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 in gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women merges and builds on 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 offices in multiple countries, including a significant presence in China, where it actively engages in various initiatives to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for documenting best practices and lessons learned from social organizations implementing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) initiatives in China. This role involves identifying, analyzing, and synthesizing approaches that contribute to institutional resilience, talent maintenance, resource mobilization, and sustainable development of GEWE-focused organizations. The consultant will conduct desk research, design research methodologies, map GEWE initiatives, conduct interviews and surveys, and analyze findings to produce comprehensive reports. The consultant will work closely with the EVAW Programme Analyst and relevant colleagues to ensure effective collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include conducting desk research to define GEWE initiatives from social organizations in China, designing research methodologies including interview and survey tools, mapping GEWE initiatives across China, conducting interviews and surveys to assess institutional needs, analyzing and documenting best practices, and drafting comprehensive reports summarizing findings and recommendations. Specific deliverables include an inception report, a draft report on GEWE initiatives best practices, and final deliverables including a bilingual report and a PowerPoint presentation for knowledge-sharing purposes. The consultant is expected to complete these tasks by specified deadlines, ensuring high-quality outputs that contribute to the understanding and promotion of gender equality in the local context.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in gender studies, sociology, international development, or a related social science field. 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 considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical, documentation, and synthesis skills, as well as proven experience in conducting qualitative research and stakeholder consultations. Excellent writing and reporting abilities in both English and Chinese are essential, along with a strong understanding of gender equality and women’s empowerment concepts.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in gender studies, sociology, international development, or a related social science field. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. Additional certifications or coursework in research methodology, gender analysis, or organizational development are advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in gender equality, women’s empowerment, or social development research is required, 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 working with or supporting civil society organizations engaged in GEWE-related initiatives is essential, as is a demonstrated understanding of the Chinese social organization ecosystem and gender equality policy landscape. Prior experience with UN agencies or international organizations is a valuable asset.

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 enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, requiring the consultant to collaborate closely with the EVAW Programme Analyst and participate in regular project meetings, seminars, workshops, and external meetings. The position emphasizes core values such as integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, and core competencies including awareness of gender issues, accountability, and effective communication. UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and adheres to a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.