UNDP-SWZ-00240,2 - Individual Consultant: Develop GESI Policy & Strategy for INMACOM River Basin - UNDP - SWAZILAND

Tender summary

Introduction Description of the Assignment: As part of strengthening basin-wide governance and sustainability, INMACOM seeks to develop a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy and Strategy. This policy and strategy will guide systematic integration of gender equality and social inclusion into transboundary water and ecosystem management, ensuring equitable participation, representation, and benefit-sharing among women, youth, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and other marginalised groups The Individual Consultant will be responsible for the following key tasks: Review relevant literature, policies, strategies, legal frameworks, and institutional arrangements related to GESI and transboundary governance in Eswatini, South Africa, and Mozambique. Review project documents, including the existing GESI Baseline Report and GESI Action Plan produced during the preparation of the UNDP/GEF project, to ensure alignment with the project’s outcomes and outputs. Identify and engage key institutions, including SADC Gender Focal Points for the Water Sector, National Gender Machinery and relevant stakeholders, programmes, and initiatives promoting gender equality and social inclusion in the Incomati and Maputo River Basins. Conduct inclusive consultations with relevant stakeholders at regional, national, and local levels to capture gender-specific needs, barriers and opportunities in transboundary water and natural resource management. Conduct a comprehensive gap analysis to identify institutional, policy, structural, and operational gaps in integrating GESI within INMACOM’s governance and operational systems and its associated inter-sectoral committees and transboundary coordination mechanisms. Update and refine the GESI analysis and Gender Action Plan (GAP) for the project, including updating the monitoring framework and ensure alignment with UNDP GEN2 requirements. Develop an INMACOM GESI Policy, that establishes an enabling institutional framework, including vision, guiding principles, and institutional commitments an accountability mechanism. Develop a costed and result-based GESI Strategy to operationalize the policy with clear objectives, actions, timelines, responsibilities, indicators, including a practical monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) framework. Design practical guidelines and a roadmap for mainstreaming GESI into the operations of INMACOM, as well as the operations of the national intersectoral committees and the transboundary source to sea coordination mechanisms, ensuring integration into standard operating procedures. Facilitate validation workshops with key stakeholders and support the finalization and adoption of the GESI Policy, Strategy, and Mainstreaming Guidelines. Provide technical backstopping and coordination with other consultants engaged by the project as well the project management team to ensure consistent integration of GESI across all project components. The ideal candidate should meet or exceed the below requirements; Master’s degree or higher in gender studies, gender and development, social sciences, sustainable development, or a related field. Minimum 8 years’ experience in GESI mainstreaming, policy, and strategy development, preferably in Southern Africa. Proven experience conducting participatory gender analysis and developing GESI policies, strategies, action plans, and indicators. Experience working with international organisations such as UNDP, GEF, or the World Bank is an advantage. Strong understanding of transboundary governance, natural resource management, and sustainable development. Excellent analytical writing and communication skills. Fluency in English and Portuguese is required. "UNDP welcomes diverse consultants and service providers and encourages inclusive approaches that reflect gender equality and disability inclusion.” Period of assignment/services; 3 Months Proposal should be submitted directly in the portal no later than indicated dead

What to check before bidding

• Issued by United Nations Development Programme.
• Located in Eswatini.
• Source notice https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_negotiation.cfm?nego_id=45745 on UNDP.
• Notice published 21 May 2026; Tenqual indexed it 22 May 2026.
• Deadline listed as 10 Jun 2026.
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