Background:
Afghanistan is one of the worldโs most complex emergencies, and the worldโs largest humanitarian crisis. Afghan people are grappling with the impact of conflict, poverty, economic decline, and natural disasters. In this context, Afghan women and girls face unique vulnerabilities and require urgent support as gender inequality is interwoven with conflict dynamics and humanitarian needs. It is essential that Afghan women and girls can continue to shape the development of their country, and that their gains are protected. UN Women remains fully committed to supporting Afghan women and girls and to putting them at the center of the global response to the crisis in Afghanistan. UN Women has been in Afghanistan for two decades. UN Womenโs programming approach is informed by analysis of the political, economic and humanitarian situation, risks to and capacities of partner organizations, and needs of Afghan women and girls. UN Women Afghanistan currently has four key programme priorities: (1) Gender in Humanitarian Action, (2) Ending Violence Against Women, (3) Womenโs Economic Empowerment, and (4) Women, Peace and Security.ย
The Balkh Sub-office intends to continue systemic knowledge management at sub-national level aimed at documenting innovative practices, developing knowledge products and assisting local KM networks with a focus on women innovators to scale up in targeted localities and beyond. Given the high fragility of the context regarding womenโs rights, it is imperative to document the practices that work for women to generate learning, inform future programming, and foster replication and scale-up.
The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical support to UN Women Balkh Sub-officeโs knowledge management efforts by:
Documenting the findings of promising and innovative practices pilot tested in the Balkh Sub-office that promote GEWE. Producing a set of high-quality knowledge products that capture lessons learned, challenges, and recommendations to inform future programming.Reporting to the Head of the Balkh Sub-office, the Knowledge Management (KM) Consultant will work closely with the Programme Analyst of the Balkh sub-office and the Coordination and Knowledge Management Analyst, based in the Kabul office. The Knowledge Management Consultant will provide technical advisory support to the Balkh Sub-office team in documenting working practices piloted by the team in close co-operation with local partners and developing knowledge products.
Description of Responsibilities/ Scope of Work
Deliverables
1. Desk Review
Conduct a desk review of analytical documents and case studies related to gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives in Afghanistanย โ specifically the North and Northeast regions โ to identify the context in which innovative initiatives were tested. Map the stakeholders who were involved in testing and adapting these innovative tools and practices, i.e. target areas of the Balkh Sub-office.2. Development of a Documentation Framework and Methodology
The Consultant will develop a structured and participatory Framework for documenting working practices and tools. The Framework will include:
Criteria for selection of practices/tools to be documented: Innovation and relevance to the Afghan context. Evidence of contributing to gender equality outcomes. Potential for replication and scaling. Context and Rationale: Why the tool or approach was introduced. Design and Implementation: How it was tested/developed, by whom, and with what resources and strategies. Results and Impact: Outcomes for women and girls; what changed and how. Adaptation and Learning: Modifications based on feedback or context shifts. Challenges and Enablers: Barriers faced and conditions for success. Scalability and Sustainability: Replication potential, local ownership, and financial viability. Semi-structured interview guides tailored for different stakeholder groups. Focus group discussion protocols that center womenโs experiences and reflections. A data extraction matrix to organize insights from documents and interviews. Validation / reflection workshop with key actors engaged in testing tools/ implementing practices. Key dimensions to be documented for each practice: Methodological tools:3. Primary Data Collection (Fieldwork and Remote Engagement)
Conduct Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with the Balkh Sub-office team; UN Women Implementing Partners Facilitate Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) or individual storytelling sessions with women beneficiaries and participants; female/male facilitators participating in testing of tools.Note: Depending on security conditions, data collection may be conducted remotely via phone or virtual platforms. Informed consent and ethical protocols must be followed.
4. Triangulation and Validation of Findings
Cross-analyze data from different sources (documents, interviews, FGDs) to identify converging themes and distinct narratives. Facilitate at least one validation workshop (virtual or in-person) with stakeholders to: verify the accuracy and authenticity of findings; strengthen ownership and joint reflection on results and lessons learned; identify additional promising practices missed in initial review.5. Production of Knowledge Products
Using the data and insights collected, the Consultant will produce:
Three in-depth case studies of innovative practices/tested tools (approx. 6โ8 pages each), using a narrative format with supporting visuals, direct quotes, and implementation timelines. One synthesis report (approx. 10โ15 pages) capturing: Cross-case analysis; Key success factors and innovations; Gender-transformative aspects; Recommendations for future design, scale-up, and policy influence Knowledge briefs, slide decks, and/or summary infographics as needed for dissemination.All products should follow UN Women branding and knowledge product templates and will be delivered in accessible, clear language suitable for both technical and non-technical audiences. Deliverable Expected completion time (due day) Payment Schedule (optional)
Inception report with methodology and workplan
Draft documentation framework and methodology
30 August 2025
(6 working days)
10 September 2025Completion of interviews and field data collection
Submission of three draft case studies of innovative practices/tested tools (approx. 4โ8 pages each)
30 September 2025
(14 working days)
10 October 2025Submission of draft synthesis report
Submission of draft Knowledge briefs, slide decks, and/or summary infographics as needed for dissemination.
30 October 2025
(10 working days)
10 November 2025Report on Validation / reflection workshop
Submission of final knowledge products (case studies, synthesis report, briefs)
10 December 2025
(10 working days)
20 December 2025Consultantโs Workplace and Official Travel
This is a home-based consultancy. As part of this assignment, the Consultant may travel to rural areas within the North and Northeast regions of Afghanistan. Any official duty travel required in relation to consultancy will be governed by UNย Womenโs Travel policy.
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 visitย this linkย for more information on UN Womenโs Values and Competencies Framework:ย
Functional Competencies:
Analytical and research competency Knowledge management and documentation Data collection and stakeholder engagement Knowledge of context and gender equality Communication and presentation skills Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and meet deadlines Demonstrated understanding of the local cultural context and gender dynamicsยIV. Required Qualifications
Education and Certification:
Master's degree is required in relevant fields such as gender studies, development studies, public relations and communication, or related discipline. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, including experience in knowledge management documentation, or research with a focus on gender equality and women's empowerment is required. Proven experience in developing knowledge products, case studies, or learning brief is desirable Proven ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations is desirable. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise reports, presentations, and knowledge products are required. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) is desirable. Experience working with a UN agency is desirable. Experience in gender responsive communication and journalism is desirable.Languages:
Fluency in English is required. Fluency in Dari and /or Pashto is required.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.
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