Research Consultant for Gender-Inclusive Language

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Established to accelerate progress on meeting the needs of women and girls worldwide, UN Women serves as a global champion for gender equality. The organization supports UN Member States in setting global standards for achieving gender equality and collaborates with governments and civil society to design laws, policies, programs, and services that ensure these standards are effectively implemented and truly benefit women and girls across the globe. UN Women operates in multiple countries, focusing on various initiatives that promote gender equality and empower women in diverse contexts.

Job Overview:
The position of Research Consultant for Gender-Inclusive Language is crucial for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign 202

• The consultant will be responsible for strengthening advocacy messaging by ensuring that all campaign materials utilize inclusive and survivor-centered language. This role involves conducting research that examines the latest UN Women and UN system guidelines on gender-inclusive language, alongside scholarly and institutional studies that highlight best practices in inclusive communication. The findings from this research will not only shape the content of the campaign but also contribute to the development of future communication guidelines that reflect an intersectional approach, taking into account the needs of persons with disabilities and marginalized groups. The consultant will work closely with UN Women Uganda’s Gender and Communications Focal Points to define research parameters and ensure that the outcomes are relevant and impactful.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Research Consultant include:

• Collaborating with UN Women Uganda’s Gender and Communications Focal Points to define the research parameters.
• Identifying, reviewing, and analyzing scholarly and institutional resources that focus on gender-inclusive and survivor-centered language.
• Extracting lessons and good practices that can be applied to advocacy efforts aimed at ending violence against women and girls.
• Presenting findings in various formats that are suitable for both technical use and campaign advocacy. The consultant will be expected to deliver a comparative analysis report (10–12 pages, MS Word) referencing at least 5–7 scholarly sources, a PowerPoint summary (10 slides) for internal briefings and campaign planning, a reader-friendly fact sheet (2 pages, with infographics) for public awareness during the 16 Days campaign, and a short advocacy brief (2–3 pages, with one infographic) that highlights key findings and recommendations for use in campaign messaging.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this position should possess a strong background in gender studies, communications, or a related field. They should have a proven ability to conduct thorough research and analysis, particularly in the context of gender-inclusive language and advocacy. Familiarity with UN Women’s guidelines and best practices in inclusive communication is essential. The candidate should also demonstrate excellent writing and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and accessible manner. Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize information from various sources are also required.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Communications, Social Sciences, or a related field is required for this position. Candidates with a PhD in a relevant discipline will be given preference. The educational background should include coursework or research experience focused on gender issues, inclusive language, and advocacy.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 3-5 years of experience in research, particularly in the areas of gender equality, inclusive communication, or advocacy. Experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or similar entities focused on gender issues is highly desirable. The consultant should have a track record of producing high-quality research outputs and be familiar with the UN system and its guidelines on gender-related topics.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all research and reporting will be conducted in English. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the local context in Uganda, would be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be a consultancy role, with specific deliverables outlined in the task description. The duration of the contract and the seniority level will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The role may involve remote work, but the consultant should be available for meetings and briefings with UN Women Uganda's team. Compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.