Policy Specialist, Economic Empowerment

Policy Specialist, Economic Empowerment

UN Women

November 11, 2025December 26, 2025Panama CityPanama
UN Women About
In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. In doing so, UN Member States took an historic step in accelerating the Organization’s goals on gender equality and the empowerment of women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, which focused exclusively on gender equality and women’s empowerment: > Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW) > International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) > Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women (OSAGI) > United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) The main roles of UN Women are: > To support inter-governmental bodies, such as the Commission on the Status of Women, in their formulation of policies, global standards and norms. > To help Member States to implement these standards, standing ready to provide suitable technical and financial support to those countries that request it, and to forge effective partnerships with civil society. > To lead and coordinate the UN system’s work on gender equality as well as promote accountability, including through regular monitoring of system-wide progress.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the United Nations reform agenda to enhance gender equality and empower women globally. The organization aims to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, promote women's empowerment, 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. UN Women operates in multiple countries and regions, focusing on advancing women's economic empowerment and addressing structural barriers that hinder gender equality. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and competence, regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics.

Job Overview:
The Policy Specialist for Economic Empowerment will report to the Deputy Regional Director and will be responsible for overseeing the development of programs and resource mobilization strategies related to gender equality and women's economic empowerment. This role involves providing capacity building to various teams, establishing partnerships, and developing knowledge products that support economic empowerment initiatives. The incumbent will lead a team of 10 individuals and will play a crucial role in implementing UN Women's Strategic Plan for the Americas and the Caribbean, particularly in relation to the Tlatelolco Commitment, which aims to accelerate gender equality through comprehensive care systems and economic rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Oversee the development of regional and country programs focused on gender equality and women's economic rights, ensuring alignment with the Tlatelolco Commitment.
  • Provide capacity building support to Non-Physical presences, Country Offices, and Multi-Country Offices, including technical and policy support for project development.
  • Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with stakeholders, including donors and development partners, to advance gender equality initiatives.
  • Manage the resource mobilization strategy for women's economic empowerment, assisting field-based presences in securing funding for initiatives.
  • Oversee the design of initiatives related to gender equality and women's economic rights, producing relevant knowledge products and policy recommendations.
  • Perform additional duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the office and organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, development economics, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Specialized studies in gender are considered a distinct advantage. Candidates should have a strong understanding of gender equality and women's economic empowerment issues, particularly within the Americas and Caribbean region.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, development economics, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted if combined with relevant experience. Specialized studies in gender are advantageous.

Experience:
At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in designing and managing programs related to gender equality and women's economic empowerment is required. Experience in program and policy analysis, strategic planning, and partnership building with governments, donors, and civil society organizations is essential. Familiarity with the UN system and experience in the Americas and Caribbean region is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is mandatory. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is desirable, as well as familiarity with other UN official working languages such as Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. UN Women offers a competitive compensation package and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment.
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