International Consultant/Trainer on Gender-Responsive Police Response to Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, UN Women Kazakhstan

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.

About the role

Violence against women and girls is one of the most pervasive violations of human rights and is rooted in gender inequality. Domestic violence is one of the most common forms of violence against women and has specific dynamics associated with the relationship between the survivor and the perpetrator, the recurrent nature of violence, and the risk of escalation. Its consequences affect women’s safety, health and well-being, their children and families, and their ability to live free from violence.

Kazakhstan has undertaken important legislative and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the prevention of and response to domestic violence and enhancing the protection of women and children. In 2025, specialized units on combating domestic violence were established within the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MIA), together with a dedicated division within the Administrative Police Committee. Approximately 1,000 officers currently serve in these units across the country.

Given the critical role of police as often one of the first points of contact for survivors, the establishment of the specialized units highlights the importance of strengthening officers’ knowledge and practical skills, including gender-responsive and survivor-centered approaches that support survivors’ safety, access to protection and justice, and prevention of secondary victimization. At the same time, the demanding nature of this work and regular exposure to complex and emotionally challenging cases highlights the importance of preventing professional burnout and occupational stress and strengthening officers’ psychological resilience and well-being.

UN Women Kazakhstan, in cooperation with the MIA, plans to conduct a series of pilot two-day training sessions for officers of specialized domestic violence units in 2–3 regions of Kazakhstan between 28 September and 9 October 2026. The training will focus on gender-responsive and survivor-centered approaches to domestic violence, drawing on international standards and relevant international practice while considering Kazakhstan’s national legislation and law-enforcement context. The programme will also address professional burnout, occupational stress, and professional deformation and provide practical approaches to strengthening officers’ psychological resilience.

The International Consultant will report to the UN Women Project Manager and will work under the overall guidance of the UN Women Programme Specialist. The Project Manager will serve as the primary focal point for technical guidance, contract administration, and payment-related matters. The International Consultant will work in close coordination with a National Consultant/Trainer and other experts engaged for the assignment, as well as designated representatives of the MIA.

Responsibilities

• Review relevant national legislation, policies, institutional arrangements, and available materials related to the prevention of and response to domestic violence in Kazakhstan, with particular attention to the mandate and practice of the newly established specialized domestic violence units.
• Review relevant international standards, guidance, and good practices on gender-responsive and survivor-centered police response to violence against women and domestic violence and identify approaches applicable to the Kazakhstan context.
• Participate in consultations with UN Women, the MIA, and the National Consultant/Trainer to identify priority capacity-development needs and practical challenges faced by officers of the specialized units.
• Develop a two-day practice-oriented training programme and accompanying materials for specialized domestic violence units, including presentations, case studies, practical exercises, and other tools, adapted to the Kazakhstan context and covering key aspects of gender-responsive and survivor-centered police response to domestic violence.
• Deliver the agreed training sessions in 2–3 pilot regions of Kazakhstan using interactive adult-learning methods and practical cases relevant to the work of specialized police units.
• Collect and analyse participant feedback and observations emerging from the pilot trainings, including recurrent challenges, capacity gaps, and areas requiring further professional development.
• Based on the review, consultations, and pilot trainings, develop concise practical recommendations for the Government of Kazakhstan/MIA on strengthening gender-responsive response to domestic violence and further capacity development of specialized units, including recommendations on areas that could be addressed through future training, practical guidance, or methodological materials.

Deliverables

• Training programme and training package developed and agreed with UN Women, including a detailed two-day agenda, presentations, practical case studies/exercises, and participant materials on gender-responsive and survivor-centered police response to domestic violence, adapted to the Kazakhstan context. Due by 17 September 2026 (30% of contract amount).
• Series of two-day in-person training sessions delivered for officers of specialized domestic violence units in 2–3 pilot regions of Kazakhstan, in accordance with the agreed programme and methodology. Due between 28 September – 9 October 2026 (70% of contract amount).
• Practical recommendations developed for strengthening gender-responsive response to domestic violence and further professional development of specialized domestic violence units, based on the review of the Kazakhstan context, consultations, and issues identified during the pilot trainings. Due by 16 October 2026.
• Final training package and brief assignment report submitted, incorporating relevant adjustments following the pilot training and participant feedback. Due by 23 October 2026.

Workplace and Travel

This is a home-based consultancy with official travel to Kazakhstan required for the delivery of in-person training sessions. The Consultant will undertake travel to 2–3 pilot regions of Kazakhstan to deliver two-day training sessions between 28 September and 9 October 2026. The exact locations and travel schedule will be determined by UN Women in coordination with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Travel arrangements and applicable travel-related costs will be covered by UN Women in accordance with UN Women rules and regulations.

Competencies

Core Values

• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity

Core Competencies

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

Functional Competencies

• Strong knowledge of gender-responsive and survivor-centered approaches to violence against women and domestic violence.
• Strong understanding of international standards and good practices related to police response to domestic violence.
• Strong training and facilitation skills, including adult-learning methodologies.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

Education and Certification

• Master’s degree or equivalent in gender studies, human rights, law, social sciences, criminology, psychology, or another relevant field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

• At least 4 years of professional experience in the area of violence against women and/or domestic violence is required.
• At least 4 years of experience in developing and delivering training programmes on violence against women and/or domestic violence for police or other law enforcement professionals is required.
• Demonstrated experience in developing policy recommendations, guidance, or analytical products related to violence against women and/or domestic violence is required.
• Previous professional experience with UN agencies, other international organizations, and/or government agencies in the area of violence against women and/or domestic violence is required.
• Experience working in Central Asia or other comparable contexts is an asset.

Languages

• Fluency in Russian is required.
• Working knowledge of English is an asset.

Application Requirements

As part of the application, candidates are required to submit a brief technical proposal (maximum one A4 page) outlining a proposed approach to a two-day training programme, including key thematic areas, suggested training methods, and examples of practical/case-based exercises.