National Consultant for Capacity Building on Gender Equality

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is an entity of the United Nations established in July 2010, focused on 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 in the area of women's rights. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization works with national partners, including governmental and non-governmental entities, to implement international and national commitments to women's rights and gender equality. UN Women is guided by strategic frameworks such as the Country Strategic Note 2023-2027 and the UN Women Global Strategic Plan (2022-2025), which align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5, which aims to ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making. UN Women operates in multiple countries, focusing on various initiatives that promote women's economic empowerment, governance, and resilience, and addressing violence against women and girls.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Capacity Building on Gender Equality will play a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of Territorial Employment Offices (TEOs), social assistance services, and professional training providers in Moldova. The consultant will be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive capacity-building program aimed at improving the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for delivering inclusive, gender-responsive services. This position is particularly focused on addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, including women with disabilities, women with children, and NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) women. The consultant will conduct a capacity needs assessment, develop tailored training materials, and facilitate workshops to promote understanding of gender equality and women's human rights. The overarching goal is to strengthen the institutional capacities of local government institutions to deliver effective employment services and support women's economic empowerment in Moldova.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including: conducting a capacity needs assessment to identify gaps in existing training materials and institutional practices related to gender equality; designing a comprehensive training program that covers essential topics such as social inclusion strategies, addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, and prevention of violence; organizing and facilitating a series of interactive workshops and training sessions for TEOs, social assistance services, and professional training providers; providing follow-up support and guidance to ensure the practical application of new knowledge; and preparing a final report summarizing the capacity-building activities, participant feedback, and recommendations for further development. The consultant will also be expected to document good practices and lessons learned for institutional use, ensuring that the training is tailored to the specific needs of the participants.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in law, political sciences, social sciences, public administration, or related fields. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting capacity building, training, or advisory work related to gender equality and social inclusion is required. Experience working with national institutions on gender mainstreaming within policies and regulations is essential, as is at least 2 years of experience working with vulnerable groups, particularly in the field of gender equality. Familiarity with monitoring legislative processes and organizing awareness campaigns on women's rights and social protection is also required. Experience working with government institutions, UN agencies, and civil society organizations in Moldova is considered an asset, as is experience with NEET individuals, women with children, and persons with disabilities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as law, political sciences, social sciences, or public administration. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender equality and social inclusion, as well as for developing effective training programs and materials.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in capacity building, training, or advisory roles focused on gender equality and social inclusion. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with national institutions to promote gender mainstreaming and should possess experience in engaging with vulnerable groups. This experience is vital for effectively addressing the specific challenges faced by women in Moldova, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Languages:
Fluency in Romanian and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication, training delivery, and the preparation of reports and training materials. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing outreach and engagement with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
The assignment is expected to last for a period of 7 months, with a potential for extension based on performance and the needs of national counterparts. The consultant will be required to travel to various regions in Moldova to conduct training sessions and gather data. Financial arrangements will include compensation for transportation costs, and all travel must be coordinated with UN Women. The consultant's performance will be evaluated based on criteria such as timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and quality of deliverables. The reports and deliverables must be prepared in English, with technical documents potentially developed in Romanian as needed.