National Consultant-Leveraging the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) for gender-responsive skilling in ASEAN (Philippines national only)

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is an entity of the United Nations dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Established in 2010, UN Women works globally to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower them, and ensure their equal participation in decision-making. The organization operates in over 90 countries, focusing on various areas including women's economic empowerment, ending violence against women, and promoting gender-responsive policies. UN Women collaborates with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve gender equality and women's empowerment, aligning its initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in implementing the Gender Action Lab (GAL) project titled 'Empowering women through TVET: Leveraging the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) for a gender-responsive Twin Transition in ASEAN.' This position involves updating the Standard for In-Company Trainers in ASEAN Countries with a focus on gender responsiveness, particularly in the context of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The consultant will work closely with UN Women Philippines and other stakeholders to support the implementation of a WEPs Corporate Action Lab pilot, facilitating multi-stakeholder engagements and ensuring that gender equality principles are integrated into business practices. The consultant will also conduct analytical work to inform the development of a Challenge Brief and Concept Note for the pilot, aiming to enhance employment opportunities for women in the green and digital sectors through gender-responsive training systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive review and revision of the ASEAN Standard for In-Company Trainers, incorporating gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) considerations. This includes desk reviews, stakeholder consultations, and analysis of existing training materials.
• Develop a Challenge Brief and Concept Note for the Philippines Corporate Action Lab, assessing private sector and TVET linkages and generating evidence to inform gender-responsive skills development.
• Engage with ASEAN-level stakeholders to validate findings and share knowledge on gender-responsive TVET and labor market policies.
• Prepare analytical materials summarizing findings and present them at regional dialogues.
• Provide technical guidance during the Corporate Action Lab pilot, ensuring that learnings are integrated into final recommendations for the updated Standard.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in relevant fields such as education, labor economics, gender studies, development, public policy, or business. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in developing guidance for the private sector related to women’s empowerment and GEDSI.
• Strong expertise in gender-responsive training and skills development, particularly in relation to women’s job creation and employment.
• Experience working in international environments, particularly in ASEAN contexts, is preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as education, labor economics, gender studies, development, public policy, or business. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in developing practical guidance for the private sector related to women’s empowerment and GEDSI. Experience in training and skills development aimed at women’s job creation and employment is essential. Candidates should also have a strong background in developing gender-responsive training materials and providing technical support to private sector entities.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Tagalog is required. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of ASEAN member states.

Additional Notes:
The contract is home-based and spans from March 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, for a total duration of 10 months. The consultant may be required to travel within the Philippines for official meetings and participate in a study tour as part of the assignment. This position is categorized as an individual contract and is open to external applicants only.