversee the implementation of the WPS agenda portfolio for UN Women in Somalia given the rapidly evolving peace and security context and strengthening Somalia’s implementation of its National Action Plan on WPS (2022–2026). UN Women requires dedicated technical capacity to lead the design and drafting of project proposals and drive coordination, provide strategic guidance, and ensure coherent, high-quality implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda. In this context where the 2nd National Action Plan is being developed, continued technical and programmatic support is essential to strengthen coordination, implementation, and monitoring of the WPS agenda, enhance institutional accountability, and ensure the meaningful participation of women and girls across peacebuilding and governance processes at both national and state levels.

Implementation and management of the Women Peace and Security programme:

• Provide strategic guidance in the design and adaptation of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) programming, ensuring coherence with national peacebuilding priorities and the UN Women Global Strategic Plan;
• Lead or contribute to conflict and gender analyses to inform programme design, risk mitigation, and evidence-based decision-making;
• Ensure alignment of WPS interventions with ongoing efforts in governance, humanitarian response, and development programming;
• Develop terms of reference and supervision of consultants who will be working towards programme delivery;
• Coordinate and work closely with the WPS project staff and focal persons at the UN Mission, UN Agencies, Ministries, Departments and Agencies at the FGS and FMS levels and contribute to building synergy and smooth implementation including the Technical Working Group at National and subnational level;
• Provide technical support to UN, Government and CSOs partners on Women Peace and Security;
• Participate in the Project Steering Committee, project review and/or evaluation meetings as per the guidance of the country program manager.

Manage the monitoring and reporting of the programme:

• Support the onboarding processes of Implementing Partners including review, evaluation, capacity assessment, submission to LPAC/RPAC/GPAC and contracting;
• Provide project updates and inputs to the UN Women and donor reports;
• Build, manage, and expand relationships with national partners to support implementation and expansion of the Women Peace and Security programme; respond to any potential problems;
• Ensure all interventions adhere to “Do No Harm” principles and integrate conflict-sensitive approaches;
• Uphold UN Women’s standards on safeguarding, accountability, and ethical conduct.

Build partnerships and support in developing resource mobilization strategies:

• Identify and lead the development of new programming and partnership opportunities that advance women’s leadership and protection in peacebuilding and governance;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of partnerships and resource mobilization strategies;
• Foster strategic relationships with parliamentarians, traditional leaders, and national authorities to advance WPS priorities and promote women’s participation in decision-making;
• Facilitate the establishment and coordination of development partner group on WPS;
• Finalize relevant documentation on donor proposals and develop potential opportunities for resource mobilization;
• Strengthen linkages between the WPS agenda and complementary thematic areas, including Security Sector Reform (SSR), climate security, governance, and women’s economic empowerment;
• Promote integrated approaches that address the interconnections between peace, gender equality, and sustainable development within Somalia’s evolving context.

Contribute technically to inter-agency coordination to achieve a coherent and aligned presence for the Women Peace and Security in Somalia:

• Provide substantive technical support to the Country Program Manager on inter-agency coordination related activities by attending meetings, events, and participating in groups and committees;
• Coordinate with other UN agencies, government departments, donors and CSOs to ensure the projects’ capacity development programme is harmonized and aligned with the WPS agenda and other in-country efforts;
• Take part in technical and review meetings of the UNCF Results Group 1 on Transformative Governance.

Manage advocacy, knowledge building and communication efforts of Women Peace and Security programme:

• Support the development of policy briefs, communication materials, and advocacy tools to influence WPS-related policy processes;
• Contribute to regional and global WPS learning exchanges, ensuring Somalia’s experiences inform broader UN Women programming.

Cross-Thematic Integration:

• Strengthen linkages between the WPS agenda and complementary thematic areas, including Security Sector Reform (SSR), climate security, governance, and women’s economic empowerment.
• Promote integrated approaches that address the interconnections between peace, gender equality, and sustainable development using the HDP nexus within Somalia’s evolving context

Reporting to the Country Program Manager, the WPS Specialist exercises overall responsibility for planning, implementing, managing and technical support to the Women, Peace and Security Program interventions under the WPS portfolio. The Programme Specialist works in close collaboration with the programme and operations team, UN Women HQ and ESARO staff, UN partners, Government officials, Development Partners and civil society ensuring successful implementation of the overall portfolio. For payment issues, the consultant will be directly supported by WPS Programme Assistant, who will be the point of contact on the contract, logistics, technical support and payment issues.

Description of Responsibilities /Scope of Work:

Development and Submission of WPS Proposals:

• Prepare and submit five Women, Peace and Security (WPS)-related project proposals in collaboration with national stakeholders and development partners.

Establishment of WPS Coordination Forum and provide technical assistance:

• Design and operationalize a national WPS coordination forum bringing together government representatives, development partners, and women in uniformed services;
• Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to national WPS coordination platforms to strengthen their functionality and effectiveness.

Launch of Call for Proposals and Partner Onboarding:

• Organize and launch a call for proposals and facilitate the onboarding of implementing partners for the 2026 Annual Work Plan (AWP).

Guidance on Gender Strategies for the National Police Service:

• Offer technical guidance and quality assurance to consultant developing gender mainstreaming strategy and female career path policy

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel:

The consultancy will be based in Mogadishu to support the high level of in-person engagement required for effective implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) portfolio. The role entails regular on-site coordination with Federal Government ministries, Federal Member State institutions, civil society partners, and UN agencies to advance NAP 1325 priorities. Physical presence is essential to participate in high-level meetings, provide timely technical support, and respond to emerging issues within a dynamic peace and security context.

Competencies :

Core Values:

• Integrity;
• Professionalism;
• Respect for Diversity.

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
• Accountability;
• Creative Problem Solving;
• Effective Communication;
• Inclusive Collaboration;
• Stakeholder Engagement;
• Leading by Example.

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework: 

Functional Competencies:

• Technical Expertise in Gender and Peacebuilding;
• Ability to integrate gender-sensitive approaches into policy frameworks and peacebuilding programs;
• Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination;
• Strong networking and communication skills to engage with government institutions, UN agencies, donors, and civil society organizations;
• Ability to facilitate partnerships and coordinate multi-stakeholder initiatives, including engagement with the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and Peacebuilding Fund (PBF);
• Experience in managing joint peacebuilding initiatives and inter-agency collaboration;
• Communication, Presentation, and Advocacy;
• Ability to advocate for women’s leadership and participation in peacebuilding at the national and international levels;
• Experience in developing project proposals, concept notes, and funding applications;
• Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building;
• Experience in the Somalia Context;
• Strong diplomatic and advisory skills to engage with government officials and international peacebuilding bodies.

Required Qualifications

Education and Certification:

• Master’s degree or equivalent Social Science Research, Statistics, Peace Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Gender, Development, Communications, Public Relations) a related field is required;
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A [project/programme management] certification would be an added advantage.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in WPS, peacebuilding, conflict and crisis prevention and management, conflict analysis, recovery and development, or related areas
• Experience working with multi-stakeholder organizations, such as governments, CSOs, and the UN/ multilateral/bilateral institutions, is desirable.
• Experience in post-conflict and fragile context at international level
• Knowledge of issues related to gender equality and peacebuilding in Somalia is desirable
• Strong report writing and development of knowledge products skills
• Proven ability to mobilize resources for gender and peacebuilding targeting traditional and non-traditional donors
• Successful facilitation of partnerships and networks, particularly through engagement with the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), development partners, security sector institutions among others.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required;
• Knowledge of or any other UN official is an asset.

Statements :

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Diversity and inclusion:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)

Note: Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including the sections on education and employment history, are completed. If all sections are not completed the application may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process.