Request for expressions of Interest- Gender Based Violence expert

The West African Power Pool (WAPP) is a specialized institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) comprising utilities from 14 of the 15 ECOWAS member countries. The WAPP was set up to ensure integration of the power systems of member countries and the establishment of a unified regional wholesale electricity market.  In the framework of its operations, the WAPP is at present undertaking projects, including the Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention (RESPITE) Project.

The Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention (RESPITE) Project is part of the World Bank Group (WBG) response to the energy crisis faced by the region. RESPITE supports the clean energy transition to reduce the fiscal impact of rising oil prices in the region. Project’s Component 4 (Regional Coordination, Institutional Strengthening, and Implementation Support) includes resources for Regional Integration and Technical Assistance (RITA) to WAPP that will fund the current assignment.   

Objectives of the assignment

The WAPP is seeking the services of a qualified and experienced Gender Based Violence Consultant for the Preparation and Implementation of a Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and Sexual Harassment Action Plan (SEA/SH Action Plan) for RESPITE RITA PIU, financed by the World Bank.
 
Scope of services

The overall objective of this Assignment is to support the project Implementations Units in the prevention, risk mitigation, and response to GBV issues, with a main focus on SEA and SH, related to the project implementation More specifically, the consultant shall be responsible for conducting an assessment of SEA/SH and GBV risks that may occur or increase as a result of project implementation activities, to include the following:

1.   Baseline description of the social context on gender and GBV
2. Description of potential project impacts on GBV/SEA/SH risks
3. Conduct community engagement
4. Develop SEA/SH Prevention and Response Action Plan
5. SEA/SH Risk Training
6. Implementation of SEA/SH Prevention, Mitigation and Response Plan

Qualification and experience

1.   Master’s degree in sociology, social science, development studies, gender studies, law, or related fields.
2. The consultant must have the minimum of 6 years’ professional experience in GBV prevention and response, including excellent experience in the following: (i) addressing Sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment in organizations/institutions; (ii) conducting GBV/SEA/SH risk assessment and developing/implementing GBV Action Plans (or activities/projects to prevent and respond to GBV); (iii) implementing government or donor-funded GBV prevention and response programs (including report-writing); (iv) delivery of services to survivors of GBV (e.g., case management, psychosocial support, medical or legal assistance); (v) community engagement and behavioral change communication on issues of gender and GBV; or (vi) developing and delivering training to stakeholders on GBV prevention and response;
3. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in implementing a survivor-centered approach that prioritizes survivor safety and confidentiality, and which respects survivors’ decision-making and control is a must;
4. Good experience with GBV data collection and analysis methods;
5. Proven Capabilities in situational analysis of gender and GBV issues;
6. Good knowledge of the World Bank Environmental and Social Frameworks (ESF) and related Standards (ESS);
7. Knowledge of national legislations, policies and institutional mandates related to gender equality and GBV prevention and response;
8. Demonstrated experience in the establishment, training, oversight and management of grievance redress mechanisms for GBV cases in project affected communities, including project workers and vulnerable persons;
9. Ability to work independently within a team environment and exercise mature judgment;
10. Sound oral and written communication skills in English or French with a good working knowledge of the other language0.

Duration and place of consultancy

The position requires close collaboration with other team members of the Project Implementation Unit, including the Social Specialist and Environmental Specialist. Functionally, the GBV Consultant shall report to the WAPP Secretary General.

The duration of this assignment is for a period of 80 working days within 12 months from signing of contract, subject to extension based on satisfactory performance of the consultant and availability of funding by the Donor. The Consultancy will be mainly carried out form distance but will require some missions across the West Africa Region. The Consultant will also spend part of the assignment at WAPP Office in Abomey Calavi (Benin );  the schedule will be negotiated with the selected Candidate.

Request for Expression of Interest

The WAPP General Secretariat now invites eligible Consultants interested to provide: (i) a signed cover letter of interest; and (ii) a signed, detailed and updated CV.

The detailed Terms of Reference may be downloaded HERE.

Further information or clarifications can be obtained by email below:  
Attention:  Alois Ndorere    Email: andorere@ecowapp.org
copy: ektoe@ecowapp.org ;  msdiedhiou@ecowapp.org

The applications in English or French, shall be sent exclusively by email to the following address: procurement@ecowapp.org

The deadline for the submissions of applications is December 10th, 2023., 23:00
Application shall be clearly marked as "Application- Gender Based Violence expert”.  
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the selection method for individual consultant set out in the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (Edition –September 2023)

Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process and qualified Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.