National Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. It was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women merges and builds upon the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues. The organization operates globally, working towards the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between women and men. Its mission aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. UN Women has a presence in multiple countries, engaging in various initiatives to promote women's rights and gender equality.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in the coordination and implementation of the Programme titled 'Strengthened Legislative and Policy Ecosystem for Gender Equality in India.' This position involves working closely with elected representatives and various stakeholders to advance women's leadership in public and political life. The consultant will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the programme, ensuring its effectiveness and alignment with UN Women's objectives. The role requires a strategic approach to engage with stakeholders, develop research briefs, and support capacity-building initiatives aimed at empowering women leaders. The consultant will also be tasked with monitoring and reporting on the programme's progress, preparing necessary documentation for donors, and ensuring that the programme's goals are met through effective collaboration and communication.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant's duties include leading the strategy for stakeholder engagement, providing technical and operational support throughout the programme's lifecycle, and coordinating with team members to set priorities and implementation plans. The consultant will support the capacity-building of women leaders in public and political life, mainstreaming gender in governance, and developing strategic intervention briefs. Responsibilities also encompass organizing project reviews, drafting donor reports, and preparing aggregate delivery reports. The consultant will be expected to document progress, partnerships, best practices, and lessons learned, ensuring that all activities align with the programme's objectives and UN Women's standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of women's rights and gender equality issues, particularly within the context of the Indian governance system. They should have the ability to advocate for policy changes and manage teams effectively. The role requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to interact with high-level decision-makers. Familiarity with UN Women’s processes and procedures is essential to ensure the quality of activities undertaken in this role. The consultant should also demonstrate a successful track record in promoting gender equality initiatives and managing development programs.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in Public Administration, Gender Studies, Social Sciences, or equivalent qualifications from recognized institutions is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of gender issues and governance, enabling the consultant to contribute effectively to the programme's objectives.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of professional experience in research, data analysis, and policy analysis related to gender equality and women's rights. Candidates should have substantial knowledge and expertise in gender data and research, as well as demonstrated experience in initiatives aimed at women's empowerment and political participation. Experience in working with the Indian Parliament or State Assemblies is considered an asset, as it provides valuable insights into the legislative processes and governance structures relevant to the programme.

Languages:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Hindi are mandatory. Proficiency in any other Indian language is also desirable, as it enhances the consultant's ability to communicate research findings and engage with diverse audiences effectively.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time consultancy position, and the consultant is expected to use their own computer equipment, as the office will not provide any. The consultant must disclose any outside activities and is not permitted to engage in outside work during the assignment. The evaluation and selection process will include a review of qualifications, relevant experience, and interviews. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs.