International Consultant to conduct a 2-day workshop with FBOs

TERMS OF REFERENCE (to be completed by Hiring Office)

Hiring Office:

Unfpa Turkmenistan Co

Title:

International Consultant to conduct a 2-day introductory workshop with representatives of faith-based organizations to advocate for women's rights, and prevention of gender-based violence

Context And Justification:

Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in 2015. 

Turkmenistan actively pursues a gender-responsive national policy based on constitutional principles and the SDGs.  Legislative and policy measures are adopted to realize the principles of equal rights and opportunities for men and women. The socially oriented policy of the country on empowering women in socio-political, economic and cultural life, protecting their rights and legitimate interests, providing state benefits and provision of conditions for decent living standards and productive labour are critical factors for the country’s sustainable socio-economic development, strengthening the legal foundations and furthering the democratization of the Turkmen society.   

Working towards gender equality – by empowering women and engaging men – is fundamental to achieving a host of development outcomes, including reducing poverty, improving health and addressing other population concerns.  Gender equality and human rights are core values in UNFPA and are reflected throughout its work. 

Faith-based organizations (FBOs) and religious leaders can play a crucial, yet complex, role in promoting gender equality and preventing gender-based violence (GBV). Their influence stems from their deep integration into communities and their moral authority. They can use their platforms to challenge harmful traditions, promote equitable norms rooted in religious texts that preach dignity and justice, and provide crucial emotional and spiritual support for survivors of violence. FBOs are also well-placed to engage men and boys in gender equality programs, promoting positive masculinity and acting as allies. Their ability to partner with governments and secular organizations for advocacy further strengthens their role in preventing and responding to gender-based violence. However, it is also important to acknowledge potential challenges, such as the risk of reinforcing harmful norms, resistance to change from some religious representatives, and a lack of technical knowledge in GBV response. To work effectively with FBOs, a partnership-based approach is recommended, which includes culturally sensitive programming, targeted capacity building, and a focus on empowering positive role models within faith communities.

UNFPA Turkmenistan intends to initiate collaboration with FBOs in the country in the advancement of gender equality and prevention of GBV. The goal is to establish partnership and engage FBOs as genuine partners from the beginning, respecting their agency and their unique role in the community. By partnering with FBOs, UNFPA aims to leverage their respected position in communities to foster positive social change and advance the health and rights of women and girls in a way that resonates with local values and beliefs.

UNFPA plans to hold a two-day consultation with representatives from faith-based organizations across all regions to discuss collaboration. The meeting will focus on promoting women's rights, and preventing gender-based violence using the principles of Islam. UNFPA hopes to leverage the FBOs' respected community position to foster positive social change and advance the health and rights of women and girls in a culturally sensitive manner.

Objective And Scope Of Consultation:

The International Consultant will carry out the following tasks: 

Literature Review - 5 Days:

• Review the recent literature on religious practices, human rights and gender equality situation in the country and develop an agenda and content for a two-day consultation with national religious representatives. 
• Develop materials and a presentation that describe the vision of Islam on the roles of women and men and are related to women's rights, and preventing gender-based violence under the principles of Islam.

In-country mission: - 3 days

• Hold cosultational meeting with UNFPA programme staff prior to the workshop and debriefing after the workshop;
• Facilitate a two-day consultation with representatives from faith-based organizations on promoting women's rights, and preventing gender-based violence using the principles of Islam.

Consultancy Report – 2 Days:

• Prepare a consultancy report with detailed description of the consultation process and recommendations on the next programmatic steps.

Total number of days: 10 working days.

Expected Outcomes And Deliverables:

Deliverable 1: Draft materials and presentations for a two-day consultation with representatives from faith-based organizations on promoting women's rights, and preventing gender-based violence using the principles of Islam by 5 November, 2025 

Deliverable 2: Conduct a mission to the country by 28 November 2025

Deliverable 3: Finalized materials and presentations for a two-day consultation and consultancy report wit recommendations for further interventions by 5 December, 2025.

Duration And Working Schedule:

Duration of this consultancy is from 31 October to 5 December 2025 including operational closure of the contract. 

Place where services are to be delivered:

The consultancy services will need to be delivered home-based with a mission to the country is planned on 24-27 November, 2025 (including travel days)

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):

Dates for deliverables are provided under the section Scope of work. All deliverables will be provided in an electronic format.

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:

The International Consultant will report to the UNFPA Programme Analyst on Gender and Youth and will provide an update biweekly on progress, challenges encountered, and support requirements.

Supervisory Arrangements:

The IC will perform under the overall guidance of and report to the UNFPA Gender and Youth National Programme Analyst. 

Expected Travel:

One mission of 4 days to the country is planned on 24-27 November, 2025 (including travel days). Travel costs will be covered additionally according to the UNFPA’s Duty Travel Policy.

Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:

• At least Master Degree in Islamic studies and/or Gender Studies related to religious matters;
• Profound knowledge of the issues of women's rights, and preventing gender-based violence and how these issues are considered under the principles of Islam.
• Minimum five years of experience in conducting training, consultations, other on partnering with FBOs to foster positive social change and advance women's rights, and preventing gender-based violence using the principles of Islam.
• Knowledge of the work and approaches in gender and youth related programming used by UNFPA.
• Prior experience in Turkmenistan or in Central Asia and knowledge of gender equality systems and practices in the region will be an asset.
• Fluency and strong writing skills in English. 

Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office space, equipment), if applicable:

UNFPA will provide the consultant with all the necessary materials, data, information and

available reports. However, additional information will be identified by the Consultant

through reviews, working with specialists, other.

Other relevant information or special conditions, if any:

The consultancy fee will be calculated based on the P3 level of the UN Salary Scale for Professional and higher categories effective 1 January 2025 and will be paid in a lump sum 

upon successful completion of all deliverables.

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. Persons with disabilities, and individuals of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.