International consultant to Conduct Care & Support Needs Assessment for Persons with Disabilities and Caregivers in Pwani &Unguja
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Job Info
Job Identification
26221
Posting Date
05/05/2025, 10:51 AM
Apply Before
05/13/2025, 06:59 AM
Job Schedule
Part time
Locations
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Job Function
Economic Empowerment
Initial Contract Duration
6 months
Vacancy Category
Consultancies
Job Description
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.
By fostering environments that uphold international frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, UN Women ensures that women and men can fully contribute to, and benefit from, social, political, and economic progress. Through its comprehensive programmes and projects, UN Women supports UN Member States as they set global standards for achieving gender equality and works with governments and civil society to design laws, policies, programmes, and services needed to ensure that the standards are effectively implemented and truly benefit women and girls worldwide.
UN Women’s global strategic plan (2022-2025) has identified the transformation of the care economy as a priority with a focus on strengthening policy frameworks and increasing public and private sector investment. Care work is essential to all societies and economies, encompassing both paid and unpaid labour that supports the well-being of individuals and communities. Women, especially those from low-income, migrant, and racialized groups, perform over three-quarters of unpaid care and domestic work and makeup two-thirds of the paid care workforce. Because of the centrality of addressing care to achieve gender equality, SDG 5.4 calls for recognizing and valuing unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure, and social protection policies and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family as nationally appropriate.
One of the factors influencing women and girls’ low labour force participation rate is the unequal share and distribution of unpaid care and domestic work. Globally, women spend 2.6 times more on unpaid care and domestic work than their male counterparts. On average, in Tanzania women spend 4.4 hours per day on unpaid care and domestic work, while men only spend 1.4 hours per day. The unequal division of unpaid care work drives gender inequality, restricting women’s and girls’ time, choices, and opportunities for decent paid work, education, public life, and leisure. Consequently, many women are crowded into low-paid, insecure jobs, making them more likely to live in poverty without social protection.
A significant portion of care for people with disabilities is provided by family members or friends, often without pay. This reliance on unpaid caregiving disproportionately affects women, who typically shoulder this work. Moreover, a range of formal care and support services such as personal care assistants, occupational therapists, transportation services, assistive technologies and devices are often unavailable, unaffordable or inaccessible for Persons with Disabilities both in the rural and urban settings of Tanzania. It is also important to note that, many people with disabilities themselves serve as care workers but face barriers like discrimination, stigma and inadequate accommodations. These systemic gaps in care provision limit the economic participation of both Persons with Disabilities and their caregivers, perpetuating cycles of poverty and undermining overall social and economic development.
Due to the intersecting nature of the challenges experienced by people with disabilities, care and support services require holistic approaches and systems. Investing in these areas would not only improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families but also enhance economic and social equity overall. The 2021 Situation Analysis on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Tanzania[1] highlighted significant gaps in knowledge, data, and research among stakeholders regarding the diverse needs and demands of persons with disabilities, including care and support services.
UN Women, in collaboration with UNDP and UNFPA in Tanzania, are implementing a Joint Programme on unpaid care, disability, and gender transformation that will build on existing efforts by the government and UN agencies. This programme is part of a multi-country initiative funded by the UNPRPD also being implemented in Kenya, Mozambique, Colombia, and Panama. The programme is implemented through a collaboration between UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA, OHCHR, ILO, and UNICEF. This programme adopts an intersectional approach to care and support system reforms, aiming to understand and dismantle the multiple barriers faced by persons with disabilities, in achieving economic justice and accessing necessary care and support services.
In line with the above, UN Women seeks the services of an international expert to undertake a qualitative assessment of care and support services at the local level: Exploring Needs, Experiences, and the Implications for Persons with Disabilities and Unpaid Caregivers in Pwani and Northern Unguja, Zanzibar in Tanzania. The assessment will highlight existing and unmet care needs, examine available services and provide concrete recommendations on developing and/or strengthening comprehensive care policies at subnational levels. The lead consultant will work closely with one national consultant. The two consultants will work as a team, with one consultant as the lead responsible for overall delivery and quality assurance.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the overall guidance of the UN Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Programme Specialist and the Disability Programme Focal Person, the consultant will work in close collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Prime Minister’s Office, Labour, Youth, Employment and Person’s with Disabilities in Tanzania mainland and the First Vice President’s Office in Zanzibar, the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups for Tanzania mainland, the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children in Zanzibar, other relevant government MDAs, selected OPDs, CSOs, research institutions, community members, women caregivers (including those with disabilities), care recipients with disabilities, and academic institutions, to deliver the following tasks:
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Overall Objective:
To undertake a qualitative assessment of care and support services at the local level: Exploring needs, experiences, and implications for Persons with disabilities and unpaid caregivers in Pwani and Nothern Unguja, Zanzibar.
Assessing the experiences and implications of unpaid caregivers, including caregivers with disabilities, providing care and support services to persons with disabilities.
Identify the main barriers to accessing care and support services for persons with disabilities.
Assess and analyze the needs and experiences of care recipients relating to the care and support they receive and assess the implications for their rights to autonomy and independent living.
Assess and analyze the needs and experiences of both unpaid and paid caregivers with disabilities, as well as those providing care to persons with disabilities, focusing on their time use, well-being, rights, and gender perspective, along with the implications of these factors.
Analyze gender roles and women’s time use, including the social norms that shape how care work is distributed within households and communities.
Assess the engagement of persons with disabilities in unpaid care activities within the household.
Identify practical entry points for reducing women’s time poverty and meeting the needs of unpaid care workers with disabilities and those providing care to persons with disabilities, focusing on both their well-being and economic opportunities.
Identify gaps and potential good practices for achieving inclusive and gender-transformative care and support systems for unpaid care workers, including persons with disabilities.
Assess the intersectionality of unpaid care work to gender, socioeconomic status, and cultural background among others.
Mapping and analysis of services available at the local level.
Identify the care and support services available and assess how inclusive they are specifically regarding people with disabilities in collaboration with OPDs.
Analyze the quality, accessibility, and affordability of the care and support services available for people with disabilities.
Specific Activities:
Conduct a desk review covering a sample of existing policies and the legal framework at the national level, reports, and studies related to care and support services, unpaid care work, and gender dynamics of the needs and experiences, and implications for persons with disabilities on care support services and infrastructure available at the local level. This will include analyzing current frameworks, services, and infrastructure for persons with disabilities and unpaid caregivers in the selected regions. The consultant shall review policies not limited to: time use for care providers; labor rights/policies and services for care providers; disability inclusion policies with attention to those promoting universal and inclusive services and social protection.
Develop and submit an inception report and work plan. The inception report should include the proposed assessment framework, research methodologies and protocol, data sources for the desk review, an interview list, and qualitative and quantitative interview questions. The work plan should clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the lead and the assistant consultants, detailing who will lead each activity.
Engage key stakeholders through interviews, focus group discussions, and consultations with government representatives, caregivers including those with disabilities, and those providing care services to persons with disabilities, care recipients with disabilities, OPDs, women’s rights CSOs, service providers, and community members. Particular attention will be given to gathering qualitative data from persons with disabilities, care providers, unpaid caregivers (including those with disabilities), and relevant gender experts on their experiences and needs.
Conduct field assessments in the selected regions to evaluate the needs and experiences on care and support services for persons with disabilities and unpaid caregivers. The consultant will document the existing infrastructure, accessibility, and support mechanisms, paying particular attention to barriers to autonomy and independent living.
Map existing services by identifying care and support services in-home care services, elderly and disability support services, personal assistance, social protection benefits, assistive devices, and training programmes for unpaid caregivers. Based on mapping, assess quality, accessibility, and coverage, highlighting gaps and opportunities for expansion. Identify successful models and best practices in care and support services, while also highlighting gaps in the current care systems.
Analyze the gender implications of care and support responsibilities on unpaid caregivers, focusing on time poverty, economic empowerment, and well-being, as well as how it limits the independent living of persons with disabilities. This analysis will also examine the social norms influencing the distribution of care work and propose strategies for reducing the disproportionate role of care on women.
Provide recommendations to strengthen care and support systems and improve the conditions for unpaid caregivers and persons with disabilities, focusing on inclusivity, accessibility, and gender-transformative approaches. Furthermore, highlight any care services that are functioning effectively, as this will be instrumental in advocating for their scaling and broader implementation as a best practice.
Deliver a presentation on the first draft of the assessment to the Government, OPD’s, women-led CSOs, research institutions, academia, and selected stakeholders for validation of the findings and recommendations. Feedback from this session will be incorporated into the final report.
Develop a final report, detailing the assessment methodology, key findings, and policy recommendations, integrating feedback from the validation workshop.
Prepare and submit the final report, consolidating all findings into a comprehensive document. The final report should include an in-depth analysis of care services, barriers, best practices, and practical recommendations. The consultant will present this final report to stakeholders, summarizing key findings and outlining actionable strategies to enhance care and support systems at the local level.
Duration of assignment
The consultancy is based on the above deliverables for up to 90 days spread over six months.
Key Activity
Deliverable Time frame Installment Payments
Desk Review Inception Report and workplan Inception Report due 2 weeks after signature of the contract 10% upon approval of Inception Report and workplan
Submission of Inception Report and workplan First draft of the Assessment report with three products due 4 to 6 weeks after the field visits are completed. 20% upon the first draft of the Assessment Report with three products.
Field visit to conduct interviews and focus group (2 weeks). Field notes and observations
First Draft of the Assessment Report with three products:
A detailed gender assessment and analysis of the rights, well-being and experiences of women unpaid care workers, including women care workers with disabilities providing care and support services to persons with disabilities.
A detailed mapping and analysis of all relevant public and private care and support services available at local level.
A detailed assessment and analysis on the needs, experiences and implications on persons with disabilities relating to unpaid care and support work/services.
First draft of the Assessment Report with three products.
Validation meeting and feedback from UN Women colleagues and partners/stakeholders Validation meeting with UN Women; comments received from UN Women and partners/stakeholders
First Draft of the Assessment Report with three products:
A detailed gender assessment and analysis of the rights, well-being and experiences of women unpaid care workers, including women care workers with disabilities providing care and support services to persons with disabilities.
A detailed mapping and analysis of all relevant public and private care and support services available at local level.
A detailed assessment and analysis on the needs, experiences and implications on persons with disabilities relating to unpaid care and support work/services.
First Draft of the Assessment Report with three products.
Final draft of the assessment report with three products due 2 weeks after comments are received from UN Women and partners/stakeholders 30% upon approval of the final draft of the assessment report with three products.
Presentation of the findings and recommendations. Stakeholder Workshop Stakeholder workshop to take place after final report is finalized. 40%
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 Values and Competencies Framework:
Functional Competencies:
Excellent analytical and research skills.
Strong understanding of and commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Excellent writing skills.
Excellent organizational skills.
Strong partnership-building skills.
Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
Recruitment Qualifications:
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Education:
Master’s degree in gender studies, disabilities studies, sociology, public policy, development studies, or any other relevant 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:
At least 10 years of demonstrated professional experience in care economy programming, policy, social inclusion, or research.
Demonstrated knowledge of the linkages between gender equality, disability inclusion, and the care economy.
Familiarity with programmes on unpaid care work.
Field experience in working with marginalized and vulnerable groups: Hands-on experience engaging with persons with disabilities, community organizations, and government stakeholders, particularly at the local level.
Demonstrated understanding of policy responses to address gendered inequalities in unpaid and paid care work.
Excellent research and interview skills, including experience designing and leading FGDs and KIIs;
Excellent analytical, writing, advocacy, presentation, and communications skills.
Experience working with international organizations: Previous experience collaborating with the UN, NGOs, or government institutions in similar contexts.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required.
Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).
Knowledge of Swahili is an asset.
Submission of Applications:
Interested candidates should respond to this TOR by submitting to UN Women Tanzania (in English) the below documents.
A letter of interest (maximum two pages) indicating relevant experience and qualifications as per the criteria and availability for the assignment.
A brief technical proposal explaining how the deliverables will be achieved, including a workplan.
UN Women Personal History form (P-11), which can be downloaded from https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2022-07/UN-Women-P11-Personal-History-Form-en.doc
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.
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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.
How to Apply:
This is Full-time Job, To submit your application, please follow the link provided below.
