Chief of the Economic Empowerment Section

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. The organization merges the resources and mandates of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM, which focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates globally, providing support to various UN Women offices at Headquarters and in field locations, and is committed to the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and the achievement of gender equality. The organization plays a crucial role in delivering results aligned with the UN Women’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025 and internationally agreed goals on gender equality, including the Beijing Platform for Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UN Women employs a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries, focusing on innovative approaches to support women's economic empowerment and gender-responsive policies.

Job Overview:
The Chief of the Economic Empowerment Section is responsible for leading UN Women’s initiatives on women's economic empowerment, ensuring the implementation of the global Women’s Economic Empowerment Strategy. This role involves providing global policy support, developing thematic work, and producing knowledge in alignment with the organization's mandate to enhance women's income security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, decent work, and economic autonomy. The Chief will work closely with various sections across UN Women, contribute to inter-governmental processes, and establish partnerships to promote women's economic empowerment. The position requires a strategic leader who can operationalize the Economic Empowerment Strategy, guide policy and programmatic initiatives, and oversee knowledge production and management. The Chief will also provide substantive advice to intergovernmental processes and events, ensuring that UN Women remains a key player in shaping global policies on gender equality and women's economic empowerment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of UN Women’s global Women’s Economic Empowerment Strategy, ensuring alignment with the Strategic Plan and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Convene leading feminist economists and development policy specialists to guide the implementation of the Economic Empowerment Strategy.
• Oversee the design and implementation of global programming frameworks and projects, coordinating with regional and country teams.
• Introduce innovative approaches to enhance UN Women’s policy support and programmatic work.
• Spearhead the development of tools and methodologies for policy-making and programming in women's economic empowerment.
• Lead knowledge production, including peer-reviewed papers and policy briefs, and facilitate communities of practice.
• Provide substantive contributions to intergovernmental fora and produce reports on gender equality and economic empowerment.
• Identify and manage partnerships for resource mobilization and collaboration on women's economic empowerment.
• Represent UN Women in international fora and maintain relationships with academia, civil society, and technical experts. 1
• Manage the Economic Empowerment section, overseeing workplans, team performance, and financial resources.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in economics, preferably with a specialization in feminist economics or related fields such as gender and development, public policy, or social sciences with a focus on gender equality. A PhD is desirable.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in policy and programmatic work related to gender and development, feminist economics, or women's economic empowerment.
• Substantial experience in preparing and publishing policy pieces on feminist economics and women's economic empowerment.
• Significant experience in designing and implementing large-scale operational programs on women's economic empowerment.
• Proven ability to manage teams collaboratively and transparently.
• Field experience in developing countries is an advantage.
• Recognition as an authority on women's economic empowerment is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, with a preferred specialization in feminist economics or related fields. A PhD is considered an asset. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in policy and programmatic work in gender and development, feminist economics, or women's economic empowerment. Candidates should have substantial experience in preparing and publishing policy pieces, designing and implementing large-scale programs, and managing teams effectively. Field experience in developing countries is advantageous, and recognition as an authority in women's economic empowerment is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of one or more of the other UN official working languages is highly desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in diverse international contexts.

Additional Notes:
The Chief of the Economic Empowerment Section will lead a team of 27, including 7 direct reports and 5 affiliate personnel. The role emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, promoting a respectful working environment. The position is full-time and involves managing financial resources and ensuring compliance with UN Women’s internal control framework. Candidates must complete all sections of the application form to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs.