Gender Expert

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. The organization merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM, which focused on gender equality. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men in various sectors including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. In Liberia, UN Women is focused on advancing gender equality and women's empowerment through its 2026–2030 Strategic Note, which emphasizes support for human capital development, governance, and peace and security. The organization aims to strengthen gender-responsive institutions and enhance women's leadership in the country.

Job Overview:
The Gender Expert position is a consultancy role that involves providing high-level technical, strategic, and coordination support to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Liberia. The primary objective of this consultancy is to strengthen the Ministry's capacity to mainstream gender equality across its policies, systems, staffing, planning, budgeting, and diplomatic practices. The Gender Expert will work closely with the MFA and UN Women to implement the recommendations from the Gender Equality Assessment and lay the institutional foundations for Liberia's Gender-Responsive Foreign Policy (GRFP). This role requires a deep understanding of gender issues, institutional reform, and the ability to engage with various stakeholders to promote gender equality as a core governance priority.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide high-level technical and advisory support to MFA leadership and the Gender Desk to position gender equality as a core institutional reform and governance priority.
• Strengthen internal coordination and implementation follow-up across relevant departments, missions, and units of the Ministry.
• Support alignment of MFA institutional priorities, systems, and processes with national gender equality frameworks, international commitments, and UN Women strategic priorities.
• Lead the design and implementation of a structured institutional capacity development approach for MFA personnel on gender equality, GRFP, women’s leadership, and prevention of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse.
• Advance strategic initiatives that promote women’s leadership, representation, and visibility in Liberia’s diplomatic and foreign service structures.
• Support the establishment and strengthening of institutional platforms, networks, and partnerships, including initiatives such as the Women and Diplomacy Network.
• Provide strategic technical inputs for national, regional, and global policy engagements related to feminist foreign policy, women in diplomacy, and inclusive governance.
• Ensure that GRFP commitments are integrated into broader Ministry reform processes, diplomatic practice, and institutional accountability mechanisms.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's degree or equivalent in gender studies, international relations, public policy, human rights, law, social sciences, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in gender mainstreaming, institutional capacity development, or gender-responsive governance, preferably in a government or intergovernmental setting.
• Experience of providing technical advisory services to government ministries or public institutions on gender equality is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of gender-responsive foreign policy and/or Women, Peace and Security frameworks is strongly desirable.
• Previous experience working in the UN system is an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in fields such as gender studies, international relations, public policy, human rights, law, social sciences, or a related area. In cases where candidates possess a first-level university degree, they must also have two additional years of qualifying experience to be considered for the role. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of gender issues and the institutional frameworks necessary for effective policy implementation.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as gender mainstreaming, institutional capacity development, or gender-responsive governance. This experience should preferably be within a government or intergovernmental context, where the candidate has provided technical advisory services to government ministries or public institutions on gender equality. Familiarity with gender-responsive foreign policy and Women, Peace and Security frameworks is strongly desirable, as is previous experience working within the UN system, which would provide valuable insights into the operational dynamics of international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the UN system and in Liberia. Additionally, knowledge of a local language in Liberia would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the Gender Expert's initiatives.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is office-based in Monrovia, Liberia, specifically at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The duration of the assignment is from mid-May 2026 to December 31, 202

• The consultant's performance will be evaluated based on various criteria including timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and quality of deliverables. Financial arrangements include monthly payments upon submission and approval of outputs, timesheets, and certification by UN Women’s Partnerships and Coordination Specialist. The role requires adherence to UN Women’s policies and procedures, including a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the organization's aims and objectives.