National Expert on Livelihoods Programming

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is an entity of the United Nations established in July 2010, dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. The organization was created as part of the UN reform agenda, merging the efforts of four distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men in all areas of life. The organization works with national partners, including governmental and non-governmental entities, to implement international and national commitments to women's rights and gender equality. UN Women is guided by strategic frameworks such as the Country Strategic Note 2023-2027 and the UN-Moldova Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, aiming to contribute to the gender-responsive implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on various impact areas including governance, economic empowerment, ending violence against women and girls, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Job Overview:
The National Expert on Livelihoods Programming will play a crucial role in advancing women's economic empowerment in Moldova, particularly for vulnerable groups. This position involves providing strategic guidance and technical support to enhance institutional capacities and improve the delivery of inclusive, gender-responsive services. The expert will focus on reviewing and advising on existing livelihoods programs, ensuring they align with gender equality commitments and national priorities. The role also includes contributing to awareness-raising initiatives aimed at addressing structural barriers to women's economic participation and facilitating coordination among local stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of livelihoods interventions. The expert will work under the supervision of the Gender Specialist for Women Economic Empowerment and Resilience, collaborating with various partners to promote women's access to quality employment and sustainable livelihoods.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Expert will be responsible for several key duties, including:

• Providing technical advisory support on the design and implementation of employment programs and livelihoods initiatives, ensuring alignment with international standards and national policy frameworks.
• Advising on integrating gender-responsive approaches throughout the livelihoods program cycle, from outreach to monitoring.
• Strengthening coordination among stakeholders involved in employment and livelihoods service delivery, including government agencies and local authorities.
• Developing practical tools and case studies to support the operationalization of inclusive approaches in daily work.
• Contributing to the design of awareness-raising campaigns focused on inclusive employment and women's economic empowerment.
• Preparing a final report summarizing the intervention, key results, and recommendations for further improvements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in law, gender studies, social sciences, labor, economics, public policy, international development, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in designing and analyzing policies or managing programs with a focus on labor market policies, livelihoods programming, social protection, and employment services. Experience in integrating national frameworks related to gender equality and inclusion of vulnerable groups is required, along with experience in designing awareness-raising initiatives related to inclusive employment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as law, gender studies, social sciences, labor, economics, public policy, or international development. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in policy design and analysis or program management, particularly in areas related to labor market policies, livelihoods programming, social protection, and employment services. Experience working with government institutions, UN agencies, or civil society organizations is considered an asset, especially if it involves working with vulnerable groups such as NEET women, women with children, and persons with disabilities.

Languages:
Fluency in Romanian and English is mandatory for this position. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is essential for preparing reports and engaging with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, with the possibility of extension based on performance and needs expressed by national counterparts. The assignment is expected to last for 8 months, starting in May 2026 and concluding in December 2026, unless extended. Payment will be made per day worked, contingent upon satisfactory performance and approval of deliverables. The consultant's fee may be payable in installments, and all travel costs will be covered by UN Women. The position emphasizes core values such as integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, and candidates are expected to adhere to UN Women's policies and standards of conduct.