WRAPA EU/UN WOMEN SPOTLIGHT INITIATIVE PROJECT

 Negotiating & Strengthening SGBV Protection for Women’s Rights Advocates/Marginalized Groups in FCT, Adamawa and Sokoto States

Background

The issue of gender based violence affects hundreds of millions of people around the world. This has peculiar implications for people with marginalized racial, ethnic, class, indigenous, or disabled status. Violence against women and girls is among the most widespread and devastating human rights violations in the world, but much of it is often unreported due to norms and practices that further entrench gender inequality through the culture of impunity, public shaming, and forced silence. Global statistics show that one in four women will experience a form of violence in her lifetime; yet women’s rights issues remain hugely underfunded (UN Women, 2019).

 

In Nigeria, women and girls are subject to systematic disadvantage and discrimination – particularly those who are poor, live in rural areas, and are from particular social groups. Gender inequality is manifested in violence against women and girls (VAWG), barriers to accessing quality education for girls, early marriage, poor reproductive and maternal health, and legal discrimination (particularly regarding family law). The scourge of VAWG was not overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic presently ravaging the entire world,. This situation of VAWG exacerbated during the peak period of COVID-19 Pandemic (2019-2020) and it is still presently being experienced. This human rights pandemic was dubbed the shadow pandemic as there was a spike in activities of perpetrators during lockdowns that were ordered to slow down the spread of COIVD-19. The majority of those on the front lines of the pandemic are women, there’s need to provide resources like healthcare, education and training for women. It is the responsibility of women to hold the social fabric together – be it at home, in health centers and schools, or caring for the elderly – all of this is unpaid care work which is mostly taken for granted.

The Nigerian Government’s response has included efforts to improve its institutional and policy framework, which include the Violence against Person Prohibition (VAPP) Act, enacted at the national level in 2015, the National Policy on the Elimination of FGM/C, the National Strategy to End Child Marriage, a Road Map and National Priority Actions to End Violence Against Children (VAC) which have been adopted and are being supported for implementation as well as several policies and frameworks for a conducive environment for women and girls’ access to quality sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services.

 

Civil society remains a key important constituency, working to hold the government accountable to deliver on rights protection. However, despite the existence of a strong feminist movement, the potential of civil society and women groups to advance women’s rights, including SRHR, has been insufficiently tapped to date due to limited coordination and capacity gaps. Through a comprehensive approach, the Spotlight Initiative in Nigeria will aim to support a Nigeria where all women and girls, particularly the most vulnerable, live a life free from violence and harmful practices. The vision will be realized by addressing the linkages between sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices with related aspects of sexual and reproductive health and rights as a cross-cutting theme. Focus will be on prevention efforts, particularly addressing the root causes of gender-based violence and harmful practices (child marriage and FGM) against women and girls; and ensuring access to inclusive, timely, and quality services for victims and survivors.

 

The geographic scope will be vertical, supporting interventions at federal, state and community levels and horizontally across 5+1 focus states (Lagos, Sokoto, FCT, Ebonyi, Adamawa and Cross River), one per geo-political zone, based on a mixed set of criteria (including prevalence, political will, enabling environment, capacities and potential to facilitate further expansion and up scaling). The most vulnerable women and girls will be targeted.

 

Spotlight focus in Africa: Eliminate sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), harmful practices (HPs), and address related aspects of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHRs), in 8 Priority Countries: Nigeria, Liberia, Niger, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Mali. In Nigeria the Programme will be implemented in Adamawa, Cross Rivers, Ebonyi, FCT, Lagos and Sokoto States. Interventions focus on six mutually-reinforcing programming pillars; Pillar 1: Laws and Policies, Pillar 2: Institutions, Pillar 3: Prevention, Pillar 4 : Services, Pillar 5 : Data, Pillar 6 : Women’s Movement. The Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) is one of the NGOs selected by the UN Women for a Partnership with EU-UN Spotlight Initiative (SI) Programme in Nigeria. WRAPA work focus will be in FCT, Adamawa and Sokoto States, in the Component six (6) of the intervention.

 

As implementing partner of Spotlight Initiatives Phase II (October 2021 – November 2022) under the UN Women Agency, WRAPA will target key role players that are central to the achievement of systemic shift in VAWG/SGBV/HP in Sokoto, Adamawa States and the FCT. Interventions would be implemented in partnerships with existing partner Organizations that showed agency during the Phase I period in Sokoto, Adamawa States and FCT, to focus on building capacity of both individual and institutions, to “influence and act”, across state and non-state actors.

Key interventions will include strengthening the capacities of key stakeholders to advocate for, and participate in the domestication, review, the development and implementation of laws and policies on ending VAWG, including SGBV/HP and SRHR., on the use of available, accessible, acceptable, and quality essential services including for long term recovery from violence ,and enhancement of better knowledge and capacity to deliver quality and coordinated essential services, including sexual and reproductive health services and access to justice, to women and girls’ survivors of VAWG/SGBV/HP, especially those facing intersecting forms of discrimination

 

Against this background, WRAPA is looking to hire State Project Officer (SPO) in Adamawa State, who is to coordinate the implementation activities of the project. He/She is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the project at that level. The SPO will serve as the main link between WRAPA and Federal Capital Territory designated existing partner Organizations that showed agency during the Phase I period, ensuring quality and effectiveness in the delivery of project interventions, as well as the liaison with stakeholder and beneficiary organizations and platforms in producing outcomes in line with the results framework.

 

EU/UN WOMEN SPOTLIGHT INITIATIVE PROJECT

Negotiating & Strengthening SGBV Protection for Women’s Rights Advocates /Marginalized Groups in FCT, Adamawa and Sokoto States

 

FCT PROJECT OFFICER (SPO)

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)

Location:                                                                                                   Abuja , FCT Type of Contract:                                                                                    Contract Post Level:                                                                                                Project Officer Languages Required:                                                                                English Starting Date:                                                                                                            2022 End Date:                                                                                                                 2022 Duration of Initial Contract:                                                                 Months Line Manager:                                                                                            Project Coordinator   Recruitment Objective To engage a Project Officer based in Yola who will work under the supervision of the Project Coordinator (PC); providing support to the project team in Adamawa State, and contributing to the reduction of violence and harmful practices against women and girls in Nigeria. He/She will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the project at that level to strengthening the linkages between SGBV and HP with related aspects of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), as a cross-cutting issue. The SPO will serve as the main link between WRAPA and FCT designated existing partner Organizations that showed agency during the Phase I period, ensuring quality and effectiveness in the delivery of project interventions, as well as the liaison with stakeholder and beneficiary organizations and platforms in producing outcomes in line with the results framework .  Responsibilities & Task        2.1   Responsibilities       The SPO shall within FCT : a)        Demonstrate a thorough and in-depth understanding of project scope and specifics i.e. technical content, timeframes, financials, reporting and engagement protocols; b)       Ensure a clear communication of the project intent and focus to engender broad buy-in of key state and non-state actors for project efficiency and sustainability; c)        Liaise and work with FCT designated existing partner Organizations that showed agency during the Phase I period , Consultants and other stakeholders; d)       Ensure project visibility & issue amplification through strategic stakeholder interface, and networking; e)        Comply with all EU UN/SI project objectives, plans, delivery guidelines outputs and results, and notify WRAPA of any issues or challenges; f)        Represent WRAPA as may be delegated in Spotlight Initiative related activities as appropriate; g)       Other duties as may be directed by Project Coordinator   2.2 Tasks a)        Build and maintain linkages between stakeholder networks and platforms including Government MDAs within FCT to ensure effectiveness and synergy; b)       Contribute technical inputs for implementation of all activities as indicated in the work plan. c)        Initiate, build and maintain relationships with internal and external clients and support management and implementation of project activities as well as delivering timely reports; d)       Support the identification and mapping of relevant organizations/entities working on GEWE and VAWG/SGBV/HP/SRHR in FCT. e)        Submit to the Project Coordinator timely and informative reports, showing progress towards outputs and objectives of the project; f)        Extract and document success stories, case studies or lessons learned to facilitate knowledge management and scaling up; g)       Identify and recommend opportunities for collaboration or partnerships to deepen participation and project impact; h)       Contribute to the development of monthly work plans, activity reports, and M & E plans and activities; i)         Coordinate and manage all project meetings, correspondence and logistics in FCT.   3.       Expected Deliverables: a)        Comprehensive mapping of  FCT designated existing partner Organizations that showed agency during the Phase I period Stakeholders, MDAs Partners, Networks & Platforms; b)       Monthly and quarterly documentation (in EU-UN/SI formats) of project activities & outcomes c)        Monthly project activity: ü  Management plans, ü  Concept notes, ü  Vendor or technical assistance (Consultant, Rapporteur) attendance sheets ü  Meeting reports/minutes/images (video and audio recordings) as appropriate;   4.       Education and Personal Qualities: The successful candidate will possess all or most of the following: a)        University degree in law or the social sciences; b)       Fluency in written and spoken English and Hausa. c)        At least 3 years’ experience working in the field of development, law, or research at a professional level (required); d)       Commitment, willingness and ability to work long hours (at least 90% of contract time, including evenings and weekends) even at minimal notice; e)        In-depth understanding of the social, institutional, and political environment in the project states, including an understanding of local power structures; f)        Knowledge of computer programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel; g)       Evidence in program management and remote logistics support; h)       Positive team player with ability to maintain good relationships across diversities of culture, gender, religion, nationality, age sensitivities and a capacity for adaptability. i)         Possess Knowledge of industry best practice 5.       Guiding Principles The Project Officer shall: a)        Work with, and be supervised by the Project Coordinator. b)       Carry out the responsibilities of the position in an efficient, effective, and professional manner. c)        Discharge the duties, observe and comply with all procedures, administrative regulations and standard operating procedures (SOP) of WRAPA and UN WOMEN d)       Exercise and eschew the values of due diligence, responsible work ethics, and mutual respect, due consideration, accountability and good faith in all dealings.               WRAPA shall: a)        Diligently discharge its obligations under this contract in a timely and transparent manner. b)       Extend its cooperation and support to the SPO in accordance with best practice and subject to mutual considerations. c)        The parties agree that the duties and functions outlined in the TOR are not exhaustive, whereby work of a similar nature may be expected to attain the contract objectives.     Other Matters   i) Confidentiality The Project Officer shall undertake to observe the secrecy of confidential information received from or supplied during the period of implementation of the consultancy or other agreement made pursuant thereto. The Project Officer agrees that the provision of this clause shall continue to be binding notwithstanding the termination of the consultancy.   ii) Termination and dispute Either the organization or the legal expert may for a good cause and subject to compliance with 7 days’ notice terminate this agreement. In so doing, either of the parties shall discharge all obligations of payment or work outstanding at the point of termination. This ToR is governed by dispute resolution procedures as applicable in relevant Nigerian laws. Due notice shall be given by either party of resort to any arbitration method.   iii) Interpretation For purpose of this consultancy and TOR, ‘confidential information’ means any information whether prior to, during, afterwards, disclosed by WRAPA, its staff, agent, beneficiaries or services provides (the disclosing party) to the Legal expert (the receiving party) of the consultancy involving technical, policy, know how, project management and other information, data and/ or strategies in any form, including but not limited to any information which is designated in writing to be confidential or by its nature so intended.   How to Apply: Send CV and Cover Letter to wrapa399@gmail.com or info@wrapanigeria.org Use the job title as the subject of the email. Deadline: Friday, 13th May 2022.