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.. Since 2024, the UN Women Balkh Sub-office has been working to equip local partners with innovative methods and tools that contribute to the effectiveness of community-level initiatives to promote women's rights and gender-sensitive social change. One such methodology, the Gender Action Learning System (GALS), has proven to be a locally appropriate and practical tool that empowers individuals and communities to analyze their reality, define their vision and take collective action to achieve gender justice. It is particularly effective for illiterate community members in a conservative and post-conflict contexts. To strengthen the capacity of community partners working on women's rights, the UN Women Balkh sub-office is seeking 2 qualified trainers to conduct a series of training and coaching support on GALS for implementing partners. These training/coaching will increase partners' capacities to integrate GALS tools into their work at community level.
The consultant will be reporting to Head of Balkh sub office and will be supported by Program Analyst Balkh sub office, who will be the point of contact on the contract and payment issues.
Description of Responsibilities/ Scope of Work
Deliverables
Preparatory Phase Review GALS training materials and data/analytical documents on gender equality and womenโs rights in Afghanistan.ย Conduct consultations with the Balkh Sub-office team to tailor the GALS training materials for specific participantsโ needs and context. Prepare and submit a detailed training agenda, methodology, and culturally adapted materials. GALS Training Conduct training sessions using the GALS methodology.ย The Trainer will apply a structured GALS methodology, including the sessions on 1) Visioning; 2) โGender balanced treeโ for identifying key gender-based challenges and structural barriers to achieving the Vision; 3) Mapping practical and strategic steps for change and develop advocacy messages and action plans using GALS tools; and 4) Reflecting on learning and assessing readiness for community implementation.ย Post-Training Follow-Up Conduct one follow-up coaching sessions UN Women partners (female/male groups) who participated in GALS training to reinforce tools and respond to challenges, aiming atย catalyzing local processes for safe and locally adapted women's rights advocacy. Provide simplified facilitation guides and visual templates in local languages (Dari and/or Pashto). Provide recommendations on integrating GALS into community mobilization, womenโs rights campaigns, or advocacy networks. Deliverable Expected completion time (due day) Payment Schedule (optional) ย GALS training materials tailored for specific participantsโ needs and context, including training agenda and handouts Report on the follow up coaching sessions with female and male participants of the previous GALS trainingsย30 August 2025
(2 working days)ย
10 September 2025GALS training materials revised based on the specific participantsโ needs (female/male) revealed through coaching sessions, including training agenda and handouts
Report on theย training (4 days) conducted in Septemberย
30 September 2025
(8 working days)ย
10 October 2025 Report on the follow-up coaching session with the female and male participants of theย GALS trainingย30 October 2025
(6 working days)ย
10 November 2025Simplified facilitation guides and visual templates in local languages (Dari and/or Pashto).
Report with recommendations on integrating GALS into community mobilization, womenโs rights campaigns, or advocacy networks, based on the findings of coaching of female and male groups.
15 November 2025
(4 working days)
25 November 2025Consultantโs Workplace and Official Travel
This is a homebased consultancy. As part of this assignment, the Consultant may travel to rural areas within the North and Northeast region Afghanistan. Any official duty travel required in relation to consultancy will be governed by UN 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:
Training design and facilitation Gender equality and social inclusion expertise Communication and presentation skills Monitoring, follow up and coaching expertise Strategic thinking and integrationย Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and meet deadlines Demonstrated understanding of the local cultural context and gender dynamicยIV. 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 conducting training with a focus on gender equality and women's empowerment is required. Proven ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations desirable. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise reports and presentation 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.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.
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,ย and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age,ย ability, national origin,ย 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 toย UN Womenโsย policiesย and proceduresย andย theย standardsย of conduct expected of UN Women personnelย 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.
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