Consultant for Women's Economic Empowerment in Energy Sector

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact. UN Women merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. The organization operates in multiple countries, including Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland, and collaborates with governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to promote gender equality and women's rights.

Job Overview:
The consultant's role is crucial in promoting women's economic empowerment within the energy and electricity sector. This position involves developing policy recommendations that enhance the integration of gender equality and women's leadership in the energy transition. The consultant will also coordinate a platform aimed at influencing industry leaders from both the public and private sectors. The work will focus on ensuring women's inclusion in South Africa's just energy transition and climate change mitigation strategies, addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, and aligning with national initiatives such as the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan and the South African Renewable Energy Master Plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive work plan and presenting an Inception Report. They will produce a policy brief with key recommendations, plan and organize a high-level panel event with industry leaders, and produce a final report that includes policy recommendations supporting gender equity in the energy sector. The total duration of the consultancy is 11 days, with specific deliverables outlined for each phase of the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree or equivalent in social sciences, gender/women's studies, energy, climate change, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A project/programme management certification is considered an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate strong skills in program formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as budget and finance skills.

Educational Background:
A master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social sciences, gender/women's studies, energy, or climate change is required. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. A project/programme management certification is a plus.

Experience:
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in managing and implementing complex programs, particularly in gender equality and women's economic empowerment. Experience in energy transition and climate change mitigation is essential, along with familiarity in working with women's associations and entrepreneurs in the energy sector. Desirable experience includes coordinating and evaluating development programs and projects, as well as proficiency in office software and web-based management systems.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as requirements.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, with travel required to Mpumalanga as part of the assignment. Travel-related costs will be covered according to the duty travel policy. The consultant will report to the Programme Specialist for Women's Economic Empowerment and receive guidance from the Deputy Representative. The position emphasizes core values such as integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, and candidates are expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and standards of conduct.