UNWOMEN: Trainers/Coaches on Gender Action Learning System (GALS) , Home-Based, National Consultant

Background:

Afghanistan is one of the world’s most complex emergencies, and the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Afghan people are grappling with the impact of conflict, poverty, economic decline, and natural disasters. In this context, Afghan women and girls face unique vulnerabilities and require urgent support as gender inequality is interwoven with conflict dynamics and humanitarian needs. It is essential that Afghan women and girls can continue to shape the development of their country, and that their gains are protected. UN Women remains fully committed to supporting Afghan women and girls and to putting them at the center of the global response to the crisis in Afghanistan. UN Women has been in Afghanistan for two decades. UN Women’s programming approach is informed by analysis of the political, economic and humanitarian situation, risks to and capacities of partner organizations, and needs of Afghan women and girls. UN Women Afghanistan currently has four key programme priorities: (1) Gender in Humanitarian Action, (2) Ending Violence Against Women, (3) Women’s Economic Empowerment, and (4) Women, Peace and Security.. Since 2024, the UN Women Balkh Sub-office has been working to equip local partners with innovative methods and tools that contribute to the effectiveness of community-level initiatives to promote women's rights and gender-sensitive social change. One such methodology, the Gender Action Learning System (GALS), has proven to be a locally appropriate and practical tool that empowers individuals and communities to analyze their reality, define their vision and take collective action to achieve gender justice. It is particularly effective for illiterate community members in a conservative and post-conflict contexts. To strengthen the capacity of community partners working on women's rights, the UN Women Balkh sub-office is seeking 2 qualified trainers to conduct a series of training and coaching support on GALS for implementing partners. These training/coaching will increase partners' capacities to integrate GALS tools into their work at community level.

The consultant will be reporting to Head of Balkh sub office and will be supported by Program Analyst Balkh sub office, who will be the point of contact on the contract and payment issues.

Description of Responsibilities/ Scope of Work

Deliverables

1. Preparatory Phase

• Review GALS training materials and data/analytical documents on gender equality and women’s rights in Afghanistan. 
• Conduct consultations with the Balkh Sub-office team to tailor the GALS training materials for specific participants’ needs and context.
• Prepare and submit a detailed training agenda, methodology, and culturally adapted materials.

1. GALS Training

• Conduct training sessions using the GALS methodology. 
• The Trainer will apply a structured GALS methodology, including the sessions on 1) Visioning; 2) ‘Gender balanced tree’ for identifying key gender-based challenges and structural barriers to achieving the Vision; 3) Mapping practical and strategic steps for change and develop advocacy messages and action plans using GALS tools; and 4) Reflecting on learning and assessing readiness for community implementation. 

1. Post-Training Follow-Up

• Conduct one follow-up coaching sessions UN Women partners (female/male groups) who participated in GALS training to reinforce tools and respond to challenges, aiming at catalyzing local processes for safe and locally adapted women's rights advocacy.
• Provide simplified facilitation guides and visual templates in local languages (Dari and/or Pashto).
• Provide recommendations on integrating GALS into community mobilization, women’s rights campaigns, or advocacy networks.

Deliverable Expected completion time (due day) Payment Schedule (optional)  GALS training materials tailored for specific participants’ needs and context, including training agenda and handouts Report on the follow up coaching sessions with female and male participants of the previous GALS trainings 

30 August 2025

(2 working days) 

10 September 2025

GALS training materials revised based on the specific participants’ needs (female/male) revealed through coaching sessions, including training agenda and handouts

 

Report on the  training (4 days) conducted in September 

30 September 2025

(8 working days) 

10 October 2025 Report on the follow-up coaching session with the female and male participants of the  GALS training 

30 October 2025

(6 working days) 

10 November 2025

Simplified facilitation guides and visual templates in local languages (Dari an