Government Partnership Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is the United Nations Entity for 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 on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment. The organization 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. UN Women China Country Office provides technical and financial assistance to innovative programs and strategies for gender equality and women's empowerment in China, working in partnership with governments, civil society organizations, UN agencies, donors, communities, and networks to advance gender equality.

Job Overview:
The Government Partnership Consultant will support the development, implementation, oversight, and management of UN Women’s partnership portfolio in China, focusing on the Government of China. This role involves leading the liaison, engagement, and communications with the Government to ensure alignment with UN Women’s corporate priorities, including the roadmap and workstreams on Beijing+30 and the Global Leaders’ Meeting. The consultant will provide technical guidance and advice to management and program teams regarding government partnerships, engagement tactics, and risk mitigation, addressing emerging issues and opportunities in promoting gender equality. The consultant will also contribute to annual work planning, resource mobilization, and internal knowledge management with a focus on government partnerships. This consultancy serves as maternity cover for the office’s Partnership Specialist and requires close collaboration with various UN Women colleagues and other UN agencies in China.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Enhance UN Women’s strategic partnerships with the Government of China (20%): Serve as the government liaison focal point, fostering and strengthening partnerships with key counterparts, including women’s federations and line ministries. Lead discussions with national stakeholders and UN agencies to advance UN Women’s portfolio on global partnerships and South-South Cooperation for gender equality. Act as the main technical focal point for strategic partnership and engagement with the Government in socializing UN Women’s Strategic Note for the China office. Support follow-up actions from the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women 2025 and Beijing+30 engagement in China.
• Advance and contribute to UN Women’s corporate resource mobilization efforts for South-South Cooperation funding (60%): Facilitate conversations between national stakeholders and UN Women, providing quality advisory and technical inputs to program formulation. Act as a liaison to other UN Women offices regarding Chinese donor funding for South-South Cooperation projects. Support the preparation and monitoring of donor agreements and track follow-up requirements. Develop local standard operating procedures for South-South Cooperation resource mobilization funding and strengthen internal knowledge management on funding opportunities.
• Enhance CO program delivery, results-based management, and risk management (20%): Provide guidance to the SSC for gender equality team to ensure meaningful engagements with stakeholders and successful delivery of annual activities. Offer technical support to program teams to enhance partnerships and risk management with government partners. Advise CO senior management on high-level engagements and keep track of follow-up actions on their behalf. Monitor CO’s annual priorities and key performance indicators regarding government partnerships.

Required Qualifications:

• Education and Certification: A Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, public administration, international relations, communications, women's studies, business management, or a related field is required. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject with 7 years of experience may be accepted.
• Experience: At least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience in partnership building, resource mobilization, and/or business development in emerging economies and complex contexts. Deep knowledge of the Chinese government and governance, along with past working experience in partnership development with the Government of China, is essential. Excellent analytical and advisory skills with a strong drive for results and the ability to work independently are required. Past experience with the UN and an understanding of the intergovernmental process is desired. A strong understanding of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment agenda is highly desired.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social sciences, public administration, international relations, communications, women's studies, or business management is required. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject with 7 years of experience may be accepted as an alternative qualification.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience in areas such as partnership building, resource mobilization, and business development, particularly in emerging economies and complex contexts. Candidates should have a deep understanding of the Chinese government and governance, as well as experience in partnership development with the Government of China. Experience with the UN and knowledge of intergovernmental processes are also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, along with a high command of the Chinese language. These language skills are essential for effective communication and partnership building with government stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is an office-based consultancy with work-from-home flexibility (twice a week). There is no expectation for official trips during the consultancy unless necessary, and any required travel will be arranged separately by the China office. The consultancy is a maternity cover for the office’s Partnership Specialist, and the consultant will work closely with UN Women colleagues across various program teams, UN Women regional and HQ, UN RC/O, and other UN agencies in China. The position emphasizes the importance of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, aligning with UN Women’s core values and competencies.