Consultant – Gender Focal Point Coordination and Management

Terms of Reference (TOR)

GFP Coordination and Management

(International Post)

Division: The Colombo Plan Gender Affairs Programme

Duty Station: Remote with travel to Colombo, Sri Lanka

Vacancy Type: Consultancy

Contract Duration: 6 months

1. Background

The Colombo Plan for Cooperative Economic and Social Development in Asia and Pacific (more commonly referred to as The Colombo Plan) was founded in 1951 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to serve as a cooperative venture for the economic and social advancement of the peoples of South and Southeast Asia. Today, the Colombo Plan is a globally renowned intergovernmental organization with a membership of 27 countries in the Asia-Pacific region and globally.

In May 2014, in an effort to provide support to vulnerable and marginalized women, men, girls and boys and promote a just and equitable society in collaboration with member governments and other stakeholders, the Colombo Plan Council approved the establishment of the Gender Affairs Programme (CPGAP). Accordingly, the CPGAP focuses solely on women and children’s rights, issues, and development in Colombo Plan member countries. To date, the CPGAP has worked with the following member countries through partnerships with local private and/or government actors – Afghanistan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. In addition, every year CPGAP holds a Gender Focal Point (GFP) conference co-hosted by a member country to further engage and reinforce coordination and cooperation amongst member countries and CPGAP. Each member state delegates a GFP to maintain relations and communications with the Gender Affairs Programme of the Colombo Plan.

The CPGAP is seeking the expertise of an expert consultant to assume the role of GFP Coordination and Management. The consultant will be responsible for

2. Objective

The main objective of this position is to support the CPGAP in establishing and maintaining enduring relationships with member countries through their government appointed Gender Focal Points (GFPs). The consultant is expected to develop a stewardship strategy that incorporates a systematic approach in place to cultivate and improve CPGAP’s relationships with member states, while moving them towards a deeper involvement.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant’s job is to research member states and provide support to them in developing proposals that enable south-south and triangular cooperation amongst CPGAP member states and/or collaborative partnerships with solely the CPGAP. The consultant’s workload is also subject to special duties and assignments as designated by the direct supervisor, the CPGAP Director. A clear delineation of the consultant’s duties and responsibilities are as follows –

• Developing and maintaining a member states relationship management database, inclusive of updated relevant information of member states records and GFPs, etc.
• Conducting frequent liaison with member state GFPs
• Receiving incoming queries and other information from member states and ensuring proper response is taken
• Researching member states’ national priorities and areas requiring further aid concerning gender affairs, specifically women and children
• Analyzing member states past contributions and areas of focus
• Assisting with preparation of member states’ proposals with clear objectives and outcomes stipulated
• Conducting research on member states’ prospects and other acquisition strategies to reinforce deeper and enduring partnerships, and
• Supporting the leadership team in all GFP networking activities.

4. Qualifications and Functional Competencies

Candidate must be a strong multi-tasker, have outstanding communication, interpersonal, and research skills, work well under limited supervision and be extremely organized. Prior experience in a network coordination and development is preferred, but not required. The following criterions will be considered when applications are short-listed –

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area. An advance degree will be a plus;
• At least 4 years of relevant experience, preferably in the field of gender affairs;
• Knowledge of the Asia-Pacific region, specifically in the field of gender affairs is a plus;
• English proficiency, i.e. demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English (both orally and in writing);
• Excellent editing and writing skills;
• Experience in working with government entities and/or intergovernmental organization will be a plus;
• Self- driven and results-oriented;
• Problem solving and conflict resolution skills, while keeping Colombo Plan’s best interest in mind and the ability to respond quickly and appropriately to resolve issues;
• Conceptual thinking and analytical skills, with a strong eye for detail;
• Computer literacy, e.g. proficiencies with Word, Excel, and Microsoft Project;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Excellent organizational skills, i.e. ability to multitask as well as effectively allocate resources and meet deadlines in an orderly and timely fashion.

5. Period and Timeframe of the Consultancy

The consultancy is expected to start on 01 July 2022 and conclude on 31 December 2022. Start date may vary due to unexpected delays; however, any extension of the contract beyond 31 December 2022 will be subject to CPGAP leadership’s discretion, which will be based on the programme’s need and/or remaining deliverables as stated in the pre-approved work plan.