A case-study on Women Economic Participation and Care Services for Persons with Disabilities in the Sultanate of Oman.
Home-Based
The duration of the contract is two (2) months, starting from the signature date of the contract.
I. Background
Although the uneven distribution of unpaid care work between men and women is a global phenomenon, it is particularly marked in the Arab States. Women carry out 80 to 90 of all unpaid care tasks in the Arab region and spend much more time on unpaid care tasks than men. These large gender gaps are closely linked to the structure of the care economy in the Arab States. Although there are variations between countries, care work generally lacks formalization and there is an insufficient provision of appropriate public and private care infrastructure and services compared to other global regions. As a result, the provision of care is largely reliant on unpaid care work provided by family members, who tend to be overwhelmingly female.
The uneven distribution of unpaid care work constitutes a root cause of women's social and economic disempowerment in the Arab States, and contributes to the world's widest gender employment gap, horizontal and vertical job segregation, as well as large gender gaps in earnings, wealth, political representation and decision-making. If current patterns endure and women continue to bear the brunt of unpaid care work, there is a serious risk that gender gaps widen and hard-won achievements in women's socioeconomic empowerment are reversed. COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown and social distancing measures have significantly increased the unpaid care work burden on women and created an additional layer of complexity for them. It is therefore urgent for Arab States to expand and formalize their care economies, notably by putting in place appropriate public policies and investing in care-related infrastructure.
Against this backdrop, and in the context of its work to support Arab States in addressing the above challenges by putting forward policy options for the development of the care economy from a gender-sensitive perspective, ESCWA seeks to develop an in-depth understanding of the characteristics of the care economy, its major stakeholders, the changes occurring over the last decade as well as the broader policy environment framing the public and private provision of care.
II. Objectives and methodology
Within this context, a case study focusing on care services for persons with disabilities in the Sultanate of Oman will be conducted to serve this objective. The study will grasp the dynamics occurring in the sector, including the on-going as well as the emerging ones, related to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the ensuing measures of containment. The overall aim of the development of the case study is to provide recommendations on how to develop and/or reshape the care economy to answer women's needs and promote their economic empowerment.
The case study will provide an in-depth understanding of the following aspects: 1) The policy environment governing the public and private provision of care services for persons with disabilities; 2) The major stakeholders involved in the provision of care for persons with disabilities; 3) The characteristics including availability, accessibility and affordability of care services for persons with disabilities; 4) The extent to which the needs and expectations of women and families are met; 5)The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated measures adopted by the government on the future of care service provision for persons with disabilities.
The case study will rely on: a) A desk review; b) Focus groups with key stakeholders; c) Key informants' interviews; d) Surveys targeting women using the care services, if deemed necessary.
III. Tasks and Deliverables
The Consultant is requested to:
• Develop a work plan for the preparation of the case study;
• Undertake the necessary desk review to frame and substantiate the case study;
• Prepare for, organize and conduct focus group discussions and interviews;
• Prepare the necessary questionnaire, if needed, to organize a survey and analyze the results;
• Coordinate as necessary with relevant stakeholders to undertake the data and information collection;
• Prepare the draft and final case study.
Academic Qualifications: An advanced University degree (master's or equivalent) in social and/or gender and/or development studies and/or related areas.
Experience: At least 8 years of experience in working on gender equality and women's rights is required. Experience in conducting research and projects in the field of gender equality in the Sultanate of Oman is required. Previous experience in organizing research and projects involving several stakeholders and partners is required.
Language: Fluency in Arabic is required. Knowledge of English is desirable.
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.