ThaiNGO

Save the Children International is looking for a Gender Advisor

JOB TITLE:  Gender Advisor

TEAM/PROGRAMME: The First Read Project                LOCATION: Thailand

Background

The Situation for Children in the Southern Provinces of Thailand

The Southern border provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat rank among the 20 poorest in Thailand. These provinces are home to over 65 percent of Thailand’s Muslim Malay minority population. Since 2004, the area has been affected by on-going conflict. The 2015 Child Rights Situation Analysis (CRSA) identified significant gaps in school readiness and emergent literacy for the most deprived children, especially ethnic and minority language groups.

These children enter primary school with a major disadvantage, leading to lower learning outcomes, access and retention rates. While ECCD services exist across Thailand, issues such as language, parental awareness and uneven provision can act as barriers that exclude minority children from developing to their potential. Children also tend to be at a disadvantage to a lack of home and community support and a lack of access to quality, age-appropriate books in their mother tongue.

The First Read Project

The innovative program curated by Save the Children International (SCI) is designed to improve literacy in young children and help them get ready to begin school. SCI hopes to contribute to global learning on ECCD for ethnic and linguistic minority and conflict-affected communities.

Objectives

The program with strive to strengthen learning and development of ethnic minority children aged 3 to 6 in Thailand’s southern border provinces through improved parenting practice and access to quality reading materials. It is a 3 year project implemented by Save the Children Thailand funded by Save the Children UK Breakthrough Innovation Funds. The project will seek to adapt and test the First Read model in the context of the southern Thailand, with a particular focus on marginalized ethnic Muslim minority and Malay language groups. Hopefully the project will one day expand to other marginalized populations in Thailand.

Gender

Special attention will be paid to ensuring gender equality is mainstreamed through all activities. In the design phase this will require a participatory gender analysis exercise in the Deep South.

Responsibilities:

1. Reviewing the social messages found in Pattani-Malay children’s books as they relate to gender equality, using the approved book check list (year 1)
2. Write the gender section of the Situation Analysis based on primary and secondary sources – this report will be less than twenty pages. (year 1)
3. Supporting and facilitating selection and development of quality age-appropriate children’s toys in the local context. (year 1)
4. Regular input and advice provided to the design and implementation of the First Read project including attendance at Project Steering Group meetings, training events, and other key meetings.(all three years)
5. Gender mainstreaming of materials for the First Read Project in consultation with SC TA – surveys, situation analysis, assessments, training manuals etc. (year 1)
6. Engagement and advice provided to book development activities - Although the project will not be producing many books we need to promote to the book producers books which challenge gender norms, have transformative stories, positive role models etc. (year 2 & 3)
7. Specific advice on how to include both fathers and mothers in the project. (year 1 and throughout for learning/monitoring)
8. Development of gender sensitive policy briefs. (year 2 or 3)
9. Co-organizing and facilitating participatory brainstorming session to create local language slogan that promotes the goals of the First Read project.(year 1)
10. Perform other duties as required by supervisor.

Competencies:

1. Able to communicate fluently in Pattani-Malay and Thai
2. Over five years of proven experience as a gender equality advocate in the Deep South
3. Good reputation working with communities in the Deep South
4. Open to learn new things and be flexible
5. Able to work in multi-cultural environment
6. High commitment to work
7. Able to do report both on Thai and English version

Methodologies

The methodology will include:

1. Desk/document review – As general background and review messages found in Patani-Malay children’s books as they relate to gender equality. The book review will use the approved First Read book review checklist and be conducted in collaboration with other First Read staff members.
2. Interviews & focus group discussion with local communities– In depth discussion in the field will be held with relevant local communities
3. Partner’s meeting – Structured consultation with project’s staffs with Rajapat Yala University and Perkasa Foundation.
4. Structured observation – including classroom teaching and environment at ECCD Centre or reading activities by Health Volunteer in communities’ level.

Key Deliverables:

1. Reporting

Gender portion of Situation Analysis report - At the end of the field visit and analysis, the consultants will hold a meeting with project team and other relevant staffs of Save the Children, Pattani Office to discuss the results findings. A draft report should be submitted for feedbacks and comments.  The consultant will revise the report according to the agreed feedback and comments within 3 days after receiving such feedbacks. The report should be approximately 20 pages (appendices not included), clearly written in English.

Monthly reports detailing progress on other responsibilities detailed above.

Timeline

The whole process of the Gender Consultants will have a time frame of 45 days with a projected start date around mid of October to end November 2016.  

Key Qualifications:

1. Thai Nationality
2. Meetings with First Read coordinator
3. Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines

Period of Engagement

The consultancy service period is from Mid of October – November 2016 

Direct report: Ms. Kannaporn Sornsomrit, First Read Coordinator with Support from Child protection Specialist.

Place of work:  Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat province.

Duty Station: Pattani office

Start Date:   15th October 2016.

Submissions for the consultancy

The submission must address the terms of reference and include:

- Resume and contact details of applicant

- A cover letter outlining the relevant experience and expertise of the consultant and initial ideas on the approach to be taken the achieve the consultancy objectives

- A draft summary proposal of the consultancy scope, design, methods, and implementation approach (maximum 5 pages)

- A detailed quotation/budget plan in THB for the whole assignment

Close date for submissions:

Please send your proposal a quotation by 19th September 2016, to email address:hr.thailand@savethechildren.org

“We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.”