National Roma Consultant to support Roma Women Platform to empower locals and refugees in the context of Gender Equality (Local post for Residents of the Republic of Moldova)

Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

The work of UN Women in the Republic of Moldova (Moldova) is guided by its , aligned with , , and the National Strategy on Gender Equality for 2022-2025 (NSGE). focuses on four impact areas: 1. Governance & participation in Public Life 2. Economic Empowerment & Resilience, 3 Ending Violence against Women & girls, 4 Peace & Security, Humanitarian Action & Disaster Risk Reduction. To achieve progress in these areas, UN Women works with various national and international partners and as part of different national and regional initiatives. 

The overarching vision of the is inclusive and sustainable growth with its promise to leave no one behind. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, target 5.5. calls to “ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of the decision-making in political, economic and public life”. Within the UN system, UN Women is mandated to lead, promote and coordinate efforts to advance the full realization of women’s rights and opportunities. In line with this triple mandate, UN Women leads and coordinates the United Nations system’s efforts to ensure that the commitments to gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action in humanitarian response plans.

Since the full-scale Russian military invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, as of February 2024, 1,014, 516 refugees and third-country nationals had arrived in the Republic of Moldova from Ukraine. While most continued westward to the EU, some 115,747 Ukrainian refugees and 9,059 third-country nationals had chosen to remain in Moldova, of whom 58% were female, 44% were children and an estimated 22% were older persons.

The humanitarian situation has impacted individuals and communities in distinct ways, depending on their sex, age, disability, minority status among other variables. Risks and vulnerabilities increased for already marginalized and at-risk groups including single women- and elderly-headed households, survivors of GBV, LGBTQIA+ people, elderly men and women, and minority ethnic groups, in particular members of the Roma community.

In Moldova, it is estimated that the Roma population constitutes around 0.3% of the total population (circa 9,000 individuals). Additionally, it is estimated that there are approximately 2,500 Roma refugees staying in Moldova, though the exact number is unknown. As in most cases Roma do not identify themselves declaratively of Roma ethnicity due to various reasons, it is difficult to determine the exact number of Roma population living in Moldova. The data available regarding the size of the target population – not even mentioning disaggregated data – testifies to the vulnerability of Roma population in Moldova. Without disaggregated data, effective tailored and evidence-based policies can hardly be implemented to support their integration, representation, and participation in Moldovan society.

Available data shows a high level of poverty in the Roma community and highlights the important vulnerabilities intersecting to fuel this poverty and exclusion from society. Some striking figures speak to the general situation of Roma  population in Moldova: for 1/3 of the Roma community, suitable shelter and access to food is the most urgent priority2; only 28% of Roma men and 16% of Roma women were employed in 20163 and more than 65% of the men are employed informally4; overall, Roma community mediators perceive the Roma community as being underserved by institutions, especially regarding education, health and housing5. The estimated 1500 Roma refugees living in Moldova face similar challenges and report needing financial assistance to cover for basic needs as well as access to health and education6. 

In Moldova, the Roma population faces significant challenges, compounded by their historical marginalization and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite efforts by the Moldovan government and various partners to address these issues, Roma voices remain largely unheard in discussions concerning their inclusion and distinct needs. Roma refugees from Ukraine encounter unique obstacles due to their ethnic identity, including discrimination and segregation in housing, limited access to basic needs and healthcare, protection, lack of information and communication channels, difficulties related to documentation, socioeconomic disparities, and barriers to employment.

The , adopted in August 2022, recognizes that “the vicious circle of poverty, unemployment and limited access to public services exposed the Roma population” focuses on nine areas where Roma are especially vulnerable and where government efforts are needed: education, health, employment, social protection, participation in public life, fighting discrimination, rights and fight against human trafficking, activity of community mediators, and culture and media7. Drawing on analysis for each area, the Program formulates 5 objectives: 1) improving the policy and institutional framework; 2) ensuring the effective representation and participation of the Roma population in public life ; 3) guaranteeing respect for socio-cultural rights and promoting better integration of the Roma population into society ; 4) increasing the degree of inclusion on the labor market and increasing the economic opportunities of the Roma population ; 5) strengthening the status of the community mediator. 

These challenges disproportionately affect Roma women and girls, who face intersecting forms of discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. This intersectionality exacerbates their vulnerability to violence, exploitation, and societal exclusion. Issues such as child marriage, forced marriage, adolescent pregnancy, illiteracy, and limited economic opportunities further perpetuate cycles of poverty and marginalization within the Roma community.

UN Women entered into a partnership with AO Roma Women’s Platform “ROMNI” to conduct at least 10 tailored information sessions for Roma women and youth (100 Roma women and youth, including 60 Roma refugees from targeted localities such as but not limited to Chisinau, Soroca, Comrat and Otaci, Mingir si Carpineni (Hincesti), Chetrosu (Drochia)).

UN Women intends to hire a National Consultant or a team of Roma national consultants to provide capacity building for Roma refugee and local women and girls in order to prevent violence, enhance skills, strengthen leadership, and improve job prospects for Roma women and their children. By addressing the specific needs of Roma women and empowering them with skills, knowledge, and awareness, these initiatives seek to break the pattern of oppression and facilitate their greater independence and social inclusion.

The consultant will be reporting to Project Coordinator, and will be supported by Project Officer, who will be the point of contact on the contract and payment issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

Description of Responsibilities/ Scope of Work

UN Women aims to ensure that local and refugee Roma and most vulnerable Roma women and children have strengthened access to services, capacities, and resources, through provision of comprehensive services to approximative 100 Roma women from targeted localities to respond to their specific needs, enhanced community engagement, awareness and info session.

In this context, the consultant or team of consultant will support women-led Roma NGO to deliver informative sessions aimed at preventing violence, enhancing skills, strengthening leadership, and improving job prospects for Roma women and their children. The Consultant/team consultant will maintain permanent contact with AO Roma Women’s Platform “ROMNI” and UN Women representatives to provide continuous support based on the needs and realities of the beneficiaries.

The Consultant/team of consultants are expected to report and coordinate regularly with the UN Women Project Coordinator on the progress of deliverables. The proposer is also expected to inform UN Women in writing of any unforeseen challenges or risks that might arise during the assignment’s duration and present a backup plan to ensure the accomplishment of deliverables.

Within the framework of the objective and expected results outlined above, the UN Women Moldova Country Office welcomes proposals for the following activities, but not limited to:

TASK 1: Delivery of 10 2-hour thematic info sessions to prevent the violence in any forms for local and roma refugee, including youth from targeted localities.

The main purpose of the sessions is to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment to combat gender-based violence among locals and Roma refugees. In this sense, it is recommended to design and deliver 10 2-hour information sessions for at least 100 Roma women and adolescents, including 60 ROMA refugees, from targeted localities such as Chisinau, Soroca, Comrat and Otaci. The information session program should focus on several key areas, but not limited to: Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence, Consent, Sexual Harassment and Abuse, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), Discrimination and gender-based Stereotypes. All the logistics procedures (the number and presence of refugee and local Roma women and girls, localities and training premises, contact coordination with local public authorities, and others) will be ensured by AO Roma Women’s Platform “ROMNI”.

Additionally, mini sessions on the 16 Days Campaign should be included, especially during November and December months. The organization shall ensure access to information on the available services in the country on various aspects as request by beneficiaries.

Targets: 

• 10 2-hour thematic info sessions to prevent the violence in any forms for local and roma refugee, including youth from targeted localities organized;
• 100 Roma women and youth including 60 Roma refugees with enhanced knowledge on Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence, Consent, Sexual Harassment and Abuse, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), Discrimination and gender-based Stereotypes;
• 100 Roma women and youth including 60 Roma refugees with access to information on the available services in the country for local and refugee Roma;

The above-mentioned tasks are indicative and subject to further detailing through specific service requests to be made by UN Women Moldova CO during the contract duration and any other tasks and duties may be added as required.

METHODOLOGY

The contractor is expected to provide its own methodology and training materials to carry out the tasks described above, including, but not limiting to:

• Use a combination of techniques and tools, and innovative approaches, including qualitative and quantitative instruments for the effective realization of the activities within available budget.
• Consider the best practices and, at the same time, rely on its own practical experience.
• The training materials should be coordinated with UN Women and AO Roma Women’s Platform “ROMNI”.

Deliverables

All written deliverables should be agreed with Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, UN Women and be provided in English, in electronic copy. Note that all materials, including images will remain property of UN Women and cannot be used without UN Women’s permission. 

The Consultant is expected to report and coordinate regularly with the UN Women Project Coordinator. The proposer is also expected to inform in a written form UN Women of any unforeseen challenge or risk that might occur during the duration of the assignment, as well come with a backup plan to ensure the accomplishment of deliverables.

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel

This is a home-based consultancy/Republic of Moldova.

As part of this assignment, there will be a maximum of 10 trips in the regions. No travel costs will be covered by UN Women under the current assignment. All travel costs should be covered by AO Roma Women’s Platform “ROMNI”.

Competencies

Core Values: 

• Respect for Diversity 
• Integrity 
• Professionalism 

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:  

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES: 

• Skills in promoting the rights of Roma.
• Experience in organization of various capacity buildings, with a special focus on Roma rights;
  gender equality issues, pertinent to Romani.
• Demonstrates excellent written and oral communication skills. Communicates sensitively, effectively, and creatively across different constituencies in writing reports on the situation of Roma population.
• Ability in writing reports on the situation of Roma population.

Required Skills and Experience

Education and Certification:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Law, International Law, Human Rights, Gender, Social Studies, Political Studies or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of 1 years of work experience on promoting the rights of Roma is required;
• A minimum of 1 years of experience in organization of various capacity buildings, with a special focus on Roma rights is required;
• Experience in gender equality issues, pertinent to Romani women will be an asset;
• Previous work experience in writing reports on the situation of Roma population will be considered an asset;
• Experience in working with international organizations and/or UN agencies is an asset.

Languages:

• Knowledge of Romanian, Russian language are required.
• Knowledge of Romani languages is an asset. 

APPLICATION PROCESS AND SUBMISSION PACKAGE 

Interested candidates are invited to submit their online applications with the following documents:

• Duly completed and signed P11 (P11 can be downloaded from:  ) Applications without the completed UN Women P-11 form will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment. 
• A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page);
• Any materials conducted by the applicant, such as reports, surveys, publications, studies, or other relevant materials. Kindly note that the system will only allow one attachment.

Please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

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.

The United Nations in Moldova is committed to workforce diversity. Women, persons with disabilities, Roma and other ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV, as well as refugees and other non-citizens legally entitled to work in the Republic of Moldova, are particularly encouraged to appl