Invitation for Expression of Interest for the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 Civil Society National Reference Group, Monrovia, Liberia

Job Title and Organisation

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.

Location

Liberia

Job Description and Responsibilities

The Civil Society National Reference Group (CS-NRG) shall consist of a maximum of 11 individuals selected through an open selection process ensuring a balanced representation from diverse groups, in accordance with criteria set forth in this expression of interest.

• Advisory: To provide guidance to the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 and advise the National Steering Committee (NSC) and the Programme Coordination Unit (PCU).
• Advocacy and Partnership: To support the realization of Spotlight Initiative 2.0 objectives through advocacy and collaboration.
• Accountability and monitoring: To ensure the Initiative remains accountable for its commitments and contributes to the monitoring of its implementation.

The CS-NRG will undertake the following roles and responsibilities during the implementation of Spotlight 2.0:

• Meaningfully engage with Civil Society and Women's Movements at national, regional and international levels to advise the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, advocate and partner for the realization of the program objectives, hold the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 accountable for its commitments.
• Enhance dialogue, information and guidance on policy, legislation, prevention and response services during the implementation of the Spotlight Initiative 2.0.
• Provide advice on the overall strategic direction of the Spotlight Initiative's County Programme on national policy issues on eliminating VAWG and HPs.
• Provide advice and insights on current and ongoing interventions and processes to eliminate VAWG and HPs, including the potential for scaling up interventions within and beyond the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 target counties.
• Engage in high-level advocacy, communication, and dialogue to support the visibility and promotion of the Initiative's goals at the national level.
• Serve as an interactive platform and open forum for dialogue between the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 and women's rights organizations, the women's movements, and CSOs on eliminating VAWG and HPs.
• Conduct broad consultations with groups and networks, including at the grassroots levels, to provide updates and solicit feedback on the programme's performance for advocacy, research, learning and action on the prevention of and response to VAWG and harmful practices.
• Liaise periodically with the global and regional Civil Society Reference Groups to share knowledge and lessons learnt, and develop solutions to common challenges, with a view of supporting the achievement of the Spotlight 2.0 goals.
• Support in monitoring efforts of Spotlight Initiative 2.0 and advise on the implementation of the programme, including raising risks and proposing mitigation measures.

Requirements/Qualifications

Selection Criteria

• Minimum of 5 years' work experience in the non-governmental sector working with one or multiple organizations, academia, research, progressive faith-based organisations, independent women human rights defenders or activists who are not affiliated with an organization.
• Demonstrated background in contributing to programmes advancing gender, gender equality, the elimination of VAWG and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights, with thematic expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • gender-based violence
  • intimate partner violence (domestic violence)
  • family violence
  • school-based violence
  • child abuse and protection
  • early sexual initiation
  • teen and pre-teen pregnancies
  • sexual and reproductive health
  • mental health
  • reintegration of offenders
  • broader gender equality issues
  • other relevant areas
• Evidence of familiarity with ending violence against women and girls, and in women's and youth rights and gendEr equality and human rights more broadly (e.g. advocacy efforts, reports, articles or social media coverage on the issue, etc.)
• Experience in representation of diverse communities/constituencies in terms of age, sex, and region, including groups experiencing multiple forms of discrimination in line with the Leave No One Behind principle.
• Past experience and demonstrated engagement with the Spotlight Initiative in Liberia will be an advantage.

How to Apply

Nomination must include the following:

• Full legal name and address of applying or nominated individuals
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or a short biography: A maximum of 4 page, highlighting professional training, work or volunteer experience in gender equality, VAWG, HPs, and collaboration with women's and youth movements
• Motivation Statement: Up to 1,500 characters explaining your interest, motivation and potential contribution to the CS-NRG along with confirmation of your availability.

Deadline / Closing Date

The Spotlight 2.0 implementation has a duration of 36 months, starting from 1 June 2026.

Contract Type / Level

Members will serve in their personal capacity, with participation in the group being voluntary and without remuneration.