National Technical Consultant - Women Artisans of Change

National Technical Consultant - Women Artisans of Change

UN Women

August 23, 2026September 24, 2026India
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly as part of the UN reform agenda, aimed at enhancing the impact of gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives. The organization merges the resources and mandates of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization has a significant presence in various countries, including India, where its Country Office is based in New Delhi, focusing on gender equality and women's empowerment through strategic partnerships and advocacy with governmental and civil society partners.

Job Overview:
The National Technical Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of UN Women's initiatives aimed at empowering women in the handloom, handicrafts, and textile sectors. This position involves providing technical support for project activities, coordinating with various stakeholders including government ministries and development partners, and designing capacity-building programs. The consultant will be responsible for developing high-quality knowledge products, policy briefs, and communication materials, as well as contributing to the planning and execution of national consultations and flagship events. The role emphasizes the importance of women's entrepreneurship and leadership in the textile sector, particularly in promoting sustainable practices and enhancing market access for women artisans and weavers. The consultant will work closely with the Programme Analyst for Women's Economic Empowerment to ensure the successful delivery of project objectives and outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:
  • Providing technical support for the implementation of UN Women's initiatives focused on women's economic empowerment in the textile sector.
  • Coordinating with the Ministry of Textiles and other relevant government agencies, development partners, and implementing organizations to facilitate program implementation.
  • Designing and facilitating training programs and workshops on gender, entrepreneurship, leadership, and sustainable textile practices.
  • Developing technical reports, policy briefs, concept notes, proposals, and communication materials.
  • Supporting research and advocacy efforts related to women artisans, weavers, and circularity in the textile sector.
  • Planning and implementing consultations, conferences, and flagship events, including Bharat TEX.
  • Engaging in partnership development and resource mobilization activities.
  • Monitoring program implementation and documenting lessons learned and best practices.
  • Preparing high-quality donor and program reports. 1
  • Providing technical and coordination support for major events and ensuring effective communication and design materials are prepared. 1
  • Maintaining ongoing coordination with implementing partners and stakeholders for effective program execution. 1
  • Identifying opportunities for partnership-building and resource mobilization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in design, fashion technology, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with four additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. The consultant should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the handloom, handicrafts, and textile sectors, with a strong understanding of gender equality and women's economic empowerment. Experience in developing training manuals and conducting workshops in the textile sector is essential, along with a proven track record of working with government institutions, development partners, and civil society organizations. Strong communication and technical writing skills are required, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with digital collaboration tools.

Educational Background:
A degree in design or fashion technology is required, or an equivalent qualification in a related field. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training related to gender studies, entrepreneurship, or sustainable practices in the textile sector.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the handloom, handicrafts, and textile sectors, with a focus on sustainable or circular economy practices. Candidates should have substantial knowledge of gender equality and women's economic empowerment, particularly in relation to livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and skills development. Experience in developing and facilitating training programs, as well as working with various stakeholders including government agencies and civil society, is crucial. Familiarity with UN agencies or international organizations is preferred, and candidates should demonstrate the ability to synthesize evidence into actionable recommendations for program implementation.

Languages:
Strong written skills in English are mandatory, along with a good command of Hindi. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time consultancy position, and the consultant is expected to work under the supervision of the Programme Analyst for Women's Economic Empowerment. The role involves organizing capacity-building workshops and consultations on a monthly basis, delivering knowledge products, and engaging in social media and communication outputs. Payment terms include a monthly reporting structure, with progress reports and timesheets submitted at the end of each month. The consultant must use their own computer equipment, as the office will not provide any. Additionally, the consultant is required to disclose any outside activities and is not permitted to engage in outside work during the consultancy period.
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