UN WOMEN: National Consultant-Knowledge Management, and Advocacy Office (Re-advertised)

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. Placing women’s rights at the centre of all its efforts, the UN Women leads and coordinate United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.  

UN Women in Bangladesh supports the government to implement commitments to international normative standards on gender equality and women’s human rights. In line with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2022-2026, the corresponding UN Women Bangladesh Strategic Note (2022-2026) defines UN Women’s strategic engagement in Bangladesh, which was launched in 2021. The country strategy focuses on strengthening the national structures and mechanisms for gender mainstreaming in policies, plans and budgets; supporting efforts to prevent and eliminate violence against women; promoting women’s access to decent and safe work; promoting policies and government investment in women’s empowerment and resilience building in the context of climate change, humanitarian crisis as well as other threats to peace and security. UN Women works with a range of stakeholders in Bangladesh including the government, civil society and women’s organizations, youth, UN agencies and donors, to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.  

Bangladesh faces a significant challenge of violence against women (VAW). According to the national survey on Violence against Women (Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, 2024), almost two-thirds (70 per cent) of ever-married women experienced one or such forms of violence by their husband at least once in their lifetime and 54 per cent of women have experienced physical and/ sexual violence in their lifetime[1].  While intimate partner violence is the most prevalent form of VAW, rape and sexual violence in public spaces, specifically on public transport, in educational institutions and at the workplace as well as online/virtual spaces is increasing. Studies conducted by Action Aid Bangladesh revealed that 80 per cent of garment workers in Bangladesh have either seen or directly experienced sexual violence or harassment in the workplace[2] and 84 per cent women and girls from seven cities in Bangladesh face ‘derogatory comments and sexually coloured abusive language’.[3]  Violence and harassment therefore continue to hinder progress on gender equality, limiting women’s access to education, employment and other opportunities. 

In terms of the legal framework, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has enacted legislations such as the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act (2000) that defines violence against women and children. It lays out prevention and protection measure and includes physical (including rape) and emotional violence against women and children. The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act of 2010 addresses violence occurring at home; and the Mobile Court Act of 2009 authorises executive magistrates to restraint verbal and sexual harassment of women in public space. Bangladesh also amended certain discriminatory clauses of other key laws to respond the needs of addressing discrimination in accessing to justice for the rape survivors such as Evidence Act (Amendment) 2022. For preventing sexual harassment, following a public interest litigation in 2009, the High Court issued a landmark directive to prevent sexual harassment in institutions (workplace and educational institutions). The Directive requires institutions to take necessary measures to eliminate sexual harassment within their jurisdiction by defining sexual harassment. In 2024, there has been a renewed focus on the enactment of the Sexual Harassment (Prevention and Protection) Bill, with the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA) forming a technical committee to accelerate the law enactment process. However, implementation gaps contribute to a culture of impunity, with a low conviction rate. Limited accessibility to the justice system, discriminatory attitudes, and underreporting due to prevalent social norms further compound the problem. However, access to quality essential services to gender-based violence (GBV) survivors and effective coordination among state and non-state service providers have exacerbated the challenges of preventing and responding to violence against women. 

UN Women in partnership with the European Union is implementing a project entitled “Ending sexual and gender-based violence in public spaces, in the context of work and tertiary educational settings in Bangladesh” (referred as ESGBV project). The project aims to strengthen the institutional mechanisms at workplaces, tertiary educational institutions and public spaces to prevent and respond to violence against women (VAW).  The project will address harmful gender and social norms by leveraging evidence-based prevention approaches to transform institutional cultures and behaviour.

The project has three key objectives: (1) To strengthen enabling environment through policies, systems and improved institutional knowledge, resources, and practices to prevent sexual and gender-based violence in public spaces, including for workplace and tertiary educational institutions; (2) To transform harmful social and gender norms and practices; (3) To strengthen agency and leadership of civil society and women rights organisations. 

Through this project, partnerships will be developed with multi-stakeholders including  the national women’s machinery,  relevant ministries  and departments  for policy development, advocacy, and knowledge and evidence generation  and establishing monitoring and learning mechanisms to enhance the implementation of laws and policy framework, and social norm change for preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence at workplaces, tertiary educational institutions and public spaces. 

The project will be implemented at the national level (Dhaka) and 20 Unions, 10 Upazilas under 5 selected districts of Bangladesh - Bogura, Jamalpur, Khulna, Kurigram and Patuakhali. The districts are selected based on the high prevalence of VAW including child marriage, climate vulnerabilities, and UN Women’s cross thematic interventions. 

Against this background, UN Women is seeking the services of a highly qualified National Consultant to support the programme team on knowledge management, strategic advocacy, engagement with stakeholders, and evidence generation through learning initiatives to achieve the objectives of ESGBV project. 

Objective: 

The overall objective of the consultancy is to support the EVAW programme team to establish a knowledge management mechanism, strategic advocacy with multi stakeholders, evidence generation through learning sharing initiatives that are to be directly implemented by UN Women, as per the agreed project document and work plan. 

 Scope of work, deliverables, timeline and payment schedule: 

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator, Ending Violene Against Women, and working in close collaboration with EVAW team and Communication Analyst, Planning, Monitoring, and Reporting Analyst, and Coordination and Partnership Analyst; the national consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

Key tasks / Deliverables 

1.    Strategic Advocacy, partnership and media outreach

1.1.    Develop and operationalise a programme specific strategic advocacy, partners engagement and outreach plan which should include a section on due diligence and do-no-harm approach.  
1.2.    Curate, develop advocacy and communication instruments and content, and design (in-design / illustrator / Canva) advocacy and communication products for diversified stakeholders (stories, infographics, factsheets, newsletter, event reports, briefing materials, articles and other features) in the scope of violence prevention and response.  
1.3.    Disseminate communication and advocacy products through internal and external webpage, social media platform and group email in close collaboration with the Communications Analyst and in line with corporate guidance.
1.4.    Establish a Strategic Partnership and Media Outreach mechanism:  Create a robust database of partners (CSO, govt, youth, OPDs, WROs, DPs, media) and update the existing contact list. 
1.5.    Map available and reliable media partners for programmatic interventions. 
1.6.    Develop and disseminate a variety of media materials in multiple, appropriate formats (Press releases, feature stories, op-ed, press kit etc) to inform key partners and general public. 
1.7.    Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences, and briefing sessions for press, as required and in close consultation with the Communication Analyst.  
1.8.    Monitor hate speeches and backlash against feminist movement and violence against women. 
1.9.    Rapid and accurate dissemination of information to the media, UN Women partners, and other appropriate audiences. 
1.10.    Foster outreach partnership with new media, innovation groups, and social media influencers who can help UN Women to achieve its strategic goals and objectives in line with UN Women’s Communication Strategy.

2.    Knowledge management: Process development, knowledge products and dissemination 

2.1.    Establish a Comprehensive KM framework: In line with UN Women’s Strategic Note Knowledge Management Strategy, operationalise a programme specific knowledge management strategy and implementation plan in collaboration with Planning, Monitoring, and Reporting Analyst. 
2.2.    Technical support to map and develop glocalised and accessible knowledge materials and products for analogue and digital platform of UN Women. 
2.3.    Develop guidance / workflows on overall QA process for knowledge management 
2.4.    Content Curation, development and repository: Identify knowledge products and / or digital contents related to the scope of ESGBV project (e.g.: sexual harassment and gender-based violence, violence prevention and response, social norms change, feminist leadership etc) in English and Bangla. 
2.5.    Adapt in person learning materials into high-quality online content with clear learning objectives, interactive elements, and multimedia integration
2.6.    Establish a centralized repository for all knowledge products, research, reports, and digital assets to ensure easy access.
2.7.    Establish a structured mechanism for knowledge sharing, storage, and retrieval.
2.8.    In close collaboration with the Communication Analyst, align knowledge materials with organizational messaging and strategic goals of UN Women in the scope of ESGBV project.
2.9.    Utilize Analytics for Continuous Improvement: Monitor digital platform usage, assess popular content with reach, and analyse learning outcomes. 
2.10.    Monitor and analyse trends in print and digital media, and develop periodic monitoring reports for senior management, stakeholders, and donors on VAW, back lash on GE and hate speech. In collaboration with UN Women Regional Office, identify opportunities for social listening interventions. 
2.11.    Development of knowledge hub and management of online platform: Revamp the content on EVAW micro-page. Identify opportunities to convert it into a digital learning platform or knowledge hub in collaboration with UN Women Regional Office of Asia and Pacific and in line with UN Women’s corporate policies. 
2.12.    Identify and execute actions needed to revitalize and maintain existing online platforms dynamic.
 

3. Evidence generation:  Storytelling and learning sharing documentation 

3.1.    Coordinate with implementing partners and key stakeholders to support the implementation of a programme specific cross learning and knowledge exchange plan.
3.2.    Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned directly linked to UN Women Bangladesh’ goals and activities.
3.3.    Support training co-facilitation and workshops on communication and advocacy to partners, as required.
3.4.    Develop specific knowledge products (learning brief, storytelling etc) on promising practices and lessons learned from ESGBV project in close collaboration with programme teams. 
3.5.    Facilitate participatory reflection sessions with the project participants to collect qualitative insights using participatory tools including storytelling. 
3.6.    Synthesize key findings from the promising and lesson learned of ESGBV project into concise summary reports to support replication, adaptation, or future programming.
 

Payment Schedule link with deliverables:  

6.25% of the total amount shall be paid upon submission of the deliverables from (1.1 to 3.6) each month, along with the monthly progress report and all acceptance, and certified by the UN Women contract administrator. 

Duration of the assignment: 

The assignment will commence on 1 September 2025 and be completed by 31 December 2026. The total duration of the work will be minimum of 18 days per month for 16 months. 

Supervision & Performance evaluation:

The consultant’s performance will be evaluated based on timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and quality of the services delivered. The contract performance shall be evaluated and monitored by the Programme Coordinator, EVAW. 

Duty Station(s): Dhaka.  

Travel and DSA: No DSA will be paid at the duty station(s). For this consultancy, the duty station is considered Dhaka, and possibly at UN Women office or home based. For travel outside the duty station, especially to project location, upon prior agreement/approval from contract manager, such travel shall be UN Women’s expenses, and the individual contractor shall receive a per-diem not to exceed United Nations daily subsistence allowance rate in such other location(s). 

Core Values

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

  Core Competencies:

  • Communication – Facilitates and encourages open and effective communication. 
  • Inclusive Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement – Demonstrates ability to collaborate and work effectively with stakeholders of different backgrounds.
  • Accountability – Takes ownership of all responsibilities and delivers outputs in accordance with agreed time, costs, and quality standards.
  • Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues – Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.

    Functional Competencies:

    • Excellent knowledge and understanding of strategic communication and advocacy.
    • Ability to manage and sustain relationship with media (print and electronic). 
    • Strong mixed method research and analytical skills using a gender lens, especially be use of big data.
    • Good knowledge and understanding of gender equality, prevention of violence against women, women’s meaningful participation, representation and leadership.
    • Ability to communicate effectively both in English and Bangla for written and oral.

      Eligibility Criteria or Required Experience and Qualification:

      Education:

      • Master’s degree or equivalent in Development and Gender Studies, international relationship, Journalism, Mass Communication or a related field.
      • Additional certifications in Knowledge Management, Learning Technologies, or Project Management would be beneficial.  

        Experience:

        • At least 05 years in a relevant role, with a focus on strategic communication & advocacy, knowledge management, public relation and advocacy is required or content development for large-scale programs in the field of gender equality and GBV prevention. 
        • At least 03 years of experience in digital content and material development, and communication campaign design, and manage digital platforms with a focus on user-centric design, scalability, and accessibility. 
        • At least 03 years of professional work experience with stakeholders from diverse sectors (e.g., NGOs, international organisations, government, private sector, development partners).
        • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance user of design software (in-design, illustrator, Canva etc) is required.
        • Experience in media relations is desirable. 
        • Previous experience working with the United Nations will be an asset.

          Language:

          Fluency in English and Bangla, including strong English writing skills is required. 

          Evaluation criteria:

          The total number of points allocated for the technical qualification component is 100. The technical qualification of the individual is evaluated based on the following technical qualification evaluation criteria:

          Technical Evaluation Criteria

          1. Education Qualification- Max 15
          2. Experience in developing strategic communication and advocacy materials, and knowledge management in gender equality and Gender based violence- Max 35
          3. Experience in digital content/materials development and managing digital platform- Max 30
          4. Experience in advanced-level usage of Office software and design tools- Max 20

             Application Procedure:

             The following documents should be submitted as part of the application:

             • Cover letter (two pages max, including a brief overview of your previous experiences that make you the most suitable candidate) 
             • 03 Sample work (published articles, press release, feature stories, op-ed), attached / digitally available. 
             • Personal History Form (P11). The P11 Form can be downloaded from the following website: http://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/about-us/jobs

               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, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All recruitment/procurement 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. 

               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.