Gender and Peace Policy Consultant

Position Title : Gender and Peace Policy ConsultantDuty Station : IOM Philippines Country Office (Cotabato City)Classification: ConsultantType of Appointment: ConsultancyEstimated Start Date: ASAPClosing Date : 07 April 2026Project Context and ScopeThe JPST is the operational arm of the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC) and was formed as the result of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement for the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF. It is a transitory mechanism composed of contingents from the AFP, PNP, and MILF-BIAF, established to operationalize the security component of the Normalization track of the CAB. The JPSTs are mandated to support the maintenance of peace, order, and stability of the mutually agreed areas by the GPH and MILF. At present, there are 24 JPST stations deployed and activated all over Mindanao specifically in the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and Norte, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat province, Lanao del Sur and Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Basilan. Guided by the results of the IOM research evaluation on the JPST in April 2023, findings reveal that the JPST has not only exhibited good practices in maintaining peace and security in their areas of coverage but, more importantly, built trust, confidence, and good relationship with the immediate and adjacent communities.Aligned to the project objectives and the Regional Action Plan on Women Peace and Security (RAP-WPS), IOM conducted an exploratory study on women’s participation in the JPST exploring the prospects, challenges, enabling environment, and potential pathways for women inclusion in the joint peace mechanism. The study has identified actionable recommendations aligned to the transitional nature of the JPST built from various thematic areas on policy and normative alignment, operational readiness, cultural sensitivities, and institutional pathways for inclusion. The study will serve as critical evidence and supporting document enhance the operational manual alongside with the development of policy framework that would reinforce women inclusion in the JPSTs. To advance this initiative, IOM will engage Gender and Peace Policy Consultant who will provide technical assistance to JPSC in the development of the policy framework including the enhancement of the pre-deployment training curriculum that will involve women.The project will employ inclusive, gender‑sensitive, and consultative approaches, recognizing the broad range of stakeholders that must be engaged—particularly within the peace mechanisms—to ensure alignment and complementarity with existing peace and security initiatives in JPST operational areas. This includes close coordination with the JPSC/T, Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), and relevant BARMM Ministries (MOAs) to harmonize efforts and avoid duplication. Engagement will extend to the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC), as the mandated regional body providing policy oversight on gender inclusion and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) initiatives; the Bangsamoro Darul‑Ifta, which offers cultural and legal guidance based on Islamic principles; and the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) in its role as the Gender Ombud. Additional BARMM MOAs—including the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG), Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS)—as well as other community protection structures such as the Local Committees on Anti‑Trafficking and VAWC, will likewise be engaged. The approach may further involve consultations with relevant community leaders, including MILF-BIAF and Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade (BIWABs), and religious leaders, to ensure that interventions are culturally appropriate and locally grounded. This coordinated engagement framework reinforces the sustainability of JPST capacity‑building efforts beyond the project period and maximizes the JPSTs’ potential contribution to ongoing peace and security initiatives led by BARMM institutions.Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributingIOM’s Peace, Transition and Recovery Unit in Cotabato Sub-Office. The consultancy will be contributing to the project PB0121 or STAND for Peace project.ResponsibilitiesTasks to be performed under this contract* General functions and responsibilities Under the overall oversight of the Head of Sub-Office in Cotabato and direct supervision of IOM’s National Peace, Transition and Recovery Programme Coordinator, the Gender and Peace Policy Consultant will provide technical assistance through expert advice on gender and women, peace and security (WPS) specifically on the facilitation of the consultations though focused group discussion (FGDs), interviews, and workshops to develop the policy framework on women inclusion in the JPST. The consultant will collaborate with JPSC/T and relevant BARMM MOAs to ensure incorporation of gender lens, WPS, conflict and cultural sensitivity, human rights, and protection principles and approaches in all deliverables/outputs and processes for the entire duration of engagement. Through community and stakeholder consultations, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, recommendation paper and policy framework, will be developed and serve as reference documents to guide the JPSC in the gradual expansion of women to JPSTs. Additionally, IOM will also review and enhance the JPST pre-deployment training curriculum to include specific roles and protection requirements for women in JPSTs, highlighting protection safeguards and operational requirements for women to be deployed to JPSTs. * Specific functions and responsibilities. Provide technical assistance to the JPSC/Ts on the development of the policy framework on women inclusion in the JPST contributing to the institutional readiness of the peace mechanism on potential women deployment.b. Facilitate review process of the Pre-deployment Training Curriculum of the JPSTs and provide recommendations for its enhancement to aid the capacity and readiness of the JPSC on potential women deployment in the future.c. Organize and facilitate inclusive consultation activities through workshops, FGDs, and interviews, engaging JPSC/T members, BARMM MOAs and structures, former combatants including BIWABs, community and religious leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure contextualized and coordinated approaches.d. Provide technical inputs to the development of tools and materials for the operationalization of the operational guideline of JPST on handling gender and other vulnerability risks. These services shall be provided by the consultant, working on a hybrid modality with frequent travel to project areas during a period of five months, starting from April to August 2026. Conduct of any face-to-face activities is understood to be subject to observance of applicable health protocols and to any movement restrictions that may be imposed by the Philippine government.* Deliverables are to be performed in accordance with the following indicative schedule and may adjust upon further deliberation: * First deliverable: Submission of inception report incorporating work plan and methodology for conducting consultations and review processes. (First Instalment Payment: 25%) * April 2026 – Submission of the Inception Report, including the detailed workplan; conduct of preparatory meetings with the project team, JPSC/T, and relevant BARMM ministries, offices, and agencies (BMOAs) * April 2026 – Design assessment tools and consultation in coordination and consultation with JPSC/Ts. * May 2026- Facilitate the consultations and validation exercises with stakeholders including JNC, JPSC, JPST, BARMM MOAs (e.g. BWC, MILG, MSSD), civil society and women groups (e.g. BIWAB) for the development of the policy framework * May 2026- Work collaboratively Gender Capacity Strengthening Consultant on the development of the tools and materials for the capacity development and operationalization of operations guideline on managing GBV and other vulnerability risks. * Second Deliverable: Development of Policy Framework on Women Inclusion in the JPSTs and enhancement of Pre-Deployment Training Curriculum (Second instalment payment: 50%) * June 2026 – Lead the presentation of the initial draft of policy framework on women inclusion in the JPST to JSPC, IOM and other relevant stakeholders. * June 2026 –Submission of the draft policy framework incorporating inputs and recommendations from JPSC and IOM. * July 2026- Facilitate the review process of the Pre-Deployment Training Curriculum of the JPST and submit recommendations for enhancement * July 2026- Submit the enhanced design of Pre-Deployment Training Curriculum integrating recommendation and advice from the JPSC including inputs from the Gender Capacity Strengthening Consultant. * Final Deliverable: Finalization and Submission of Final Report (Final Instalment payment: 25%) * August 2026 – Submission of the Final Report for the consultancy engagement, including the handover of all finalized deliverables; compiled and cleaned datasets; narrative report elaborating the activities conducted and the results; photo documentation; and recommendations for additional actions required to address the identified gaps. * September 2026 – Lead as resource person for IOM to relevant meetings with JPSC and other peace mechanisms where presentations on the policy framework, including exploratory study, and enhanced training curriculum are required. * September 14, 2026 – End of Contract. The Consultant shall attend online or in‑person meetings with the IOM project team and/or relevant stakeholders on an ad hoc basis to provide updates on deliverables, discuss progress, and ensure alignment with other project components. The Consultant shall primarily be based in Cotabato City, with telework arrangements permissible upon agreement with the supervising staff—the National Peace, Transition and Recovery Coordinator. The Consultant is also expected to undertake necessary travels to support the implementation of project activities, including consultations, trainings, and coordination engagements.Performance indicators for the evaluation of results* Quality and timeliness of the expected deliverables (value of services rendered in relation to their cost) * Effective adaptation of thematic resources and information into materials and key messaging that are relevant to the target audience * Application of a results-based approach to the consultancy – i.e. deliverables are aligned with project objectives and contribute concretely to the overall impact of the project * Efficient coordination with the project team and all necessary stakeholders * Strict adherence to ethical standards, including confidentiality and data protectionQualificationsEducation/ Experience/ Skills* A minimum of Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Women, Peace and Security, Peace and Conflict Studies, Peace and Conflict Resolution, or other similar disciplines is required * At least ten years of specialized experience in the field of gender, WPS, and/or peace and development * At least two years of experience in providing policy or programming advice and technical assistance on gender and WPS to government institutions is required, especially in post-conflict or emergency contexts * Strong background and demonstrated knowledge in gender and peace and security in the context of the Bangsamoro peace process particularly on Normalization * Excellent analytical skills and organizational skills, with proven capacities in community organizing, capacity-building, and stakeholder engagement and networking * Prior advocacy or research experience on women, peace, security, and gender-responsive planning and programming in fragile contexts * Experience/familiarity with local gender and development and WPS policies and practices in BARMM and in Mindanao is preferredTravel RequiredExpected local travel will be within project areas, especially in Mindanao, such as Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Basilan, and/or Zamboanga Sibugay. Travel costs—covering transportation and allowances in accordance with UN standard rates—will be provided solely for project‑related activities approved and mutually agreed prior with IOM. These provisions will not cover expenses such as relocation or transfer purposes.LanguagesFor this consultancy, fluency in English and Filipino is required. Knowledge of another BARMM local language is desirable.Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.Required CompetenciesIOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:* Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion. * Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct. * Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges. * Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance. * Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.Core Competencies – behavioural indicators* Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results. * Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes. * Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate. * Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work. * Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.NotesIOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or v…