Tenders are invited for Gender Capacity Strengthening Consultant. Closing Date: 22 Feb 2026 Type: Consultancy The JPST is the operational arm of the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC) and was formed as the result of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement for the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF. It is a transitory mechanism composed of contingents from the AFP, PNP, and MILF-BIAF, established to operationalize the security component of the Normalization track of the CAB. The JPSTs are mandated to support the maintenance of peace, order, and stability of the mutually agreed areas by the GPH and MILF. At present, there are 24 JPST stations deployed and activated all over Mindanao specifically in the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and Norte, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat province, Lanao del Sur and Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Basilan. Guided by the results of the IOM research evaluation on the JPST in April 2023, findings reveal that the JPST has not only exhibited good practices in maintaining peace and security in their areas of coverage but, more importantly, built trust, confidence, and good relationship with the immediate and adjacent communities. Building on the research findings, IOM has continued its collaboration and partnership with the JPSC to strengthen the capacity of the JPSTs in conducting meaningful community engagement while contributing to broader peacebuilding efforts. One of the key milestones achieved through this partnership is the development of a culturally sensitive SOP designed to enhance JPSTs ability to manage and respond to GBV and other gender-related risks in conflictaffected communities. The SOP reflects the local context, available resources, existing referral mechanisms, and the roles of local duty bearers and institutions operating in JPST areas. Another major milestone is the conduct of an exploratory study, which provided critical analysis on the feasibility of deploying women to JPSTs. The study also offered recommendations to strengthen the operational readiness of the JPSC, JPSTs, and other peace mechanisms and stakeholders in preparation for the potential inclusion of women in JPST formations. To advance this ongoing effort, IOM will engage a technical consultant who will lead the operationalization of the SOP, ensuring that JPSTs are adequately equipped to respond to GBV and other genderrelated concerns in an effective, sensitive, and survivorcentered manner. Specifically, the consultant will develop SOP training tools and materials and organize relevant TOT as well as rollout training covering all JPST stations, providing practical support to sustainable application of survivor-centered case management and referral mechanisms. Meanwhile, the consultant will also provide complementary support in the development of the operational framework and the enhancement of the JPST PreDeployment Training Curriculum, working in close coordination with IOMs Peace and Gender Consultant who will lead these initiatives. The project will employ inclusive, gendersensitive, and consultative approaches, recognizing the broad range of stakeholders that must be engagedparticularly within the peace mechanismsto ensure alignment and complementarity with existing peace and security initiatives in JPST operational areas. This includes close coordination with the JPSC/T, Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), and relevant BARMM Ministries (MOAs) to harmonize efforts and avoid duplication. Engagement will extend to the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC), as the mandated regional body providing policy oversight on gender inclusion and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) initiatives; the Bangsamoro DarulIfta, which offers cultural and legal guidance based on Islamic principles; and the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) in its role as the Gender Ombud. Additional BARMM MOAsincluding the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG), Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS)as well as other community protection structures such as the Local Committees on AntiTrafficking and VAWC, will likewise be engaged. The approach may further involve consultations with relevant community leaders, including former women combatants and religious leaders, to ensure that interventions are culturally appropriate and locally grounded. This coordinated engagement framework reinforces the sustainability of JPST capacitybuilding efforts beyond the project period and maximizes the JPSTs potential contribution to ongoing peace and security initiatives led by BARMM institutions. Responsibilities General functions and responsibilities Under the overall oversight of the Head of Sub-Office in Cotabato and direct supervision of IOMs National Peace, Transition and Recovery Programme Coordinator, the Gender Capacity Strengthening Consultant will provide technical assistance through expert advice on gender and women, peace and security (WPS) specifically on the facilitation of the consultations, development of trainings and information materials, and delivery of training activities on the SOP. In collaboration with JPSC/T and relevant BARMM MOAs, the technical consultant will ensure incorporation of gender lens, WPS, conflict and culture sensitivity, human rights, and protection principles and approaches in all deliverables/outputs and processes for the entire duration of engagement. Specific functions and responsibilities a. Provide technical support to the JPSC/Ts in operationalizing the SOP and implementing other relevant capacitydevelopment plans to strengthen JPST responses to GBV and genderrelated concerns. b. Organize and facilitate inclusive consultation activities, engaging JPSC/T members, BARMM MOAs and structures, former combatants, community and religious leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure contextualized and coordinated approaches. c. Develop training tools, information materials, and other capacitybuilding resources to support the effective implementation of the SOP and strengthen GBV documentation and referral processes. d. Deliver training sessions, including ToT and rollout training, to JPSC/Ts on the SOP and GBV referral pathways, utilizing the developed tools and materials to ensure comprehensive knowledge transfer and skill application. e. Provide complementary and collaborative technical inputs toward the development of the operational framework and enhancement of the JPST PreDeployment Curriculum, contributing to improved operational readiness of the JPSC/T and other relevant stakeholders for the potential inclusion of women in JPST teams. These services shall be provided by the consultant, working on a hybrid modality with frequent travel to project areas during a period of five months, starting from March to July 2026. Conduct of any face-to-face activities is understood to be subject to observance of applicable health protocols and to any movement restrictions that may be imposed by the Philippine government. Deliverables are to be performed in accordance with the following indicative schedule and may adjust upon further deliberation: First deliverable: Submission of inception report incorporating work plan and methodology/tools for trainings (First Instalment Payment: 25%) March 2026 Submission of the Inception Report, including the detailed workplan; conduct of preparatory meetings with the project team, JPSC/T, relevant BARMM ministries, offices, and agencies, as well as other key regional and national stakeholders. March 2026 Development of the training concept note/design and information materials relevant to the operationalization of the SOP and GBV referral system, in close coordination with IOM and JPSC. April 2026 Submission of the draft training concept note and information tools/materials to IOM and JPSC for review and finalization. Second Deliverable: Organization of training activities on SOP operationalization (Second instalment payment: 50%) April 2026 Submission of the finalized training design and training materials for SOP operationalization to IOM. May 2026 Lead and facilitate the conduct of trainings, including Training of Trainers (TOT) and rollout sessions for JPSC/Ts, covering the SOP, gender mainstreaming, and GBV referral mechanisms. May 2026 In collaboration with IOMs Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) teams, develop the training pre and posttests, as well as the postactivity evaluation tools, and administer these M&E activities to assess JPSTs increased knowledge and appreciation of the SOP and GBV referral processes. May 2026 Work collaboratively with the Gender and Peace Policy Consultant, providing complementary technical inputs in designing and organizing consultation activities on the development of the operational framework and the enhancement of JPST PreDeployment Curriculum Final Deliverable: Finalization and Submission of Final Report (Final Instalment payment: 25%) June 2026 Submission of the Final Report for the consultancy engagement, including the handover of all finalized deliverables; compiled and cleaned datasets; narratives elaborating the activities conducted and the results; photo documentation; analysis of JPSTs knowledge and skills improvements and remaining capacity gaps; and recommendations for additional actions required to address the identified gaps. July 2026 Work collaboratively with the Gender and Peace Policy Consultant, providing complementary technical inputs on analyzing the needs, priorities, and approaches to developing the operational framework and enhancing the JPST Pre-Deployment Curriculum. July 2026 End of Contract. The Consultant shall attend online or inperson meetings with the IOM project team and/or relevant stakeholders on an ad hoc basis to provide updates on deliverables, discuss progress, and ensure alignment Tender Link : https://reliefweb.int/job/4198980/gender-capacity-strengthening-consultant
