International Consultant to Facilitate the 2026 UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance the impact of gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives. It consolidates the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM, which focused on gender issues. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve gender equality as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and competence, and adheres to a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct. UN Women has a significant presence in various countries, working collaboratively with UN Country Teams to implement gender equality initiatives.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant will play a crucial role in facilitating the 2026 comprehensive assessment of the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard in Azerbaijan. This position requires the consultant to provide technical guidance and analytical support throughout the assessment process, ensuring that gender equality and women's empowerment are effectively integrated into the UN Country Team's work. The consultant will be responsible for reviewing existing frameworks, preparing detailed work plans, and facilitating discussions among the Inter-Agency Assessment Team (IAT) to achieve consensus on performance ratings and corrective actions. The consultant will also draft the final Comprehensive Report and Action Plan, which will be submitted through the UNCT-SWAP reporting platform by the deadline. This role demands a strong understanding of gender equality frameworks, excellent facilitation skills, and the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable plans.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include reviewing the 2023 UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard Technical Guidance and previous assessments, preparing an inception note and detailed work plan, refining evidence matrices, and providing technical orientation to the IAT. The consultant will facilitate technical discussions, validate findings, and draft the 2026 UNCT-SWAP Comprehensive Report and GEAP-aligned Action Plan. Specific responsibilities include:

• Reviewing Azerbaijan-specific evidence for all 15 Performance Indicators and preparing a comprehensive evidence matrix.
• Facilitating IAT discussions to reach consensus on ratings and corrective actions.
• Drafting the Comprehensive Report and Action Plan with clear timelines and responsibilities.
• Ensuring that all deliverables are submitted on time and meet quality assurance standards.
• Engaging with various stakeholders to gather evidence and insights for the assessment process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in gender studies, international development, social sciences, public policy, human rights, monitoring and evaluation, organizational development, international relations, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. The consultant should have at least 7 years of relevant professional experience in gender equality, UN coordination, results-based management, and institutional accountability. Demonstrated experience in facilitating UNCT-SWAP assessments and familiarity with the 2023 Technical Guidance is essential. Candidates should also have experience in inter-agency consultations and evidence review, as well as strong analytical and drafting skills.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as gender studies, international development, or social sciences is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree if accompanied by additional qualifying experience. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in gender equality and women's empowerment principles, as well as familiarity with UN frameworks and accountability processes.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in fields related to gender equality, UN coordination, and results-based management. Candidates with a first-level university degree must have at least 9 years of experience. Previous experience in conducting UNCT-SWAP assessments and familiarity with the UN system's accountability frameworks is highly desirable. Experience in facilitating inter-agency consultations and drafting high-quality reports is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the context of Azerbaijan or the UN's work in the region.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based but requires the consultant to be available in Baku, Azerbaijan. The position is expected to be full-time, with specific deliverables due by set deadlines leading up to the final submission on 14 November 202

• The consultant will work closely with UN Women and other stakeholders, ensuring that all outputs meet the required standards and timelines. The role involves significant collaboration with various UN entities and requires a commitment to the values and competencies outlined by UN Women.