Lead Consultant for the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

Overview & Responsibilities
BACKGROUND
*EU-GOJUST Program*
For nearly 20 years, the European Union (EU) and the Republic of the Philippines have partnered to strengthen the pillars of justice in the Philippines. Beginning in 2016, these efforts were delivered through the Governance in Justice (GOJUST) programme. The EU-GOJUST programme is focused on improving access to justice for all Filipinos and contributing to Philippine socio-economic development through a more effective, inclusive, and accountable justice system. These efforts are pursued by supporting the priorities of Philippine justice institutions such as the Department of Local and Interior Governance (DILG), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Supreme Court, and justice-sector civil society organizations and law schools.

Following the successful completion of the first two iterations of the EU-GOJUST programme, the EU and the Philippines signed a Financing Agreement in November 2024, to continue these efforts through the EU-GOJUST programme.

*The Justice Zones*
The Justice Zone (JZ) is a coordination and decision-making mechanism established by the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) to improve communication, coordination, and cooperation among justice sector agencies at the local level. Justice Zones aim to address systemic bottlenecks in the administration of justice, reduce case backlogs, and improve service delivery. There are currently nineteen Justice Zones nationwide.

A series of evaluations and consultations under the EU-GOJUST Programme revealed key inclusivity gaps in at the JZs – specifically, limited participation of grassroots actors and civil society, weak community justice integration, and an absence of systematic data to monitor inclusivity and equity outcomes.

A Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Analysis will be conducted across all existing Justice Zones to identify such gaps. It will aim to identify barriers to justice for women and marginalized groups and provide recommendations to strengthen the capacity of JZs to address their needs. The findings of the GESI Analysis will guide efforts to enhancing Justice Zones under the EU-GOJUST Programme.

*Objectives of the Consultancy*
The overall objective of this consultancy is to design, implement, and consolidate a comprehensive, intersectional GESI Analysis to strengthen the inclusivity, accessibility and responsiveness of Justice Zones.

Specific Objectives

• Develop a GESI Analysis Guide including tools, indicators, and data collection methods for Justice Zones. [1]
• Strengthen capacities of the EU-GOJUST Programme team and representatives from the JSCC to gather and analyze GESI data by delivering a workshop with accompanying reference materials and job aids.
• Produce individual GESI Analysis reports for each Justice Zone, identifying localized barriers, gaps, good practices, and priority areas for action.
• Produce a consolidated GESI Analysis report synthesizing key findings from all Justice Zone reports, and presenting strategic insights and actionable recommendations to strengthen inclusivity and responsiveness in Justice Zone operations.

The Lead Consultant will perform the following tasks:
A, Framework Development

• Design the analytical framework, tools, and templates for GESI data collection and analysis.
• Validate the framework with the Programme team.

*B. Capacity Building*

• Conduct an orientation to the support consultants and a training workshop for the Programme Team and JSCC representatives on the use of the framework and data-gathering tools.
• Provide mentoring or coaching support during pilot data collection, as necessary.

C. Data gathering, consolidation, and analysis

• Conduct data gathering in three JZs.
• Provide technical guidance on data collection and ensure consistency and completeness of submissions for all JZs.
• Consolidate and analyze data from all existing JZs.

D. Reporting and Recommendations

• Prepare individual GESI Analysis Reports for assigned JZs
• Prepare a comprehensive GESI Analysis Report that includes:
• Findings per Justice Zone;
• Cross-cutting patterns and trends
• Recommendations for institutional and operational improvement.
• Present findings in a validation workshop with key stakeholders, including representatives from the Supreme Court's Committee on Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary
• Revise and finalize the report based on feedback

E. Other Related Tasks

• Coordinate regularly with the Programme team.
• Contribute to knowledge products and presentations as may be required.
• Ensure that deliverables adhere to EU-GOJUST visibility and reporting standards.

[1] The GESI analyses will use mixed methods, including a desk review of relevant public and internal programme resources, and consultations with Justice Zone actors and other stakeholders. The GESI Analysis Guide and Tools shall also be aligned with the broader EU-GOJUST GESI Framework.

DELIVERABLES AND SCHEDULE
Deliverable
Description
Indicative Timeline
Indicative dates
Inception Report
Detailing understanding of assignment, work plan, and framework outline

Weeks 1-2

Dec 1 to Dec 12, 2025

GESI Analysis Framework and Tools
Finalized framework and data collection tools

Capacity-Building Workshop
Development of materials and conduct workshop for GESI analysis and Programme Teams

Week 3

Dec. 19, 2025

Data-Gathering (three JZs)
Conduct data gathering for three Justice Zones and provide technical guidance in data collection in other Justice Zones

Weeks 3-5

Dec 20, 2025 to Jan 22, 2026

First batch of GESI analysis reports for individual JZs
Analyze and submit individual JZ reports for three assigned JZs

Weeks 6-7

February 02, 2026

Initial presentation of key findings
Submit list of initial findings covering first nine JZs

Weeks 8-9

February 10, 2026

Second batch of GES I reports for individual JZs (two JZs)
Analyze and submit individual JZ reports for two assigned JZs

Weeks 10-12

March 6, 2026

Review of second batch of JZ analysis
Submit complete consolidated JZ GESI analysis covering all JZs

Weeks 13-15

March 21, 2026

Validation presentation
Present findings to the Programme team and relevant stakeholders

Week 16

March 24, 2026

Revisions
Incorporate comments from the validation presentation

Week 16

March 25-30, 2026

Final report
Submit final report

Week 17

March 31, 2026

Reporting and Coordination
The Consultant will work under the overall supervision of a Senior Adviser and in coordination with the Programme and Gender Team. Payment will be made upon receipt by the consultant of deliverables of high quality, and upon approval by the supervisor, as per the mutually agreed schedule.

Job Requirements
Education and Experience

• Advanced degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Law, or related fields.
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in gender and social inclusion analysis, justice reform, or human rights programming.
• Demonstrated experience in developing analytical frameworks and conducting participatory assessments.
• Excellent understanding of the Philippine justice system and local governance context.
• Strong analytical, writing, and facilitation skills.
• Prior experience working with EU-funded or IDLO projects is an advantage.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Terms & Conditions
This post is open to applicants who are residents and nationals of the duty station (Manila, Philippines). The consultancy is expected to run for 4 months, from the date of signing the contract, with an estimate of 60 working days The consultancy is primarily home-based with possible travel to JZ for data gathering. It is expected to be a part-time engagement beginning
December
2025
.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications of qualified and diverse candidates. IDLO is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature; or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

Application deadline:
21 November 2025