National Consultant

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. It merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender issues. 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. The organization works in numerous countries, engaging in various initiatives to promote women's rights and gender equality.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant position is integral to a joint project between UN Women, UNFPA, and OHCHR, aimed at enhancing youth civic participation in Liberia. The project focuses on the digitalization of youth and women-led informal platforms to facilitate meaningful engagement in political dialogues and decision-making processes. The consultant will work closely with youth groups and stakeholders to create a simplified version of the National Youth Policy, ensuring it is accessible and understandable for young people. This role is crucial in promoting youth empowerment and inclusion in governance, particularly for marginalized groups, by developing tools and strategies for effective community engagement and policy dissemination.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key tasks under the guidance of the UN Women Deputy Country Representative and the Programme Specialist for Governance, Peace & Security. These tasks include conducting a desk review of the National Youth Policy, engaging stakeholders to identify simplification priorities, facilitating consultative sessions to co-develop a youth-friendly policy version, and providing technical support to youth-led and women-led civil society organizations (CSOs). The consultant will also support the planning and implementation of regional workshops aimed at disseminating the revised policy and ensuring community feedback is integrated into the process. Timely submission of reports and deliverables is expected, including an inception report, stakeholder consultation summary, final abridged policy, and a comprehensive consultancy report.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of youth governance frameworks and experience in policy development, particularly in the context of youth and gender issues. They should demonstrate excellent facilitation skills and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including youth groups and civil society organizations. A proven track record in conducting workshops and community engagement activities is essential, along with the capacity to produce clear and accessible documentation. Familiarity with the National Youth Policy and its implications for youth empowerment in Liberia is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a Master's degree in social sciences, public policy, international development, or a related field is required. Candidates with a background in gender studies or youth development will be given preference. Additional certifications or training in facilitation, community engagement, or policy analysis will be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience in policy development, youth engagement, or gender equality initiatives. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of UN agencies, is highly valued. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and community groups.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all deliverables must be submitted in English. Proficiency in local languages spoken in Liberia is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication and engagement with community members.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, with potential local travel within Liberia required for stakeholder engagement and workshops. The consultancy is expected to last until May 2026, with deliverables due at specified intervals. The consultant will be compensated based on the completion of deliverables, and UN Women will cover travel costs in accordance with its policies. The position emphasizes the importance of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, aligning with UN Women's core values.