Background.
UNFPA Botswana works to expand the possibilities for women and young people to lead healthy sexual and reproductive lives. UNFPA accelerates progress towards the achievement of the three transformative results. These are (a) ending preventable maternal deaths; (b) ending the unmet need for family planning; and (c) ending gender-based violence and all harmful practices, including female genital mutilation and child, early and forced marriage. While significant progress has been made in Botswana, gender inequality remains a systemic constraint to inclusive development with gender-based violence (GBV) representing one of its most severe manifestations. The 2018 Botswana National Relationship Study indicates that Thirty-seven per cent of women report experiencing violence in their lifetime, and 15 per cent of pregnant women report GBV, with adolescent girls, young women, and women with disabilities facing elevated risks. Rising rates of femicide and sexual violence reflect deeply rooted patriarchal norms and women’s economic dependence. It is against this background that UNFPA Botswana is seeking a Consultant to support the mapping and assessment of social and gender norms.

Objective
The mapping and assessment will take place in selected districts and localities of the country, with a representative sample of demographic and socio-economic contexts across the country. The mapping will be conducted in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, including local administrative authorities, traditional and faith based leaders, youth and elderly community members, civil society organizations, teachers and healthcare providers. The findings of the mapping and assessment will be used to inform ongoing gender based violence prevention and response.
The purpose of the assessment and mapping exercise is to:
●Identify and gain a better understanding of common social and gender norms that serve as barriers to GBV prevention and/or perpetuate GBV.
●Analyze the power dynamics within social connections, households and communities.
●Determine the gender and social norms "reference groups" (who influences whose behavior, e.g., elders, religious leaders, or peers) & ways they do.
●Provide actionable recommendations for program design and intervention.

Qualifications and Experience:
●Master’s degree or equivalent in gender studies, sociology, social sciences, public health, or other
related fields.
●A minimum of 10 years’ experience working in the area of gender and development, with a proven track record of conducting research
●Experience in development and implementation of GBV prevention and response Strategy or programme
●Knowledge of and application of GBV primary prevention approaches.
●Experience in gender policy/ strategy design and implementation will be an added advantage
●Proven capacity to produce work of high quality.
●Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to present and facilitate sessions and content in Setswana and English language
●Experience in working with government officials, and able to interact with a variety of
stakeholders at different levels.
●Ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure

Competencies:
●Good communication and writing skills
●Demonstrated ability to train and build the capacity of others;
●Result oriented
●Values diversity and demonstrates inclusive behaviour towards all colleagues and stakeholders,
successfully developing cross-cultural relationships;
●Good interpersonal skills;
Please include in following to your application:
●Cover letter
●Detailed technical proposal outlining the proposed methodology including sample data
collection tools to achieve the objectives of the assignment
●Brief CV of the Consultant
●Detailed budget
●Indicates dates of availability to commence the assignment

Please refer to the attached Terms of Reference for full details.

How to apply: Interested applicants should send a letter of motivation, a detailed CV alongside other application documents as indicated above, with the subject clearly stated "Mapping and Assessment of Gender and Social Norms" to recruitment.bw@unfpa.org
 

Closing date - June 5th, 2026