International Consultant for Supporting JONAP II with MoE – Support Mainstreaming Gender Equality Strategy in Education UN Women

UN Women is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It was established in July 2010 by merging four existing UN entities:
- Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW)
- Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women (OSAGI)
- International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW)
- United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)
UN Women works in multiple areas, including:
- Women’s leadership and political participation
- Economic empowerment
- Ending violence against women
- Humanitarian action
- Peace and security
- Governance and national planning
UN Women’s Role in Jordan
In Jordan, UN Women supports national institutions and civil society organizations in promoting gender equality. One of its main areas of focus is implementing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, particularly in relation to United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325. This resolution recognizes the impact of war on women and calls for their full participation in peacebuilding.
2. Background of the Position
What is JONAP II?https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/23616
JONAP stands for Jordanian National Action Plan. The plan is a framework for implementing UNSCR 1325 in Jordan. JONAP I (2018-2021) was the first phase, and JONAP II (2022-2025) builds upon its successes by strengthening gender equality in various sectors, including:
- Military and security forces (Jordan Armed Forces and Public Security Directorate)
- Government policies
- Education systems
- Media and civil society
Why is Education Important for Gender Equality?
Education is a powerful tool for achieving gender equality. Gender-sensitive education helps dismantle stereotypes and promotes equal opportunities for both boys and girls. JONAP II focuses on integrating gender equality principles into Jordan’s curriculum, teaching methods, and policies.

3. Objective of the Consultant Role
The main goal of the consultant is to support the Ministry of Education (MoE) in strengthening its Mainstreaming Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2025 in alignment with JONAP II’s objectives. The consultant will:
- Assess the impact of past gender mainstreaming initiatives in the education sector.
- Train educators and curriculum developers on gender-sensitive education.
- Develop policies and recommendations to eliminate gender bias in school curricula.
Key Focus Areas
- Impact Study: Evaluate how previous curriculum revisions under JONAP I influenced teachers’ and parents’ perceptions of gender equality.
- Training of Trainers (ToT): Train two new teams from the Gender and Curriculum Task Force (GCTF) on gender-sensitive curriculum development.
- Capacity Building: Conduct workshops and awareness sessions for Gender Focal Points in various educational directorates.
- Policy Development: Draft a policy paper, in consultation with the National Center for Curriculum Development (NCCDM), to guide future reforms.
4. Responsibilities of the Consultant
The consultant will work remotely but is expected to travel to Amman, Jordan for up to six official trips during the contract period.
Key Tasks
- Conduct an Impact Study on Gender Mainstreaming Efforts
- Analyze past efforts to integrate gender-sensitive education in Jordan’s school curricula.
- Use focus groups, questionnaires, and interviews to assess how teachers and parents perceive gender concepts.
- Cover all three regions of Jordan: North, Middle, and South.
- Train Two Additional Teams of Gender and Curriculum Task Force Members (GCTF)
- Provide Training of Trainers (ToT) on gender concepts, gender analysis, and curriculum review tools.
- Ensure trainees can apply gender-sensitive approaches when reviewing textbooks and lesson plans.
- Organize Capacity-Building Workshops for Gender Focal Points
- Train newly established Gender Focal Points within the Ministry of Education on gender mainstreaming.
- Educate them on gender needs, gender-based violence (GBV), and discrimination.
- Conduct Awareness Workshops for Supervisors and Counselors
- Support Gender Focal Points in running two-day training workshops for school counselors.
- Train counselors on topics such as gender analysis, gender needs assessment, and preventing gender-based violence.
- Develop a Policy Paper on Gender Equality in Education
- Work closely with the National Center for Curriculum Development (NCCDM).
- Prepare a policy paper with recommendations on how to revise teaching materials to remove gender biases.
5. Expected Deliverables and Timeline
Deliverable | Due Date |
---|---|
Work Plan Submission | March 2025 |
Quarterly Progress Reports | April, June, September, December 2025 |
Payments will be made upon satisfactory completion of each milestone.
6. Required Competencies
Core Values
- Integrity: Commitment to UN Women’s mission.
- Professionalism: Strong ethical standards.
- Respect for Diversity: Ability to work in diverse cultural settings.
Core Competencies
- Gender Awareness: Understanding of gender issues in education.
- Accountability: Ability to deliver measurable results.
- Problem-Solving: Analytical skills to assess curriculum and policies.
- Effective Communication: Strong verbal and written skills.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Experience working with government institutions and NGOs.
Functional Competencies
- Expertise in gender-sensitive curriculum development.
- Strong writing and policy development skills.
- Ability to design and conduct training programs.
7. Qualifications
Education
- Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum Development, Social Sciences, or Development Studies.
- A Bachelor’s degree plus two extra years of experience may be accepted.
Experience
- At least 5 years of experience in:
- Education systems and curriculum development.
- Gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- Capacity building and training design.
- Gender integration in education policies.
- Working with government stakeholders in the Middle East.
Languages
- Fluent Arabic (Native speaker required)
- Fluent English
- Knowledge of French or other UN languages is an advantage.
8. Application and Recruitment Process
Diversity and Inclusion
UN Women promotes a work environment free from discrimination and encourages individuals of all genders, races, abilities, and backgrounds to apply. If candidates require reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, they can request assistance.
Zero Tolerance for Misconduct
UN Women has strict policies against:
- Sexual exploitation and abuse
- Sexual harassment
- Abuse of authority
- Discrimination
All candidates undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit:
- A cover letter detailing their experience.
- A CV/resume with relevant qualifications.
- A financial proposal (expected salary and costs).
The deadline to apply is February 11, 2025.
9. Conclusion
This role is an excellent opportunity for professionals experienced in gender equality and education systems to make a meaningful impact in Jordan. The consultant will play a vital role in shaping educational policies, training educators, and advocating for gender-sensitive curricula.
Would you like assistance in preparing your application, cover letter, or CV for this role? Let me know how I can help!@vacancyspaces.com
Response 1
Certainly! Below is an even more detailed breakdown of the International Consultant for Supporting JONAP II with MoE position, including an in-depth discussion of its background, objectives, required qualifications, responsibilities, expected deliverables, and how the role fits within the broader framework of gender equality in education.
Comprehensive Analysis of the UN Women Consultancy Role in Jordan
1. Introduction to the Role and Its Importance
This full-time consultancy role is based within the United Nations Women (UN Women) organization, a globally recognized entity dedicated to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. The consultant will support the Ministry of Education (MoE) in Jordan in mainstreaming gender equality in education policies and curricula. The role is part of the Jordanian National Action Plan II (JONAP II), which is focused on implementing UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS).
The consultant will be responsible for providing technical assistance to ensure that Jordan’s education system becomes gender-responsive. This involves reviewing curricula, training educators, and developing policies that foster an educational environment free from gender bias.
This consultancy is significant because education is a powerful tool for social change. By promoting gender-sensitive curricula and training educators, this initiative aims to break down harmful gender stereotypes and create equal opportunities for boys and girls in Jordan’s educational institutions.
2. The Role of UN Women in Jordan
2.1 What is UN Women?
UN Women was founded in 2010 to bring together various UN agencies focused on gender equality. Its mission includes:
- Promoting women’s leadership and political participation
- Ending gender-based violence
- Ensuring women’s economic empowerment
- Supporting women in peace and security efforts
- Providing technical expertise to governments and organizations on gender-related issues
2.2 UN Women’s Work in Jordan
In Jordan, UN Women focuses on:
- Advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda
- Supporting gender-responsive policies in the government and security sectors
- Enhancing women’s participation in economic and social development
- Strengthening the education system to eliminate gender bias in curricula and teaching methodologies
The consultant will be a key player in supporting these initiatives, working closely with the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the National Center for Curriculum Development (NCCDM) to implement gender-sensitive education policies.
3. Understanding JONAP II and Its Impact on Education
3.1 What is JONAP?
The Jordanian National Action Plan (JONAP) was developed to implement UNSCR 1325, which calls for:
- Increased participation of women in peace and security efforts
- Protection of women and girls from gender-based violence (GBV)
- Incorporation of gender perspectives in peacebuilding and conflict prevention
JONAP is structured into two phases:
- JONAP I (2018-2021) focused on laying the groundwork for gender integration in key sectors.
- JONAP II (2022-2025) builds upon these efforts by strengthening institutional mechanisms, particularly in education, security, and governance.
3.2 The Role of Education in JONAP II
Education is crucial for sustainable gender equality. JONAP II emphasizes:
- Gender-sensitive curricula that promote equality and challenge stereotypes.
- Training educators and policymakers to integrate gender considerations into their work.
- Engaging youth, parents, and teachers to ensure a broader societal shift toward gender equity.
4. Key Responsibilities of the Consultant
The consultant will work on several critical areas to support gender mainstreaming in Jordan’s education sector:
4.1 Conducting an Impact Study on JONAP I’s Education Reforms
- Evaluate how previous curriculum reforms under JONAP I affected teachers’ and parents’ perceptions of gender equality.
- Use focus groups, interviews, and surveys across Jordan’s three regions (North, Middle, and South).
- Identify gaps and recommend improvements for future gender-sensitive curriculum reforms.
4.2 Training of Trainers (ToT) for Gender and Curriculum Task Force (GCTF)
- Train two additional teams of curriculum developers and educators in gender-sensitive teaching approaches.
- Cover essential concepts, including:
- Gender analysis in education
- Eliminating gender bias in teaching materials
- Practical tools for curriculum review
4.3 Conducting Capacity-Building Workshops for Gender Focal Points
- Organize training sessions for newly established Gender Focal Points in different educational directorates.
- These workshops will:
- Strengthen institutional capacity.
- Enhance knowledge of gender-responsive policies.
- Build skills in identifying and addressing gender-based discrimination in schools.
4.4 Organizing Awareness-Raising Workshops for School Counselors
- Work with Gender Focal Points to conduct two-day training sessions for school counselors.
- Topics covered:
- Gender concepts and analysis
- Understanding gender-based violence (GBV) in educational settings
- Empowering counselors to promote gender-sensitive learning environments
4.5 Developing a Policy Paper on Gender Equality in Education
- Work closely with the National Center for Curriculum Development (NCCDM).
- Draft a policy paper outlining:
- Recommendations for future curriculum reforms
- Strategies to institutionalize gender equality in educational policies
- Actionable steps for MoE and other stakeholders
5. Expected Deliverables and Timeline
Deliverable | Expected Completion |
---|---|
Work Plan Submission | March 2025 |
Quarterly Reports | April, June, September, December 2025 |
Each deliverable will be closely monitored, and payments will be made upon successful completion.
6. Required Qualifications and Competencies
6.1 Educational Background
- Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum Development, Social Sciences, or a related field.
- A Bachelor’s degree with two extra years of experience may be considered.
6.2 Professional Experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience in:
- Education system development and curriculum design.
- Gender equality advocacy in education.
- Training educators on gender-sensitive teaching approaches.
- Developing policies to integrate gender considerations in education.
- Prior experience working with government institutions in the Middle East is essential.
6.3 Language Requirements
- Native Arabic speaker (mandatory).
- Fluency in English (required).
- Knowledge of French or another UN language is an advantage.
7. Diversity, Inclusion, and Ethical Considerations
7.1 UN Women’s Commitment to Diversity
UN Women promotes:
- Equal employment opportunities regardless of race, gender, disability, or background.
- Zero tolerance for discrimination, sexual harassment, and abuse.
7.2 Ethical Standards and Background Checks
- All applicants undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
- Selected candidates must adhere to UN Women’s policies on ethical conduct.
8. How to Apply
8.1 Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit:
- A cover letter detailing relevant experience.
- An updated CV/resume.
- A financial proposal outlining expected remuneration.
8.2 Application Deadline
- Deadline to apply: February 11, 2025.
9. Conclusion
This consultancy is an exciting opportunity for experienced education and gender specialists to make a lasting impact in Jordan’s education system. The consultant’s work will contribute to a more inclusive, gender-equal society, ensuring that future generations receive an education free from discrimination and gender bias.
Would you like help with your CV, cover letter, or application strategy? Let me know how I can assist! 😊
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Response 2
Sure! Here’s an even more detailed explanation of the International Consultant for Supporting JONAP II with MoE – Support Mainstreaming Gender Equality Strategy in Education position. This explanation will cover everything in-depth, including the historical context, UN Women’s role, the specific responsibilities of the consultant, qualifications required, challenges in gender mainstreaming in education, and the impact of the role.
Comprehensive Explanation of the UN Women International Consultant Position in Jordan
1. Introduction
Understanding Gender Equality and Its Role in Sustainable Development
Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a key driver of economic and social development. The United Nations has long recognized gender equality as critical to achieving global stability and progress. It is embedded in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which calls for achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
Education plays a transformative role in promoting gender equality. By ensuring that curricula, teaching methods, and learning materials are free from gender biases, education systems can contribute to dismantling stereotypes and empowering both women and men.
Why Does Gender Equality in Education Matter?
- Economic Growth: Educating girls and women leads to economic productivity, higher incomes, and stronger national development.
- Improved Health Outcomes: Educated women are more likely to make informed health decisions, leading to lower child mortality rates and better maternal health.
- Reduction in Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Education can challenge social norms that perpetuate violence and discrimination against women and girls.
- Political and Social Participation: Women who receive an education are more likely to participate in decision-making, both at home and in society.
2. The Role of UN Women and JONAP II in Jordan
UN Women’s Mission and Work in Jordan
UN Women, as the leading global advocate for gender equality, works closely with national governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to integrate gender perspectives into policies and development programs.
In Jordan, one of its primary initiatives is implementing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325. This resolution calls for greater participation of women in peace and security efforts, as well as the protection of their rights in conflict and post-conflict situations.
What is JONAP II?
JONAP (Jordanian National Action Plan) is Jordan’s roadmap for implementing UNSCR 1325. It consists of two phases:
- JONAP I (2018-2021): Focused on increasing women’s participation in security, governance, and peacekeeping.
- JONAP II (2022-2025): Builds on JONAP I’s successes but expands its focus to education, judicial reform, and media engagement.
The goal of JONAP II is to mainstream gender equality across government institutions, ensuring that policies, strategies, and laws promote women’s empowerment.
3. The Importance of Gender Mainstreaming in Jordan’s Education System
Challenges in Gender Equality in Education
Despite progress in education, several gender-based barriers still exist in Jordan’s school system:
- Textbook Biases: Many educational materials reinforce traditional gender roles, portraying men as decision-makers and women in domestic roles.
- Teacher Perceptions: Some educators unconsciously reinforce gender stereotypes in classrooms.
- Limited Gender-Sensitive Policies: There is a lack of institutional policies promoting gender equality in schools.
- GBV in Schools: Cases of bullying, discrimination, and gender-based violence in schools are often overlooked.
JONAP II aims to address these challenges by reforming Jordan’s educational system. The consultant’s role will be instrumental in assessing past efforts and developing new strategies for eliminating gender biases from school curricula.
4. Consultant’s Role in the Ministry of Education (MoE)
The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Education (MoE) and UN Women to implement gender-responsive education policies. Their work will contribute to Outcome 4 of JONAP II: “Young men and women promote gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence, discrimination, and violent extremism.”
Key Responsibilities
The consultant’s work can be divided into five major areas:
1. Conducting an Impact Study on Gender Mainstreaming in Education
- Evaluate how past gender mainstreaming efforts impacted teachers’ and parents’ understanding of gender equality.
- Use focus groups, surveys, and interviews to collect data from three regions in Jordan: North, Middle, and South.
- Identify gaps in curriculum implementation and propose evidence-based recommendations.
2. Training Educators and Curriculum Developers
- Conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) programs for two new teams of the Gender and Curriculum Task Force (GCTF).
- Train educators on gender-sensitive teaching methods.
- Equip curriculum developers with gender analysis tools to assess educational materials.
3. Capacity Building for Gender Focal Points
- Train Gender Focal Points across various educational directorates.
- Help them implement gender-responsive policies at the local level.
- Develop awareness-raising materials on gender-based violence (GBV) and discrimination.
4. Supporting School Counselors in Promoting Gender Equality
- Conduct two-day training sessions for school counselors on gender analysis, gender-based violence, and discrimination.
- Empower counselors to educate students and parents on gender-sensitive issues.
5. Drafting a Policy Paper on Gender Equality in Education
- Work with the National Center for Curriculum Development (NCCDM) to draft policy recommendations.
- Ensure that future educational materials are free from gender biases.
- Provide long-term strategies for institutionalizing gender equality in schools.
5. Expected Deliverables and Timeline
Deliverable | Due Date |
---|---|
Submission of Work Plan | March 2025 |
Quarterly Progress Reports | April, June, September, December 2025 |
The consultant will receive payments upon completion of each milestone.
6. Required Competencies and Qualifications
Core Competencies
- Integrity and Professionalism: Adherence to UN Women’s values.
- Communication Skills: Ability to deliver presentations and training sessions.
- Analytical Skills: Strong research and data analysis capabilities.
Technical Competencies
- Experience in Curriculum Development: Knowledge of education systems.
- Gender Mainstreaming Expertise: Understanding of gender-sensitive policies.
- Capacity Building and Training: Ability to design and deliver training programs.
Education
- Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum Design, Social Sciences, or Development.
- A Bachelor’s degree with two extra years of experience may be accepted.
Experience
- At least 5 years in:
- Education and curriculum development.
- Gender integration in education.
- Capacity building and training.
- Policy development and stakeholder engagement.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in Arabic (Native speaker required).
- Fluency in English.
- French or another UN language is an asset.

7. Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges
- Resistance to Change: Some stakeholders may resist gender-sensitive reforms.
- Cultural Norms: Deep-rooted traditions can influence perceptions of gender roles.
- Institutional Barriers: Limited funding and bureaucratic challenges may hinder policy implementation.
Opportunities
- Global Support: Strong backing from UN Women and international partners.
- Growing Awareness: Increased recognition of gender equality in Jordan.
- Policy Influence: The consultant’s work will shape long-term educational reforms.
8. Conclusion
This consultancy role is an opportunity to drive meaningful change in Jordan’s education system. By developing gender-sensitive policies, training educators, and advocating for curriculum reforms, the consultant will help empower young boys and girls to break free from stereotypes and pursue equal opportunities.
Would you like assistance in preparing your CV, cover letter, or application strategy?