Baseline Assessment and Inception Phase Support (2 Positions) Full Time NEW

BACKGROUND/CONTEXT

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and girls, advance women’s empowerment, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security.

UN Women Country Office (CO) in the Kyrgyz Republic (KR) was established in 2012 to support implementation of international and national commitments of the country on gender equality and women’s empowerment, including the CEDAW, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, UN Security Council’s resolutions on women, peace and security, and the Sustainable Development Goals. UN Women CO in the Kyrgyz Republic leverages its mandate of normative support, UN system coordination and operational activities for results in line with UN Women Strategic Plan and the Country Strategic Note. UN Women Kyrgyzstan implements programmes that eliminates all forms of violence against women and girls; advances women’s full, equal and effective participation in the peace and security agenda and in all aspects of decision-making; strengthens financing for gender equality; and expands women’s economic empowerment.

Violence against women and girls (VAW/G) is one of the most systemic and endemic human rights violations which disproportionately affects women and girls worldwide. Domestic violence remains one of the most widespread forms of VAWG, with one in four women aged 15–49 experiencing violence, and cases continuing to increase. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 19,995 cases of family violence were registered in the first 11 months of 2025, marking a 27.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. During this time, over 15,800 protection orders were issued, the vast majority (94%) against male perpetrators, with women comprising most survivors. Administrative enforcement remains significant, with over 5,000 protocols registered, resulting in arrests and community service sanctions; however, accountability gaps persist, particularly in enforcement of protection orders and corrective programmes. At the criminal level, 516 cases were initiated, including serious offenses such as murder (31 cases), grievous bodily harm (35), rape (28), and other forms of sexual violence, underscoring the severity of abuse. Despite these responses, underreporting remains widespread due to stigma, economic dependence, and social pressure, with many survivors returning to abusive environments. While civil society organizations play a critical role in service provision and advocacy, shrinking civic space and limited funding continue to constrain their capacity, highlighting the urgent need for strengthened, survivor-centred and systemic responses to VAWG.

The EU-UN Women Action “Zero VAWG Program” in the Kyrgyz Republic aims to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls by preventing and responding to violence against women and girls (VAWG), through a gender-transformative, community-led approach. The 3-year programme prioritizes creating and strengthening leadership spaces for women’s and youth civil society organizations, particularly in rural areas, building on results of the EU–UN Spotlight Initiative (2020–2023), and directly empowering around 140 organizations and 1,400 change leaders, while engaging a wider network of actors and organizations. Its three interlinked components focus on: (i) capacity development to enhance technical, organizational and adaptive leadership for effective EVAWG advocacy and programming; (ii) development and institutionalization of innovative “Zero VAWG” community models, including Standard Operating Procedures; and (iii) consolidation and digitization of knowledge on EVAWG through academic, media and other platforms. The Action is fully aligned with the Kyrgyz Republic’s international and national commitments, supports the National Gender Equality Strategy (2022–2030) and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework Strategic Outcome 4, and contributes to UN Women Kyrgyz Republic’s Strategic Note.

Prior to full-scale implementation, the Zero VAWG programme will carry out an inception phase to ensure strategic preparedness and alignment with national and local stakeholders. This phase will include a comprehensive baseline assessment in line with the results logical framework, validation of programme assumptions, and participatory consultations with key stakeholders, including survivors, women’s and youth organizations, and national and local authorities, to ensure contextual relevance and inclusivity. It will also result in the development of a detailed implementation, monitoring and evaluation framework with clear indicators, accountability mechanisms, and coordination structures to guide effective and adaptive programme delivery. It is also important to note that the programme management and coordination structure has been formally endorsed during the inception phase. This phase will further reaffirm the selection of target localities and include comprehensive stakeholder mapping in all seven target provinces and Bishkek and Osh cities, laying a strong foundation for coordinated, context-specific, and effective programme delivery.

To support this work, UN Women seeks to engage two National Consultants who will contribute to the design and implementation of the baseline assessment, conduct field data collection across targeted provinces, facilitate stakeholder and community consultations, and prepare key analytical and planning deliverables required for the inception phase. The consultants will work under the overall guidance of the Programme Manager and in close coordination with M&E Specialist and other staff members.

Objectives of the baseline study:

The objective of the baseline study is to establish a comprehensive, evidence‑based baseline for the Zero VAWG Programme against the results framework, indicators, and assumptions outlined in the M&E logframe, in order to inform effective implementation, monitoring, learning, and adaptive management throughout the programme lifecycle. Specifically, the baseline study will:

• Establish baseline values for all relevant outcome and output‑level indicators, with particular emphasis on:
• the capacity, influence, and agency of women’s and youth civil society organizations in preventing and responding to violence against women and girls (VAWG);
• the level of partnership and coordination between civil society, local authorities, and other actors at community level;
• the prevalence, forms, and drivers of violence and harmful practices in target localities;
• existing use of digital, media, cultural, and youth platforms for social norm change and prevention.
• Provide a contextual analysis of social norms, institutional practices, coordination mechanisms, and enabling or constraining factors related to EVAWG in all seven target provinces and Bishkek and Osh cities, ensuring a nuanced understanding of rural, urban, and high‑risk settings.
• Conduct comprehensive stakeholder mapping at provincial and selected community levels, identifying:
• duty‑bearers, rights‑holders, and key influencers;
• existing initiatives, services, and coordination platforms;
• gaps, risks, and opportunities for collaboration and scaling of “Zero VAWG community” models.
• Validate and, where necessary, refine target localities, assumptions, risks, and implementation approaches reflected in the logframe, ensuring alignment with on‑the‑ground realities and stakeholder capacities.

The findings of the baseline study will serve as the foundational reference point for measuring progress, assessing change over time, and strengthening coordinated, context‑specific, and results‑oriented delivery of the Zero VAWG Programme.

SCOPE OF WORK

Under the overall guidance and support of UN Women project team, the hired consultant will conduct the baseline study in collaboration with UN Women implementing partners. Two consultants will be engaged to carry out identical responsibilities, working closely and collaboratively to complete all tasks during the inception and baseline assessment phase of the Programme. The entire period of this consultancy will last 60 working days.

Phase 1. Design the Methodology:

• Review the Programme Document and its Logical Framework, including assumptions, indicators, and targets.
• Develop the detailed methodology in English for the baseline study which will be reviewed and finalised in consultation with UN Women. Develop the study protocol and instruments.
• Design combination of quantitative (questionnaire/survey) and qualitative data collection tools in English and in local languages, for:
• Indicators included in the logical framework; and
• Any additional indicators to be used for the endline survey.
• Conduct a comprehensive baseline survey to:
• Collect action‑related baseline data;
• Validate programme assumptions and approaches; and
• Establish a benchmark for measuring progress.
• Support the development of a sampling strategy and ethical protocol, ensuring inclusion, conflict sensitivity, and gender responsiveness.
• Develop and validate a detailed baseline survey workplan, including the organization of separate consultation meetings with:
• Up to 50 participants;
• From 33 communities from 7 target provinces and Bishkek and Osh cities.
• For a total of approximately 350 participants across seven provinces and Bishkek and Osh cities.
• Engage and coordinate with stakeholders at national, provincial, and community levels, including government counterparts, civil society, and community representatives.
• Develop the structure of the report for the baseline study which will be reviewed and finalised in consultation with UN Women.
• Submit a brief progress report (2-3 pages) on field and data collection activities in advance for facilitating the travels (where needed).

The baseline will be complemented by an endline survey at the conclusion of the Programme to assess progress achieved and inform the final evaluation.

Phase 2. Data Collection and Data Processing:

• Coordinate fieldwork scheduling and logistics with UN Women and local partners.
• Conduct fieldwork in 35 communities across seven target provinces, including Bishkek and Osh cities, in line with the Programme’s targeting strategy.
• Implement data collection activities, including:
• Key informant interviews (at least 5 in each target community));
• Focus group discussions (at least 5 FGDs in each target community);
• Surveys (at least with 20 respondents in each target community); and
• Community and stakeholder consultations.
• Facilitate and document stakeholder consultations at community and provincial levels, jointly with the Programme team.
• Ensure all data collection is conducted in a safe, ethical, conflict‑sensitive, and gender‑responsive manner.
• Prepare comprehensive field notes, consultation summaries, and documentation.
• Co‑facilitate consultation meetings in each province with participation of up to 50 people per province

Phase 3. Data Management (cleaning, entry), Analysis & Reporting:

• Conduct preliminary data cleaning and entry, analysis, interpret the information collecteddurign the baselines assessment and present key findings for review by the Programme team.
• Present findings to the National Steering Committee.
• Verify and refine baseline indicators and targets, in line with programme objectives and EU and UN Women requirements.
• Draft the Baseline Assessment Report (25+ pages).
• Incorporate feedback from EU, UN Women and partners and finalize the report in English and Russian.
• Support validation meetings and formal presentation of findings to stakeholders.

Inception Phase Deliverables

• Baseline Assessment Report in English and Russian, including:
• Baseline methodology in English;
• Quantitative and Qualitative techniques/tools in English and relevant local languages;
• Verified and refined baseline indicators and targets;
• Analysis of data and inputs collected through consultations across all seven provinces (disaggregated by province).
• Updated Logical Framework, including recommended adjustments based on baseline findings.
• Stakeholder engagement plan.
• Reviewed and updated risk and mitigation matrix.

DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT TIMELINE

Deliverables

Expected completion time (due day)

Payment Schedule (TBC)

Desk research, consultations with UN Women team and prepare and submit an inception report detailing study objectives and scope, outlining the research design, approach/methodology, work plan and schedule;

In consultation with UN Women, design and draft data collection tools, pre-test and revise data collection tools for the survey;

By 20 May 2026

10% upon submission and approval by UN Women

Completion of fieldwork across seven provinces and documentation of stakeholder consultations

By 30 June 2026

30% upon submission and approval by UN Women

Analyse, and interpret the data; draft Baseline study report, including proposed indicators and targets. Share initial baseline study report with UN Women for review.

By 30 June 2026

Present the key finding to the programme partners and other stakeholders (UN Women to organize); Incorporate input from UN Women and partners and submit the final report.

By 20 July 2026

10% upon submission and approval by UN Women

Final Baseline Assessment Report in English and Russian, including:

• Logical framework with adjustments or suggestions as a result of the findings from data collection
• Stakeholder engagement plan
• Revised risk and mitigation matrix

By 30 July 2026

50% upon submission and approval by UN Women

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel

This is a home‑based consultancy with required travel to regions of the Kyrgyz Republic.

All official travel will be self‑arranged by the consultant, in accordance with UN Women rules and procedures, and subject to prior approval by UN Women.

III. 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 visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies: https://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment/application-process#_Values Functional Competencies:

• Strong experience in qualitative and quantitative research
• Solid understanding of EVAWG, GEWE, and social norm change
• Ability to conduct ethical and gender-sensitive data collection
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and community engagement skills
• Experience conducting baseline assessments, evaluations, or monitoring
• Ability to work collaboratively with government, CSOs, and local communities

IV. Required Qualifications

Education and Certification:

• Master’s degree in social sciences, Gender Studies, Public Policy, Development Studies, Statistics, Sociology, or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in research, baseline assessments, monitoring, or evaluations.
• Proven expertise in supporting research and statistical processes in the area of violence against women and girls, gender equality and/or women’s empowerment interventions.
• Exposure in working with UN, International Donors and development agencies.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.

Experience:

Languages:

Fluency in English, Kyrgyz and Russian is required. We encourage collaboration and submission within teams to ensure that the necessary language skills are met.

V. How To Apply

• Personal CV or P11 (P11 can be downloaded from: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-P11-Personal-History-Form.doc )
• A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page)

Applicants may be asked (ad hoc) for any publications relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, or other research materials.

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, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, 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 to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel 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.