National Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is an organization grounded in the vision of equality as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Established to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, UN Women works towards the empowerment of women and the achievement of gender equality as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization operates globally, with a focus on various initiatives that promote gender equality, including partnerships with governments and private sectors. UN Women has a significant presence in multiple countries, working collaboratively to foster inclusive economies and empower women across different regions.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant position is integral to the Gender Action Lab (GAL) initiative, which is a partnership between UN Women and the Government of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The consultant will be responsible for identifying key thematic areas that align with the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and establishing a foundation for initiating additional WEPs Corporate Action Labs in the Philippines. This role involves engaging with various stakeholders, including government officials, private sector actors, and civil society, to assess gaps in action and explore opportunities for advancing gender equality. The consultant will contribute to the development of challenge briefs that articulate thematic issues and propose actionable solutions, thereby supporting the overall mission of GAL to drive transformative change in the private sector and empower women in the workforce.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key tasks, including drafting 1-2 challenge briefs that clearly articulate thematic issues, conducting stakeholder consultations and key informant interviews to assess gaps in action, and coordinating with stakeholders across the private and public sectors. The consultant will also ensure that the challenge briefs reflect gender-responsive strategies and actions, incorporating insights from consultations and feedback from UN Women and stakeholders. Additionally, the consultant will provide technical support to UN Women’s Women’s Economic Empowerment portfolio, facilitating information sessions and supporting events related to GAL and innovation labs. The expected outputs include stakeholder mapping, progress reports, and documentation of activities related to WEPs and GAL.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in gender/women's studies, international development, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. The position requires at least one year of progressively responsible work experience in the Philippines, specifically in private sector engagement, research, or gender equality. Experience in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), sustainability, or gender equality is essential, along with experience in conducting research and analysis relevant to women’s economic empowerment.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in gender/women's studies, international development, or a related field is required for this position. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree if accompanied by relevant experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender issues and the socio-economic factors affecting women's empowerment.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of progressively responsible work experience in the Philippines, particularly in areas related to private sector engagement, gender equality, or women’s economic empowerment. Candidates should have experience in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as well as a strong understanding of the private sector landscape and its role in promoting gender equality. Experience in conducting research and analyzing trends relevant to women's economic empowerment is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Filipino is required for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for conducting research and consultations. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultant is expected to work remotely and may need to report to the UN Women office as required. The position may involve official travel outside the duty station, with reimbursement for transportation and meeting-related costs in accordance with UN Women’s policies. The contract duration is from February 28, 2026, to December 30, 2026, with expected outputs due every 30th of the month. UN Women emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.