National Consultant for Gender-Responsive EU Accession Process

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is a global champion for gender equality, established in 2010, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls and to empower them. The organization operates in over 100 countries, advocating for women's rights and gender equality through various programs and initiatives. In North Macedonia, UN Women implements the program 'Promoting Gender Responsive Governance in North Macedonia,' funded by Sweden, focusing on aligning national legislation and policies with EU Gender Equality standards.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive Roadmap for a Gender-Responsive EU Accession Process in North Macedonia. This role involves conducting in-depth analyses of existing gender policies, stakeholder consultations, and aligning national frameworks with EU standards. The consultant will work closely with UN Women and national counterparts to ensure that gender equality is systematically integrated into all stages of the EU accession process. The position requires a strategic approach to policy development, with a focus on enhancing women's participation in decision-making processes related to EU integration.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a desk review and analytical assessment of relevant EU accession frameworks, national legislation, and gender equality mechanisms.
• Analyze existing Gender GAP analyses across various sectors and assess women's representation in EU accession negotiation teams.
• Map key stakeholders involved in the EU accession process and facilitate inclusive consultations to gather inputs and validate findings.
• Develop a comprehensive Roadmap for a Gender-Responsive EU Accession Process, identifying priority areas and concrete actions for integrating gender equality across negotiation clusters.
• Prepare a draft Roadmap and present it for feedback, incorporating comments to finalize the document.
• Submit a final report summarizing activities, key findings, and recommendations for strengthening institutional capacities for gender-responsive EU accession.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in gender studies, European studies, law, public policy, political science, international relations, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of proven experience in gender equality, gender mainstreaming, and EU accession processes is required. Demonstrated knowledge of the EU acquis communautaire and enlargement methodology is essential, along with strong analytical, drafting, and communication skills. Previous experience working with UN Women or other UN agencies is an advantage.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as gender studies, European studies, law, public policy, political science, or international relations is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender equality and EU integration processes.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of proven experience in gender equality, gender mainstreaming, and EU accession processes. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the EU accession process and experience in policy analysis and strategic planning, particularly in developing roadmaps or action plans. Previous work with UN Women or similar organizations will be considered an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in Macedonian is mandatory, and proficiency in English is required. These language skills are essential for effective communication and drafting of policy documents in both languages.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be engaged on a contractual basis, with deliverables expected to be submitted in Macedonian language in editable electronic Word format. The position is based in Skopje, North Macedonia, and involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government institutions and civil society organizations. The timeline for deliverables includes an inception report by 20 March 2026, an analytical assessment by 3 April 2026, a draft roadmap by 24 April 2026, and a final roadmap and report by 7 May 2026.