WHRD Window Protection Assessment Specialist, Home-Based, SSA

Organizational Context

The UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) is a multi-partner trust fund hosted by UN Women, supporting over 1,800 civil society organizations and 1,300 women human rights defenders (WHRDs). A dedicated window for WHRDs provides safety net grants and logistical support for advocacy. This role supports an internal review of the verification processes and protection approaches of eight INGO partners implementing the Safety Net Stream, covering the period 2022-2025.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to conduct an internal review of the verification processes and protection approaches used by the UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) for its Safety Net Stream, implemented through eight international non-governmental organization (INGO) partners. The review will examine the entire process from application transfer to partner verification, protection support, and final transfer to Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs). It will also assess the capacity of these INGO partners to manage current and future caseloads and contribute to developing an internal assessment tool for existing and prospective partners. The findings will inform improvements in process efficiency, ethical considerations, and the overall management of the WPHF's safety net partnership model.

Responsibilities

The consultant will prepare an inception report detailing the methodology, ethical considerations, and work plan. They will conduct a comprehensive review of project documents, INGO reports, and existing systems, mapping the end-to-end application process and identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement. Consultations will be held with eight INGO partners to understand their internal processes for receiving, processing, and approving safety net applications, and to review a sample of cases. The consultant will co-design and finalize an INGO assessment tool for WPHF and develop practical protection guidelines for consistent implementation by INGO partners. Finally, the consultant will produce a summary paper with key findings and recommendations for improved application of guidelines, capacity strengthening, and enhanced management of INGO partnerships.

Work Experience

Requires at least 10 years of experience in supporting multi-trust funds, global funds, or funds financing WHRDs/protected groups, including grant management and process evaluations. Experience in providing protection support to WHRDs, working within the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in conflict/crisis settings, and liaising with civil society/INGOs is essential. Experience with operational systems reviews in humanitarian or protection contexts is also required. Experience conducting feminist assessments and knowledge of other UN languages are preferred.

Skills

Program formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation skills; Experience conducting evaluations, operational reviews, or institutional assessments; Strong understanding of safeguarding, evaluation ethics, and data protection; Ability to gather and interpret data; Analytical skills; Knowledge of the women, peace, and security agenda.

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