National Consultant for Private Sector Engagement

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is a United Nations entity established in July 2010, dedicated to 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, merging the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender equality. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve gender equality as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. In Nepal, UN Women aims to support national stakeholders in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment through its Strategic Note (SN) 2023-2027, focusing on women's leadership, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and the transformation of gender discriminatory norms. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including government, civil society, and the private sector, to implement its initiatives effectively.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Private Sector Engagement will play a crucial role in promoting the implementation of Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and gender-responsive procurement among private sector actors in Nepal. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Programme Specialist and closely coordinate with the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) programme team. The primary objective is to strengthen UN Women’s engagement with the private sector to enhance market linkages for women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The consultant will be responsible for mapping potential private sector partners, providing technical support for WEPs implementation, and facilitating capacity development sessions. The role requires a strong commitment to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, as well as the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include identifying and mapping potential private sector actors at both national and provincial levels, engaging with businesses and industry associations to promote WEPs adoption, and holding meetings to identify opportunities for private sector engagement. The consultant will also develop a business case for private sector engagement with women-led MSMEs, provide technical support for WEPs implementation, and design orientation sessions for potential WEPs signatories. Additionally, the consultant will convene WEPs platforms for signatories and private sector actors, promote gender-responsive procurement by developing orientation packages and conducting sensitization sessions, and support the organization of the Ring the Bell event. Deliverables will include analytical reports, evidence of WEPs tools adapted for the Nepali context, and documentation of multi-stakeholder dialogues and advocacy events.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong commitment to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, along with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. They should demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and maintain effective working relations with diverse stakeholders. The consultant should have strong communication skills, the ability to handle confidential information, and conflict management skills. Partnership development and negotiation skills are also essential for this role.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in economics, Business Administration/Management, Agri-economics, enterprise development, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to engage effectively with the private sector and support women’s economic empowerment initiatives.

Experience:
At least five years of professional experience in private sector engagement, women’s entrepreneurship, and market system facilitation is required. Candidates should have proven expertise in building private sector partnerships, CSR/ESG initiatives, and/or gender-responsive procurement. A strong understanding of local market systems, SME development, and inclusive value chains is essential. Familiarity with the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and gender equality frameworks is considered an added value. Experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and development partners, is also necessary. Experience with the UN system is a considerable asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Nepali is required for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and engagement with various stakeholders in the private sector and government.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, with travel to provinces as needed. The position requires a strong commitment to UN Women’s values and competencies, including integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. 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 and objectives of the United Nations. Candidates must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.