International Consultant for Innovative Financing for Gender Equality

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment globally. The organization combines resources and mandates from four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing exclusively on gender equality. UN Women operates in multiple countries, working towards the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and the achievement of gender equality as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization emphasizes the importance of financing gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognizing the need for collaboration among public and private sectors, donors, investors, and civil society to achieve these goals. UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting mutual respect and equality in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant for Innovative Financing for Gender Equality will play a crucial role in assessing the landscape of innovative financing in Ethiopia. This position involves mapping the current financing landscape, identifying feasible instruments for gender equality, and proposing strategies to engage with key stakeholders such as private investors and philanthropic organizations. The consultant will be responsible for providing strategic recommendations to enhance UN Women’s efforts in financing gender equality initiatives in Ethiopia. This role requires a deep understanding of innovative financing mechanisms and their application in the context of gender equality, as well as the ability to navigate the complexities of the Ethiopian financial landscape.

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

• Mapping the current landscape of innovative financing for gender equality in Ethiopia, focusing on regulatory frameworks, institutional environments, and key players.
• Identifying innovative financing instruments implemented in other African countries that could be adapted for Ethiopia, such as capital markets, sustainable banking, impact investing, and digital financing solutions.
• Analyzing best practices from other countries to inform recommendations for Ethiopia.
• Developing a strategy to enhance UN Women’s engagement with stakeholders, including private investors and international financial institutions.
• Strengthening existing partnerships and raising awareness about innovative financing opportunities.
• Providing a comprehensive analysis of barriers, opportunities, and capacity issues related to innovative financing for gender equality in Ethiopia.
• Delivering high-level recommendations and a roadmap for advancing innovative finance in the country.
• Leading dialogues with public and private sector players to disseminate findings and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in innovative financing, gender-responsive budgeting, and development finance. They should have proven expertise in gender equality and women’s empowerment, with the ability to integrate gender-responsive approaches into financing and policy instruments. The consultant should demonstrate extensive experience in landscape assessments, stakeholder mapping, and market diagnostics, particularly in developing or emerging market contexts. Additionally, they should have a track record of designing and implementing resource mobilization strategies and preparing strategic recommendations for diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree or equivalent in economics, finance, international development, gender/women’s studies, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related discipline is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible work experience is required, with at least 3 years at the international level in areas such as innovative financing, gender-responsive budgeting, or resource mobilization for development outcomes. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in gender equality and women’s empowerment, as well as experience in landscape assessments and stakeholder engagement.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The role requires the consultant to work with minimal supervision and to have strong resource mobilization skills. The position is expected to involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities, private sector organizations, and international financial institutions. The consultant will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures, including a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims of the organization.