Consultant for Developing Regional Policy Guideline on Care Systems

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. It merges the efforts 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 gender equality as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting mutual respect, and ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and competence.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be tasked with developing a regional policy guideline aimed at transforming care systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. This involves conducting comprehensive data collection and mapping analysis to establish a strong evidence base for the guideline. The consultant will work under the guidance of the Regional Policy Specialist on Women’s Economic Empowerment at UN Women and collaborate closely with the African Development Bank. The objective is to create a cohesive framework that supports policymakers in advancing the care economy, particularly in contexts of crisis and fragility. The guideline will emphasize the recognition, redistribution, reduction, rewarding, and representation of care work, ensuring that care systems are resilient and can withstand various shocks and disruptions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities include developing an inception report outlining the framework for transforming care systems, conducting data collection and mapping analysis of national and sub-national care policies, performing a comparative analysis of regional care guidelines, defining key components of a comprehensive care system, and drafting the policy guideline. The consultant will also be responsible for validating the policy guidance document with UN Women and AUC teams, updating the guidelines based on feedback, and submitting the final approved document. Deliverables include an inception report, data collection report, draft policy guidelines, a policy brief, and the final policy guidelines document.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in economics, gender studies, public policy, development studies, international relations, or a related field. A PhD is considered an asset. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A project/programme management certification such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP® is advantageous. Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in public policy development or policy analysis related to the care economy, gender-responsive public services, labor markets, or social protection.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as economics, gender studies, public policy, development studies, or international relations. A PhD is preferred but not mandatory. Additionally, a first-level university degree with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted as an alternative to the advanced degree. Certifications in project or program management are also beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant experience in public policy development or policy analysis, particularly concerning the care economy and gender-responsive public services. Candidates should have proven experience in developing guidelines for policymakers and working with governments, international organizations, or civil society on care economy strategies. Experience in producing high-quality policy briefs and guidance documents is essential, and familiarity with the socio-economic contexts of sub-Saharan Africa is an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French or any other UN official language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and resources.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The contract duration and specific payment schedules are not detailed in the job description. The consultant will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures, including a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct. Candidates must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.