International Consultant for Women's Economic Empowerment Pacific Programme

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 is dedicated to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between women and men. UN Women operates with a universal mandate that includes normative, operational, and coordination roles, working closely with Member States and various stakeholders to ensure that gender equality commitments are translated into action. The organization has a significant presence in the Pacific region, particularly through its Fiji Multi-Country Office, which collaborates with over 20 UN agencies across 14 countries, including Fiji, Samoa, and Vanuatu. UN Women's mission is to support governments in delivering on their gender equality commitments as part of the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on areas such as ending violence against women and girls, women's economic empowerment, and governance and participation in public life.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant will conduct a multi-country Situational Analysis to inform the design of a Women’s Economic Empowerment Pacific Programme covering Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. The primary focus will be on the informal economy, while also considering relevant aspects of the formal economy. The consultant will review current legal and policy frameworks, strategic plans, and implementation mechanisms that influence women's economic participation. The analysis will identify and map key stakeholders, including national and local governments, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations. The Situational Analysis will be conducted in two phases: the first phase will involve comprehensive evidence-gathering and diagnostic analysis, while the second phase will translate findings into actionable policy recommendations and programmatic strategies. The consultant will work under the supervision of the UN Women Representative and the M4C Regional Programme Manager, ensuring that all deliverables are provided in English, unless otherwise specified.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a foundational analysis that explores various dimensions affecting women's economic empowerment in the Pacific region. This includes examining drivers of informality, reviewing the policy and legal environment, assessing the enabling environment for women's entrepreneurship, identifying sectoral opportunities, analyzing climate resilience and risk, and reviewing government priorities and policy choices. The consultant will also identify and map key actors and ongoing initiatives supporting gender-inclusive, climate-resilient economic development. Expected deliverables include an inception report, a draft Situational Analysis Report, a draft Policy and Programme Recommendations Report, and a final consolidated report package. The consultant will engage with stakeholders throughout the process and ensure that all findings and recommendations are presented effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s equivalent or higher) in Social Science, Public Policy, Economics, Gender Studies, Sociology, Law, 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 consultant should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in conducting gender and economic studies, particularly in women's economic empowerment, with a strong understanding of the informal economy. A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in conducting situational analyses or similar assessments is required, along with proven experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams and engaging with government institutions, UN agencies, and civil society organizations. Strong expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies is essential, as well as the ability to analyze policies and strategies related to gender equality and women's rights.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s equivalent or higher) in relevant fields such as Social Science, Public Policy, Economics, Gender Studies, Sociology, Law, or Development Studies is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least 10 years of professional experience in gender and economic studies, particularly in women's economic empowerment, with a strong understanding of the informal economy. A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in conducting situational analyses or similar assessments is required, along with a proven track record in leading multi-disciplinary teams and engaging with various stakeholders, including government institutions and civil society organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of Pacific languages is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with local stakeholders and communities effectively.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy assignment will be home-based, with expected travel to the Pacific Island countries as needed. The contract duration is set for a total of 120 working days over a period of 5 months, starting in March 2026 or as soon as possible. The consultant is expected to allocate a minimum of 40% of their effort to the Markets for Change (M4C) project during the contract period. Payments will be made in instalments upon the submission and approval of deliverables, and the consultant will be evaluated based on timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and quality of the products delivered. UN Women will cover the air ticket cost for the consultant to the duty station and back to their home country at the end of the assignment, up to a maximum of USD $5,000.00.