Consultant for Women’s Financial and Economic Inclusion in Rural Egypt

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment globally. The organization merges the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. UN Women operates in multiple countries, including Egypt, and is committed to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between genders. The organization works closely with governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement international and national commitments related to gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women is dedicated to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on gender equality and Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth. The organization has a strong presence in Egypt, aligning its initiatives with the country's Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women (NSEEW).

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of microfinance associations in Egypt, particularly in relation to the 'Women’s Financial and Economic Inclusion in Rural Egypt' programme. This initiative aims to empower rural women economically by facilitating their access to financial services and promoting their participation in savings groups. The consultant will work closely with the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) to build the institutional capacities of microfinance institutions (MFIs) and develop gender lens investing mechanisms. The primary objective is to integrate financially marginalized women into the formal economy and financial market, thereby promoting sustainable development and economic growth. The consultant will be responsible for designing and delivering training materials, conducting capacity-building workshops, and ensuring that the financial products developed meet the needs of women in the Tahwisha programme. This position requires a deep understanding of gender issues, microfinance, and the socio-economic context of rural Egypt.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities will include:

• Conducting discussions with the FRA to assess the capacity needs of affiliated MFIs.
• Designing training materials focused on gender lens investing and gender-responsive evaluation for MFIs.
• Delivering capacity-building workshops for MFIs on gender-themed financial products, tailored to the needs of Tahwisha saving groups.
• Developing a work plan for MFIs to connect with Tahwisha segmented groups to extend financial and non-financial services.
• Collecting monitoring and evaluation data from the field, including attendance records and post-training evaluations.
• Collaborating with UN Women consultants and stakeholders to maximize impact and ensure synergy in efforts.
• Performing additional tasks as necessary to ensure sustainable impact and alignment with the programme's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in finance, social sciences, economics, gender development studies, 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. The position requires at least 7 years of progressively responsible work experience in economics and microfinance, including training skills. Familiarity with gender issues and development challenges in rural Egypt is essential, as well as a solid understanding of gender equality and women's economic empowerment. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with government partners, NGOs, MFIs, and community stakeholders, and possess excellent analytical skills with a strong drive for results.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as finance, social sciences, economics, or gender development studies. A first-level university degree may be considered if accompanied by sufficient relevant experience. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of gender issues and economic empowerment in the context of rural Egypt.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in economics and microfinance, with a focus on training and capacity building. Experience working with gender issues, particularly in rural contexts, is crucial. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with government entities, NGOs, and community stakeholders, demonstrating the ability to drive results and work independently.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Arabic is required for this position. Knowledge of additional UN official languages, such as French, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, meaning that there will be no travel required as part of the assignment. The position is designed to be flexible, allowing the consultant to work remotely while fulfilling the responsibilities outlined. The contract duration and specific compensation details are not specified in the job posting, but candidates should be prepared for a commitment that aligns with the project's objectives and timelines.