Consultant for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Initiatives

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 focused on gender issues. The organization operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men. UN Women’s China Office in Beijing specifically focuses on enhancing women's economic empowerment, ending violence against women, addressing gender issues, and promoting gender equality through various initiatives and collaborations with stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in documenting best practices and lessons learned from social organizations implementing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) initiatives in China. This position requires the consultant to conduct comprehensive desk research to define GEWE initiatives and organizations, design research methodologies, and map GEWE initiatives across China. The consultant will also conduct interviews and surveys to assess institutional needs and identify enabling factors for sustainable development. The ultimate goal is to analyze and document best practices that address GEWE issues within the local context, culminating in a comprehensive report that summarizes findings, key lessons learned, and actionable recommendations. The consultant will be expected to prepare bilingual reports and presentations for knowledge-sharing purposes, ensuring that the findings are accessible to a wider audience.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct desk research to define GEWE initiatives and organizations from social organizations in China.
• Design research methodology, including interview and survey tools, in consultation with UN Women.
• Map GEWE initiatives led by social organizations across China.
• Conduct interviews and surveys to assess institutional needs and identify enabling factors for sustainable development.
• Analyze and document best practices that address GEWE issues within the local context, including five featured case studies.
• Draft a comprehensive report summarizing findings, key lessons learned, and recommendations.
• Prepare a bilingual (Chinese and English) final report, a two-page summary of findings and recommendations, and a PowerPoint presentation for knowledge-sharing purposes.
• Collaborate closely with the EVAW Programme Analyst and participate in regular project meetings, seminars, workshops, and external meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in gender studies, sociology, international development, or a related social science field is required.
• A bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a master’s degree.
• Certification or coursework in research methodology, gender analysis, or organizational development is an asset.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and synthesis skills.
• Proven experience in conducting qualitative research, data collection, and stakeholder consultations.
• Excellent writing and reporting abilities in both English and Chinese.
• Strong understanding of gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE) concepts.
• Familiarity with civil society organization (CSO) operations and institutional strengthening approaches.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining regular communication with the UN Women team.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in gender studies, sociology, international development, or a related social science field is required for this position. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a master’s degree. Additional certification or coursework in research methodology, gender analysis, or organizational development is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in gender equality, women’s empowerment, or social development research, particularly with civil society organization (CSO) engagement in China. Candidates should have a proven track record in documenting best practices, conducting case studies, and producing analytical reports. Experience in working with or supporting civil society organizations, especially those engaged in GEWE-related initiatives, is essential. A demonstrated understanding of the Chinese social organization ecosystem and gender equality policy landscape is also required. Prior experience with UN agencies or international organizations is considered an asset and may provide additional context for the role.

Languages:
Excellent command of written and spoken Chinese and English is required for this position. Knowledge of any other UN official language is considered an asset and may be beneficial in enhancing communication and collaboration within the international context of the role.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work location. However, the consultant is expected to closely collaborate with the EVAW Programme Analyst and participate in regular project meetings, seminars, workshops, and external meetings. Payment for the consultancy will be made following certification by UN Women that the services related to each deliverable have been satisfactorily performed and achieved by or before the specified due dates. The position emphasizes core values such as integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, and candidates are 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.