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The purpose of the consultancy is to develop National Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention, risk mitigation and response based on international standards and in coordination with the GBV Workstream and all stakeholders. SOPs for GBV prevention, response and risk mitigation are developed through a collaborative consultation process with Clusters and GBV Workstream partners. SOPs detail specific procedures and agreements among organizations that reflect the GBV Workstream partners plan of action and individual organizations’ roles and responsibilities in preventing and responding to GBV. The document describes minimum actions to be taken in line with a survivor-centered approach including definitions, guiding principles, clear procedures, and roles and responsibilities for each actor involved in GBV prevention, risk mitigation and response in Afghanistan. SOPs are recognized as an international best practice for GBV prevention and response.
The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Humanitarian Coordinator and the direct supervision of the GBV Workstream Coordinator. The GBV Workstream Coordinator will provide technical guidance, review deliverables, and oversee the consultant’s day-to-day work.
Additional review meetings will be held following the submission of each key deliverable to provide feedback and agree on subsequent actions.
Once endorsed by the GBV Workstream partners and CLA, the SOPs for GBV prevention, risk mitigation and response will be disseminated through 1 day workshop and launched during the 16
Days of Activism 2026.
Scope of Work:
Under the overall supervision of the Humanitarian Coordinator and direct supervision of the GBV Workstream Coordinator, and in close collaboration with the GBV Workstream partners and other relevant stakeholders, the consultant will provide technical expertise and support for the development and finalization of the Inter-Agency GBV Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Afghanistan. The consultant will perform the following tasks:
Key Tasks:
● Establish and lead a GBV SOP Development Core Group comprising approximately 6–9 members representing GBV Workstream partners and relevant technical clusters. Members will be selected based on demonstrated technical expertise in GBV prevention and response, familiarity with the Afghanistan operational context, and ability to contribute consistently throughout the SOP development and validation process. The Core Group will agree on a work plan, provide technical guidance, review key SOP drafts and outputs, and identify and engage key stakeholders from relevant clusters, the Protection Coordination Group (PCG), and other Workstreams to contribute to the SOP development and consultation process.
● Conduct a desk review of international SOP guidance, best practices, and earlier Afghanistan
GBV SOPs developed before the de facto authorities’ rule.
● Conduct desk review of GBV assessments to understand relevant needs, issues, available services, and gaps.
● Organize and facilitate six functional-area consultation workshops covering: (1) health, (2)
psychosocial support, (3) safety and security, (4) justice and legal aid, (5) case management, and (6) information management. Where appropriate and agreed with the GBV Workstream, closely related functional areas may be combined based on operational feasibility and stakeholder availability.
● Develop 1st draft of the GBV SOPs based on consultative workshops and desk research.
● Conduct a validation workshop with relevant stakeholders and agencies to review, validate, and endorse the draft Inter-Agency GBV SOPs.
● Revise the draft Inter-Agency GBV SOPs based on feedback from the validation workshop and share the revised version with the GBV Workstream Coordinator, SOP Development Core Group, and relevant stakeholders for final review and feedback.
● Develop final GBV SOPs based on a validation workshop.
● Support a context-appropriate dissemination and roll-out of the finalized SOPs to relevant humanitarian actors, service providers and communities. Dissemination should use feasible and accessible modalities, taking into consideration access, gender and other operational constraints in Afghanistan. Community-level dissemination should focus on relevant information on available services, referral pathways, safe access to assistance and how to seek support, rather than dissemination of the full technical SOP document.
● Develop and deliver capacity-building sessions for GBV Workstream partners on key thematic areas of the finalized SOPs, particularly GBV case management, PSS, CVA and referral pathways, and submit the relevant training materials and a brief training report.
● Organize and lead the launch workshop for the finalized Inter-Agency GBV SOPs, in
coordination with the GBV Workstream Coordinator, bringing together relevant GBV Workstream partners, clusters, Workstreams, PCG members, and other stakeholders.
Key Deliverables:
Within the First Month: Conduct the functional-area workshops to clarify sector- specific roles and responsibilities, identify existing practices, gaps, referral linkages and coordination requirements, and agree on minimum standards and procedures for safe and survivor-centred GBV response. A brief workshop report summarizing key recommendations, agreed actions, and inputs for incorporation into the draft Inter-Agency GBV SOPs will be produced.
● First Draft of Inter-Agency GBV SOPs – By the end of Month 2: Submit an editable electronic version of the first draft of the Inter-Agency SOPs for GBV Prevention, Risk Mitigation and Response in Afghanistan, incorporating findings from the desk review and functional-area consultations. The draft will be submitted to the GBV Workstream
Coordinator and SOP Core Group for technical review and consolidated feedback before the validation workshop.
● Workshop and Training Materials – Months 1–3: Develop and submit editable PowerPoint presentations, facilitation materials, agendas, and other relevant materials for the functional-area workshops within Month 1, and for the validation workshop by Month 3. Final versions should incorporate relevant feedback from the GBV Workstream Coordinator and SOP Core Group.
● Finalization, Validation and Launch of the Inter-Agency GBV SOPs – Months 3–
3.5: Submit the final draft of the Inter-Agency GBV SOPs incorporating feedback from
the Core Group and relevant stakeholders; conduct the final validation workshop; incorporate agreed feedback; lead the launch of the finalized GBV SOPs; and submit the final approved SOP document and related workshop/launch materials to UNFPA.
All tasks are to be delivered on a monthly basis as per the term of reference.
Qualifications and Skills Required
● Education:
● Master’s Degree in international development, gender studies, peace and security, human rights, humanitarian law, or relevant field.
Work experience:
● Minimum 5 years of experience in the field of gender, GBV prevention, risk mitigation and response, or related field.
● Demonstrated experience in developing, drafting, reviewing, or updating inter-agency
GBV Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
● Demonstrated knowledge of international standards and guidelines for GBV
prevention, risk mitigation, and response.
● Experience in training, facilitation, capacity building, etc.
● Experience with development of knowledge management, guidelines, or policy documents.
● Demonstrated knowledge and practical application of international standards, guidelines, and best practices for GBV prevention, risk mitigation, and response in humanitarian settings.
● Demonstrated knowledge about working with the government.
● Microsoft Office, Windows-based applications, spreadsheets
● Fluency in written and spoken English.
CANADEM and its partners have a no-tolerance policy for inaction to prevent, respond to and follow up on alleged cases of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). For this reason, we adhere to all policies, procedures and training of the United Nations on The Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH). CANADEM mandates all deployees successfully complete the PSEA online course. This e-learning course is composed of a set of lessons designed to raise awareness about SEAH, become familiar with a range of measures to combat SEAH, understand the impact on victims and the consequences for UN Personnel who commit Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment.
UNFPA -GBV SoP Development Expert - P3 - Kabul, Afghanistan
Position Title: GBV SOP Development Expert
Receiving Agency: UNFPA
P Level: P3
Location: Kabul, Afghanistan
Duration: 3.5 months
Language: Fluency in English required
Background Description of Emergency
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
UNFPA is the Cluster Lead Agency for Gender-Based Violence (GBV), in line with its IASC-mandated responsibility for GBV coordination in humanitarian settings. In Afghanistan, the GBV Workstream operates under the Protection Coordination Group (PCG) and is led by UNFPA. The Workstream brings together 108 national and international partners, including UN agencies, international and national NGOs, and women-led organizations, to coordinate multi-sectoral and inter-agency GBV prevention, risk mitigation and response.
The GBV Workstream promotes accountable, safe, accessible and survivor-centered GBV programming by strengthening coordination, identifying service gaps, supporting referral pathways, capacity development, information management and advocacy, and promoting adherence to global GBV standards. As part of this mandate, the Workstream facilitates the development, review and implementation of inter-agency GBV Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to clarify roles and responsibilities and strengthen coordinated GBV response and referral mechanisms across Afghanistan.
Security Situation Summary in country and main threats: The security situation in Afghanistan remains complex and fragile. The ISK remains the most potential terrorist group, posing a significant threat to the UN. Furthermore, tensions with Pakistan have resulted in border clashes and attacks in major provincial capitals in the country including Kabul City.
Receiving Agency: UNFPA
P Level: P3
Location: Kabul, Afghanistan
Duration: 3.5 months
Language: Fluency in English required
Background Description of Emergency
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
UNFPA is the Cluster Lead Agency for Gender-Based Violence (GBV), in line with its IASC-mandated responsibility for GBV coordination in humanitarian settings. In Afghanistan, the GBV Workstream operates under the Protection Coordination Group (PCG) and is led by UNFPA. The Workstream brings together 108 national and international partners, including UN agencies, international and national NGOs, and women-led organizations, to coordinate multi-sectoral and inter-agency GBV prevention, risk mitigation and response.
The GBV Workstream promotes accountable, safe, accessible and survivor-centered GBV programming by strengthening coordination, identifying service gaps, supporting referral pathways, capacity development, information management and advocacy, and promoting adherence to global GBV standards. As part of this mandate, the Workstream facilitates the development, review and implementation of inter-agency GBV Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to clarify roles and responsibilities and strengthen coordinated GBV response and referral mechanisms across Afghanistan.
Security Situation Summary in country and main threats: The security situation in Afghanistan remains complex and fragile. The ISK remains the most potential terrorist group, posing a significant threat to the UN. Furthermore, tensions with Pakistan have resulted in border clashes and attacks in major provincial capitals in the country including Kabul City.
The purpose of the consultancy is to develop National Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention, risk mitigation and response based on international standards and in coordination with the GBV Workstream and all stakeholders. SOPs for GBV prevention, response and risk mitigation are developed through a collaborative consultation process with Clusters and GBV Workstream partners. SOPs detail specific procedures and agreements among organizations that reflect the GBV Workstream partners plan of action and individual organizations’ roles and responsibilities in preventing and responding to GBV. The document describes minimum actions to be taken in line with a survivor-centered approach including definitions, guiding principles, clear procedures, and roles and responsibilities for each actor involved in GBV prevention, risk mitigation and response in Afghanistan. SOPs are recognized as an international best practice for GBV prevention and response.
The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Humanitarian Coordinator and the direct supervision of the GBV Workstream Coordinator. The GBV Workstream Coordinator will provide technical guidance, review deliverables, and oversee the consultant’s day-to-day work.
Additional review meetings will be held following the submission of each key deliverable to provide feedback and agree on subsequent actions.
Once endorsed by the GBV Workstream partners and CLA, the SOPs for GBV prevention, risk mitigation and response will be disseminated through 1 day workshop and launched during the 16
Days of Activism 2026.
Scope of Work:
Under the overall supervision of the Humanitarian Coordinator and direct supervision of the GBV Workstream Coordinator, and in close collaboration with the GBV Workstream partners and other relevant stakeholders, the consultant will provide technical expertise and support for the development and finalization of the Inter-Agency GBV Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Afghanistan. The consultant will perform the following tasks:
Key Tasks:
● Establish and lead a GBV SOP Development Core Group comprising approximately 6–9 members representing GBV Workstream partners and relevant technical clusters. Members will be selected based on demonstrated technical expertise in GBV prevention and response, familiarity with the Afghanistan operational context, and ability to contribute consistently throughout the SOP development and validation process. The Core Group will agree on a work plan, provide technical guidance, review key SOP drafts and outputs, and identify and engage key stakeholders from relevant clusters, the Protection Coordination Group (PCG), and other Workstreams to contribute to the SOP development and consultation process.
● Conduct a desk review of international SOP guidance, best practices, and earlier Afghanistan
GBV SOPs developed before the de facto authorities’ rule.
● Conduct desk review of GBV assessments to understand relevant needs, issues, available services, and gaps.
● Organize and facilitate six functional-area consultation workshops covering: (1) health, (2)
psychosocial support, (3) safety and security, (4) justice and legal aid, (5) case management, and (6) information management. Where appropriate and agreed with the GBV Workstream, closely related functional areas may be combined based on operational feasibility and stakeholder availability.
● Develop 1st draft of the GBV SOPs based on consultative workshops and desk research.
● Conduct a validation workshop with relevant stakeholders and agencies to review, validate, and endorse the draft Inter-Agency GBV SOPs.
● Revise the draft Inter-Agency GBV SOPs based on feedback from the validation workshop and share the revised version with the GBV Workstream Coordinator, SOP Development Core Group, and relevant stakeholders for final review and feedback.
● Develop final GBV SOPs based on a validation workshop.
● Support a context-appropriate dissemination and roll-out of the finalized SOPs to relevant humanitarian actors, service providers and communities. Dissemination should use feasible and accessible modalities, taking into consideration access, gender and other operational constraints in Afghanistan. Community-level dissemination should focus on relevant information on available services, referral pathways, safe access to assistance and how to seek support, rather than dissemination of the full technical SOP document.
● Develop and deliver capacity-building sessions for GBV Workstream partners on key thematic areas of the finalized SOPs, particularly GBV case management, PSS, CVA and referral pathways, and submit the relevant training materials and a brief training report.
● Organize and lead the launch workshop for the finalized Inter-Agency GBV SOPs, in
coordination with the GBV Workstream Coordinator, bringing together relevant GBV Workstream partners, clusters, Workstreams, PCG members, and other stakeholders.
Key Deliverables:
Within the First Month: Conduct the functional-area workshops to clarify sector- specific roles and responsibilities, identify existing practices, gaps, referral linkages and coordination requirements, and agree on minimum standards and procedures for safe and survivor-centred GBV response. A brief workshop report summarizing key recommendations, agreed actions, and inputs for incorporation into the draft Inter-Agency GBV SOPs will be produced.
● First Draft of Inter-Agency GBV SOPs – By the end of Month 2: Submit an editable electronic version of the first draft of the Inter-Agency SOPs for GBV Prevention, Risk Mitigation and Response in Afghanistan, incorporating findings from the desk review and functional-area consultations. The draft will be submitted to the GBV Workstream
Coordinator and SOP Core Group for technical review and consolidated feedback before the validation workshop.
● Workshop and Training Materials – Months 1–3: Develop and submit editable PowerPoint presentations, facilitation materials, agendas, and other relevant materials for the functional-area workshops within Month 1, and for the validation workshop by Month 3. Final versions should incorporate relevant feedback from the GBV Workstream Coordinator and SOP Core Group.
● Finalization, Validation and Launch of the Inter-Agency GBV SOPs – Months 3–
3.5: Submit the final draft of the Inter-Agency GBV SOPs incorporating feedback from
the Core Group and relevant stakeholders; conduct the final validation workshop; incorporate agreed feedback; lead the launch of the finalized GBV SOPs; and submit the final approved SOP document and related workshop/launch materials to UNFPA.
All tasks are to be delivered on a monthly basis as per the term of reference.
Qualifications and Skills Required
● Education:
● Master’s Degree in international development, gender studies, peace and security, human rights, humanitarian law, or relevant field.
Work experience:
● Minimum 5 years of experience in the field of gender, GBV prevention, risk mitigation and response, or related field.
● Demonstrated experience in developing, drafting, reviewing, or updating inter-agency
GBV Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
● Demonstrated knowledge of international standards and guidelines for GBV
prevention, risk mitigation, and response.
● Experience in training, facilitation, capacity building, etc.
● Experience with development of knowledge management, guidelines, or policy documents.
● Demonstrated knowledge and practical application of international standards, guidelines, and best practices for GBV prevention, risk mitigation, and response in humanitarian settings.
● Demonstrated knowledge about working with the government.
● Microsoft Office, Windows-based applications, spreadsheets
● Fluency in written and spoken English.
CANADEM and its partners have a no-tolerance policy for inaction to prevent, respond to and follow up on alleged cases of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). For this reason, we adhere to all policies, procedures and training of the United Nations on The Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH). CANADEM mandates all deployees successfully complete the PSEA online course. This e-learning course is composed of a set of lessons designed to raise awareness about SEAH, become familiar with a range of measures to combat SEAH, understand the impact on victims and the consequences for UN Personnel who commit Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment.