International Consultant for Gender Analysis in Agriculture

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 merges the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. UN Women operates in multiple countries, working towards the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and the achievement of gender equality in various sectors including 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 equality in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for Gender Analysis in Agriculture involves providing technical expertise and guidance to UN Women in conducting an in-depth assessment of women's empowerment and inclusion in the agricultural sector in Moldova. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that the assessment aligns with the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) and its sub-indices, which measure various dimensions of women's empowerment in agriculture. The consultant will work closely with the contractor to develop a sampling strategy, validate methodologies, and ensure that the assessment captures the unique challenges faced by women in rural areas, particularly in relation to agricultural productivity and economic resources. The role requires a deep understanding of gender dynamics in agriculture and the ability to translate findings into actionable policy recommendations that promote gender-responsive practices in the agricultural sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key tasks: 1) Provide Technical Oversight and Validation of the AWEAI Methodology, ensuring compliance with international standards and guiding the contractor in developing a sampling strategy that reflects Moldova's agricultural realities. 2) Provide Quality Assurance During Data Collection and Analysis, monitoring the implementation of data collection, ensuring adherence to protocols, and conducting quality checks on the dataset. 3) Ensure Analytical Rigor and Coherence of Policy Recommendations, transforming findings into actionable recommendations for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAFI) and UN Women. 4) Provide Scientific Review of the Final Report, ensuring methodological integrity and supporting the communication of findings through presentations and public engagements. The consultant will also be responsible for mentoring the research team and ensuring that gender considerations are integrated throughout the research process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s level minimum) in fields such as Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Gender Studies, or related disciplines. They should have formal training or certification in WEAI or A-WEAI methodology, documented experience applying these methodologies in previous studies, and participation in relevant workshops. Additionally, candidates should have recognized certifications in gender analysis in agriculture, gender-responsive research design, and gender-transformative approaches. Strong knowledge of gender issues in agriculture and the ability to adapt methodologies to local contexts are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s level minimum) in relevant fields such as Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Rural Sociology, Public Policy with a focus on agriculture or gender, or Statistics/Applied Economics. Candidates should also have formal training or certification in WEAI or A-WEAI methodologies, as well as recognized certifications in gender analysis and gender-responsive research design.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible work experience in designing and implementing assessments, survey design, and analysis. Prior experience in promoting women’s empowerment and financial inclusion programs is essential, with at least one similar program implemented. Experience supporting vulnerable groups, economic development programs in agriculture, and collaborations with international organizations, particularly UN agencies, will be considered advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of Romanian or Russian, or any other UN official language, is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to communicate effectively in the local context and engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, meaning no travel is required unless specified, in which case the consultant will be compensated according to UN Women’s rules. The financial arrangements include full payment for services performed based on the number of days worked, with payments made upon certification of satisfactory performance. The consultant's performance will be evaluated based on criteria such as timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and quality of deliverables. UN Women emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs.