The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is seeking a highly experienced consultant to support a groundbreaking multi-country scoping review on masculinities and child, early and forced marriage (CEFM) across Asia and the Pacific. This home-based assignment offers a unique opportunity to contribute to transformative research that will shape regional strategies on gender norms, positive masculinities, and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention.
This consultancy is ideal for seasoned gender and GBV experts with deep experience in social norms change, masculinities, and research design.
Purpose of the Consultancy
The consultant will work with UNFPA’s Asia-Pacific Regional Office (APRO) under the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Harmful Practices team. The primary objective is to deepen regional evidence and develop strategic frameworks that promote positive masculinities and engage men and boys in efforts to prevent GBV and CEFM.
The role supports UNFPA’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029, which prioritizes dismantling discriminatory gender norms—including norms rooted in harmful masculinities—as a key driver in eliminating GBV and harmful practices.
The consultant will collaborate closely with UNFPA Country Offices in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and the Philippines, and work jointly with UNICEF EAPRO as part of a regional initiative addressing CEFM in Southeast Asia.
Scope of Work
Under the supervision of the GBV Technical Advisor and daily guidance from the GBV Specialist, the consultant will:
- Develop a research framework, including methodology, data collection tools, and analytical structure focusing on harmful masculinities.
- Guide national stakeholders on ethical and rigorous data collection across three countries.
- Draft and finalize a multi-country scoping review highlighting how masculinities and social norms influence GBV and CEFM in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and the Philippines.
- Provide actionable recommendations for program interventions addressing harmful masculinities.
This work will rely on a combination of desk reviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) in all three countries.
Duration and Schedule
The assignment spans 80 working days from 15 January 2026 to 30 October 2026.
A detailed work plan will be jointly developed with the UNFPA APRO GBV team at the start of the consultancy.
This is a fully home-based role. Any travel requested by UNFPA Country Offices will be covered under UNFPA travel policy.
Expected Deliverables and Payment Structure
The consultancy fee (lump sum equivalent to 80 working days) will be paid in three installments, each tied to deliverable approval.
1st Installment (Approx. 25 days)
- Deliverable 1: 10-page inception report covering methodology, research tools, and review framework.
Timeline: End of February 2026 - Deliverable 2: Desk review report on masculinities and linkages to GBV and harmful practices.
Timeline: End of March 2026
2nd Installment (Approx. 45 days)
- Deliverable 3: First draft of the full multi-country study + slide deck; webinar presentation to UNFPA offices and partners.
Timeline: 30 June 2026 - Deliverable 4: Final scoping review + final presentation.
Timeline: 31 August 2026
3rd Installment (Approx. 10 days)
- Deliverable 5: Technical support to Country Offices (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Philippines) on addressing harmful masculinities.
Timeline: 30 October 2026
Progress will be measured using a jointly developed monitoring schedule and tracking sheet.
Qualifications and Experience Required
Education
- Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, Demography, or relevant social sciences.
Professional Experience
- Minimum 15 years of experience in social norms change, masculinities, gender equality, or GBV programming.
- Proven expertise in designing or implementing interventions focused on masculinities and engaging men and boys.
- Strong background in research methodologies, social norms documentation, and analysis of harmful practices including child marriage.
- Experience working in Asia, especially on gender and social norms research.
- Exceptional English writing, facilitation, and coordination skills.
Languages
- Full proficiency in English is mandatory.
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Work Environment & Inclusion
UNFPA fosters a work culture rooted in gender equality, diversity, and integrity. The organization strongly encourages applications from:
- Women
- LGBTQIA+ individuals
- Indigenous populations
- Persons with disabilities
- Minority ethnic groups
Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities upon request.
Why This Consultancy Matters
This assignment represents a crucial contribution to gender-transformative programming in Asia and the Pacific. By generating high-quality evidence and designing practical frameworks, the consultant will help shift harmful norms, strengthen positive masculinities, and protect women and girls from GBV and child marriage.
This consultancy is ideal for senior experts ready to influence regional policy, support country-level programming, and ensure that gender equality remains at the center of development.
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