Consultant for the Development of the State of Women’s Rights in Africa Report

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 that focused on gender issues, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men in various sectors including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization works in partnership with various entities, including the African Union Commission, to address pressing issues related to women's rights and gender equality.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and drafting the 'State of Women’s Rights in Africa Report'. This report aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the status of women's rights across Africa, identifying legislative and policy gaps, challenges, and opportunities. The consultant will build upon previous work and collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including the African Union Commission, UN Women, and other human rights organizations. The role requires a strong analytical approach to assess data on gender equality and women's rights, and to formulate actionable recommendations for advancing these rights across the continent. The consultant will also facilitate stakeholder engagement and validation processes to ensure the report's accuracy and relevance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Developing a detailed workplan and timeline for the report's development in coordination with relevant partners.
• Reviewing existing data to identify gaps and areas needing further exploration.
• Conducting additional data collection through surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
• Analyzing data using both quantitative and qualitative methods to derive insights on gender equality.
• Conducting comparative analyses to highlight trends and best practices across different regions.
• Engaging with stakeholders, including AU human rights bodies and civil society organizations, to ensure comprehensive data collection.
• Assessing legal frameworks related to the Maputo Protocol and providing recommendations for improvement.
• Facilitating validation workshops to gather feedback from stakeholders and finalize the report.
• Producing a detailed inception report, draft report, and final report, along with an executive summary highlighting key findings and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in gender studies, policy analysis, law, human rights, international relations, or related social sciences. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires a minimum of ten years of professional writing experience related to gender equality and women's rights, with at least five years of experience working within international or regional human rights mechanisms. Demonstrated expertise in gender equality frameworks and experience drafting high-level policy reports for organizations such as the AU or UN are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as gender studies, law, human rights, or international relations. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender issues and the legal frameworks that govern women's rights.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have a minimum of ten years of professional writing experience specifically related to gender equality and women's rights. This includes at least five years of experience working with international or regional human rights mechanisms, particularly in the African context. Proven experience in drafting high-level policy reports and familiarity with gender equality frameworks, including the Maputo Protocol, are critical for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French or any other official language of the African Union is considered desirable, as it will facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enhance the inclusivity of the report's findings.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The contract duration is tied to the completion of the report, with key deliverables including an inception report due by November 10, 2025, a draft report by December 10, 2025, and a final report by January 20, 202

• The consultant will be expected to engage with various stakeholders throughout the process, ensuring that the report is comprehensive and reflective of diverse perspectives. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the hiring process, and candidates should be prepared for rigorous reference and background checks as part of UN Women’s hiring policies.