International Consultant Gender Equality & DRR Policy Specialist

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is a Finnish humanitarian and development organization that has been working in Syria since 2013, implementing programs in emergency education, livelihoods, and peacebuilding. In partnership with the local NGO TASTAKEL, FCA is implementing a six-month project funded by UN Women from April to September 2026, aiming to strengthen gender equality and women’s empowerment in Syria’s transitional context.The project includes comprehensive, participatory research across eight governorates to identify barriers faced by women in political, economic, and social spheres. It also focuses on strengthening the institutional capacity of interim authorities through evidence-based training and supporting the development of key elements of a National Gender Equality Framework, with the aim of informing gender-responsive policy and legislative development.FCA seeks an experienced International Consultant to lead the technical design, analysis, and policy development components of a 6-month project aimed at strengthening institutional capacity for gender equality and women’s participation in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Syria.The consultant will design comprehensive assessment methodology covering women's status across political, economic, and social dimensions plus disaster risk reduction participation, lead data analysis, and develop evidence-based policy recommendations and Gender Equality Framework elements in coordination with Syria's interim authorities and UN Women.1. Research Design & Technical Leadership* Design comprehensive research methodology,for dual evidence streams: (a) gender equality assessment across political, economic, social dimensions, and (b) DRR participation assessment * Develop FGD guides, KII tools, and national survey instruments. * Ensure integration of gender equality, DRR, and conflict-sensitive approaches. * Establish quality assurance mechanisms for data collection.2. Supervision of Evidence Generation* Provide technical oversight to the Research Assistant and 24 community-based data collectors. * Supervise implementation of FGDs, KIIs, and national survey (600 women). * Review data quality and provide corrective guidance where needed.3. Analysis & Reporting* Lead systematic qualitative and quantitative data analysis. * Conduct cross-sectional analysis by governorate, demographic characteristics, displacement status * Draft and finalize: * Comprehensive Gender Equality & DRR Assessment Report * DRR Consultation Findings Report * Evidence-Based Policy Recommendations * National Framework Elements Document * Present findings to Steering Committee and validation workshops.4. Policy Development & Stakeholder Engagement* Facilitate integration of consultation feedback into final documents. * Provide technical inputs during validation workshops and high-level launch event. * Ensure outputs are aligned with national priorities and UN Women standards.KEY DELIVERABLESDeliverableTimelineDescription1. Inception Report including research methodology & toolsMonth 1Comprehensive methodology document, FGD/KII guides, data analysis framework, quality assurance protocols2. Data Collector Training CurriculumMonth 15-day training curriculum on participatory research, ethics, conflict sensitivity3. Literature Review & Gap Analysis ReportMonth 2Focused review identifying barriers, policy gaps, and primary research needs4. Preliminary Findings MemosMonths 2-4Real-time analysis shared with Project Manager to inform training cohorts5. Comprehensive Gender Equality Assessment ReportMonth 4Final report on women's status across political, economic, social dimensions validated with MOSAL and stakeholders6. DRR Consultation Findings ReportMonth 5Report synthesizing 5 workshops, survey data, video interviews (coordinated with Research Assistant)7. Evidence-Based Policy Recommendations DocumentMonth 5Strategic recommendations on interventions, legislative reforms, institutional mechanisms8. Key Framework Elements DocumentMonth 6Framework outline with priority areas, coordination mechanisms, operationalization guidance validated through workshops9. Validation Workshop Technical SupportMonth 5Technical inputs and facilitation support (remote or in-person) for 4 workshops10. Final Consultant ReportMonth 6Summary of methodology, findings, lessons learned, recommendations for Phase 2Required Qualifications* Advanced degree in Gender Studies, Public Policy, DRR, Development Studies, or related field. * Minimum 15 years of professional experience in gender equality programming and policy development. * Demonstrated experience in research design and analysis in fragile or conflict settings. * Previous experience working with UN agencies strongly preferred. * Excellent analytical and report-writing skills in English.HOW TO APPLYCore Competencies & Behavioral Skills* Strategic and analytical thinking * High attention to detail and quality assurance * Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills * Cultural sensitivity and contextual awareness * Ability to work under tight deadlines * Strong ethical standards and safeguarding commitmentAll candidates are required to send their CV , financial and technical offer [email protected] the title of the consultancy in the subject line.All application with missing documents will not be assessed.