Gender Capacity Strengthening Consultant

Position Title : Gender Capacity Strengthening ConsultantDuty Station : IOM Philippines Country Office (Cotabato)Classification: ConsultantType of Appointment: ConsultancyEstimated Start Date: ASAPClosing Date : 22 February 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.Building on the research findings, IOM has continued its collaboration and partnership with the JPSC to strengthen the capacity of the JPSTs in conducting meaningful community engagement while contributing to broader peacebuilding efforts. One of the key milestones achieved through this partnership is the development of a culturally sensitive SOP designed to enhance JPSTs’ ability to manage and respond to GBV and other gender-related risks in conflict‑affected communities. The SOP reflects the local context, available resources, existing referral mechanisms, and the roles of local duty bearers and institutions operating in JPST areas. Another major milestone is the conduct of an exploratory study, which provided critical analysis on the feasibility of deploying women to JPSTs. The study also offered recommendations to strengthen the operational readiness of the JPSC, JPSTs, and other peace mechanisms and stakeholders in preparation for the potential inclusion of women in JPST formations.To advance this ongoing effort, IOM will engage a technical consultant who will lead the operationalization of the SOP, ensuring that JPSTs are adequately equipped to respond to GBV and other gender‑related concerns in an effective, sensitive, and survivor‑centered manner. Specifically, the consultant will develop SOP training tools and materials and organize relevant TOT as well as rollout training covering all JPST stations, providing practical support to sustainable application of survivor-centered case management and referral mechanisms. Meanwhile, the consultant will also provide complementary support in the development of the operational framework and the enhancement of the JPST Pre‑Deployment Training Curriculum, working in close coordination with IOM’s Peace and Gender Consultant who will lead these initiatives.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 asthe 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 former women combatants 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.ResponsibilitiesGeneral functions and responsibilitiesUnder 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 Capacity Strengthening Consultant will provide technical assistance through expert advice on gender and women, peace and security (WPS) specifically on the facilitation of the consultations, development of trainings and information materials, and delivery of training activities on the SOP. In collaboration with JPSC/T and relevant BARMM MOAs, the technical consultant will ensure incorporation of gender lens, WPS, conflict and culture sensitivity, human rights, and protection principles and approaches in all deliverables/outputs and processes for the entire duration of engagement.Specific functions and responsibilitiesa. Provide technical support to the JPSC/Ts in operationalizing the SOP and implementing other relevant capacity‑development plans to strengthen JPST responses to GBV and gender‑related concerns.b. Organize and facilitate inclusive consultation activities, engaging JPSC/T members, BARMM MOAs and structures, former combatants, community and religious leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure contextualized and coordinated approaches.c. Develop training tools, information materials, and other capacity‑building resources to support the effective implementation of the SOP and strengthen GBV documentation and referral processes.d. Deliver training sessions, including ToT and rollout training, to JPSC/Ts on the SOP and GBV referral pathways, utilizing the developed tools and materials to ensure comprehensive knowledge transfer and skill application.e. Provide complementary and collaborative technical inputs toward the development of the operational framework and enhancement of the JPST Pre‑Deployment Curriculum, contributing to improved operational readiness of the JPSC/T and other relevant stakeholders for the potential inclusion of women in JPST teams.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 March to July 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/tools for trainings (First Instalment Payment: 25%)March 2026 – Submission of the Inception Report, including the detailed workplan; conduct of preparatory meetings with the project team, JPSC/T, relevant BARMM ministries, offices, and agencies, as well as other key regional and national stakeholders.March 2026 – Development of the training concept note/design and information materials relevant to the operationalization of the SOP and GBV referral system, in close coordination with IOM and JPSC.April 2026 – Submission of the draft training concept note and information tools/materials to IOM and JPSC for review and finalization.Second Deliverable: Organization of training activities on SOP operationalization (Second instalment payment: 50%)April 2026 – Submission of the finalized training design and training materials for SOP operationalization to IOM.May 2026 – Lead and facilitate the conduct of trainings, including Training of Trainers (TOT) and roll‑out sessions for JPSC/Ts, covering the SOP, gender mainstreaming, and GBV referral mechanisms.May 2026 – In collaboration with IOM’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) teams, develop the training pre‑ and post‑tests, as well as the post‑activity evaluation tools, and administer these M&E activities to assess JPSTs’ increased knowledge and appreciation of the SOP and GBV referral processes.May 2026 – Work collaboratively with the Gender and Peace Policy Consultant, providing complementary technical inputs in designing and organizing consultation activities on the development of the operational framework and the enhancement of JPST Pre‑Deployment CurriculumFinal Deliverable: Finalization and Submission of Final Report (Final Instalment payment: 25%)June 2026 – Submission of the Final Report for the consultancy engagement, including the handover of all finalized deliverables; compiled and cleaned datasets; narratives elaborating the activities conducted and the results; photo documentation; analysis of JPSTs’ knowledge and skills improvements and remaining capacity gaps; and recommendations for additional actions required to address the identified gaps.July 2026 – Work collaboratively with the Gender and Peace Policy Consultant, providing complementary technical inputs on analyzing the needs, priorities, and approaches to developing the operational framework and enhancing the JPST Pre-Deployment Curriculum.July 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 and 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 preferredLanguages* For 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.IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.Travel Required* Expected 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 in prior with IOM. These provisions will not cover expenses such as for relocation or transfer purposes.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.Notes* 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, verifi…