National Consultant to develop of a Package of Methodological and Training Materials on the multidisciplinary response to cases of violence against women and domestic violence

Background: UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. The work of UN Women in Moldova is guided by its Country Strategic Note 2023-2027 , aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Moldova (2023-2027 ), UN Women Global Strategic Plan , National Programs and Strategies and aims to contribute to the gender-responsive implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Strategic Note focuses on four main areas: 1) Ending Violence against Women; 2) Women’s Leadership and Governance; 3) Women’s Economic empowerment and 4) Humanitarian and Peace development nexus and UN Coordination on Gender Equality. Violence against women remains one of the most widespread, persistent and severe human rights violations in the Republic of Moldova. Evidence shows that three out of four women have experienced some form of abuse by an intimate partner; psychological violence affects 71 per cent of women, one in three women has experienced physical violence, and 20.9 per cent have been subjected to sexual violence. Based on the European Commission Implementing Decision on the Annual Action Plan in favor of the Republic of Moldova for 2022, NDICI-GEO-NEAR/2022/ACT-61535 EU4 Resilience and Governance , UN Women Moldova CO is implementing a four-year project (November 2023 – October 2027) titled "Ending Violence, Expanding Livelihood Opportunities for Women and Accelerating Gender Governance in Moldova" (hereinafter EVOLVE4GE). The project interventions aim to improve the prevention of violence against women and domestic violence and contribute to behavioral change toward strengthening the culture of reporting and supporting women and girls in exercising their rights, reaching out to recourse mechanisms, and expanding and improving the specialist services. To advance national efforts to prevent and respond to violence against women and domestic violence (VAW/DV), the EVOLVE4GE project has supported the institutionalization and strengthening of the national capacity development system for multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), a key mechanism for ensuring coordinated, survivor-centred and rights-based services at local level. Under the leadership of the National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GBV Agency), with support from UN Women and UNICEF, financial support from the European Union, and methodological assistance from AO AVE Copiii, the National MDT Training Programme and Curriculum was developed and is currently undergoing the national accreditation process. The Programme provides a standardized, practice-oriented and evidence-informed learning framework designed to strengthen the knowledge, competencies and practical skills of multidisciplinary professionals across the country. It aims to enable MDT members to deliver coordinated, consistent and survivor-centred responses grounded in rights-based, gender-responsive, trauma-informed and inclusive approaches. The Programme also strengthens the capacity of frontline professionals to respond effectively to the diverse needs of women and girls experiencing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, including women with disabilities, Roma women, refugee women, older women and women living in rural communities. As part of the EVOLVE4GE project, and in partnership with UNICEF Moldova, MDT professionals from districts of Nisporeni, Călărași and Taraclia, representing social assistance, law enforcement, health, education and local public authorities, strengthened their knowledge and practical skills in applying survivor-centred approaches, coordinated case management and interinstitutional cooperation. These efforts contributed to stronger local coordination mechanisms, enhanced institutional capacities and improved access to coordinated, quality services for women and girls affected by violence. Description of Responsibilities/ Scope of Work The objective of this assignment is to provide technical expertise to the GBV Agency to develop a package of methodological and training materials on the multidisciplinary response to cases of violence, together with a training evaluation toolkit. The assignment will support the delivery of the National MDT Training Programme and Curriculum through a Facilitator Guide for trainers, trainer PowerPoint presentations, training materials, and tools to assess learning outcomes, training relevance and programme effectiveness. Under the overall guidance of the GBV Agency and in coordination with UN Women, the National Consultant will undertake the following tasks: Conduct a desk review of the MDT Training Programme and Curriculum, relevant methodological resources and existing training materials to inform the development of a coherent, evidence-informed package of methodological and training materials. Develop a package of three methodological and training materials on the multidisciplinary response to cases of violence against women and domestic violence, comprising: a Facilitator Guide for trainers; trainer PowerPoint presentations based on the MDT Training Programme and Curriculum; and a participant training package, including key concepts, case studies, practical exercises, handouts and supporting learning materials. Develop one training evaluation toolkit, including pre- and post-training knowledge assessment tools and participant evaluation forms, to measure learning outcomes, training relevance and the effectiveness of the training programme. Ensure that all methodological and training materials consistently integrate evidence-informed, survivor-centred, gender-responsive, trauma-informed and inclusive approaches, with practical guidance for application by multidisciplinary teams. Facilitate technical consultations with the GBV Agency, UN Women, UNICEF and relevant stakeholders to validate the draft package of methodological and training materials and the training evaluation toolkit, ensuring alignment with the MDT Training Programme and Curriculum. Finalize the package of three methodological and training materials and the training evaluation toolkit and prepare a brief final report summarizing the work undertaken, key achievements, lessons learned and recommendations to support effective, consistent and sustainable implementation. The consultant will report to the Project Officer on Ending Violence against Women under the EVOLVE4GE project, who will serve as the primary focal point for all matters related to the contract, deliverables and payments. The consultant’s work will be carried out under the overall coordination of the EVOLVE4GE Project Manager and the UN Women Programme Specialist on Ending Violence against Women. The consultant is expected to maintain regular communication and coordination with the Project Officer on Ending Violence against Women regarding the progress of deliverables. The consultant must promptly inform UN Women and the GBV Agency in writing of any unforeseen challenges or risks that may arise during the assignment and propose mitigation measures to ensure the timely and successful completion of deliverables. Deliverables Deliverable Expected completion time (due day) Develop a package of three methodological and training materials on the multidisciplinary response to cases of violence against women and domestic violence, comprising: Facilitator Guide for trainers; Trainer PowerPoint presentations based on the curriculum and programme; Participant training package, including key concepts, case studies, practical exercises, handouts and supporting learning materials. 30 September 2026 Develop one training evaluation toolkit, including pre- and post-training knowledge a