National Consultant for Gender Mainstreaming in EU Accession Process

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance the impact of gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives. The organization merges the resources and mandates of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. In Ukraine, UN Women has been actively supporting national priorities related to women's political participation, gender-responsive public policy, and women's economic empowerment, particularly in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The organization is committed to mobilizing urgent and sustained action to advance gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, working closely with government authorities, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in providing sector-specific expert support for gender mainstreaming in the European accession process of Ukraine, particularly focusing on cluster 5, which includes resources, agriculture, and cohesion. This position requires close coordination with the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine, as well as other relevant stakeholders at both national and regional levels. The consultant will be responsible for reviewing policies and legislation relevant to specific EU negotiating chapters, developing recommendations for aligning Ukrainian legislation with EU gender equality standards, and providing policy advice on gender mainstreaming in the EU integration processes. The consultant will also prepare analytical briefs, presentations, and materials for public discussions and consultations on gender issues, engaging various stakeholders, including government, parliament, and civil society organizations. This role is essential for ensuring that gender considerations are integrated into the EU accession negotiations and that Ukraine adheres to EU gender equality laws and policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Supporting coordination and communication with relevant institutions in the government of Ukraine to identify priorities for gender mainstreaming in the EU accession processes.
• Reviewing policies and legislation relevant to specific EU negotiating chapters (cluster 5) and identifying areas for intervention in line with EU gender equality acquis.
• Developing recommendations and providing expert advice on aligning Ukrainian legislation with EU standards.
• Offering policy advice on gender mainstreaming in the EU integration processes and monitoring the alignment of Ukrainian legislation with EU acquis in chapters 11, 12, and 1
• Preparing analytical briefs, presentations, and other materials related to proposed amendments to national legislation.
• Facilitating public discussions, multistakeholder dialogues, and consultations on gender issues, engaging government, parliament, and civil society organizations.
• Developing a handbook on gender mainstreaming in agriculture and rural development.
• Contributing to the design and delivery of capacity-building and training activities for stakeholders on gender equality and EU integration.
• Reporting to the Programme Specialist and collaborating with the Programme Analyst on contract and payment issues.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced (Masters) degree in Law, Agriculture, Public Policy and Administration, Economics, European Studies, International Relations, Gender Studies, Social and Humanitarian Sciences, or related fields. Candidates must have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in agriculture and human rights or gender equality, governance, and public administration. Proven experience in providing legal support in agriculture and rural development to government institutions is essential. Previous experience with EU institutions and the accession process will be considered an asset, as will experience with UN Women and other UN agencies. A strong understanding of human rights, gender equality, and women's empowerment, along with national and international commitments in Ukraine, is crucial. Experience in coordinating and providing technical support for meetings and consultations with government authorities is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced (Masters) degree in relevant fields such as Law, Agriculture, Public Policy and Administration, Economics, European Studies, International Relations, Gender Studies, Social and Humanitarian Sciences, or related disciplines. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of gender mainstreaming in the context of EU integration and the specific legislative frameworks involved.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience following the completion of a Master's degree. This experience should be in fields related to agriculture, human rights, gender equality, governance, or public administration. Candidates should demonstrate proven experience in providing legal support to government institutions in the agriculture and rural development sector. Additionally, familiarity with the EU institutions and the accession process will be advantageous, as will experience working with UN Women or other UN agencies. A solid understanding of human rights, gender equality, and women's empowerment, as well as experience in coordinating meetings and consultations with government authorities, is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in both verbal and written English and Ukrainian is required for this position. Knowledge of any other UN official language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to international discussions on gender equality and EU integration.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is based in Kyiv and is classified as a partial office-based role. The position may involve official travel within Ukraine as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities outlined. UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.