International Consultant on Women’s Economic Empowerment

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The organization was created as part of the UN reform agenda, merging resources and mandates from four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women is dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women globally, working to eliminate discrimination and achieve equality between women and men in all areas of life. The organization leads and coordinates efforts within the United Nations system to ensure that gender equality commitments are realized, providing strong leadership and fostering partnerships with civil society and other stakeholders. UN Women operates in multiple countries and has a significant presence in the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to gender equality, decent work, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant on Women’s Economic Empowerment will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Gender Action Lab (GAL) under UN Women’s Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) unit. This position involves working closely with the Programme Specialist for Women’s Economic Empowerment and the Regional Lead on WEE and Migration. The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks that include providing technical support for WEE programming, particularly the GAL, contributing to research and knowledge production, and assisting in organizing multi-stakeholder events. The consultant will also engage in resource mobilization efforts and support partnerships with private sector stakeholders to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment. The role requires a strong understanding of women’s economic empowerment, particularly in the context of private sector action, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Providing technical support to the WEE programming and the Gender Action Lab, including drafting terms of reference, briefing notes, and concept notes.
• Supporting the substantive aspects of the 2026 Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards, including application review, judging panel recruitment, and event coordination.
• Assisting the WEPs Asia-Pacific Secretariat with outreach materials and quality assurance for applications.
• Conducting research and analysis for knowledge products and reports related to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
• Developing communication materials and campaigns to promote gender-responsive business conduct.
• Supporting resource mobilization efforts by mapping potential partnerships and contributing to relationship management.
• Assisting in the planning and management of multi-stakeholder events and forums.
• Monitoring and reporting on GAL activities, including data collection and analysis.
• Coordinating activities for the WEE Asia-Pacific Community of Practice.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in international development studies, Gender/Women’s Studies, Economics, or related fields. A first-level university degree in similar fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The consultant must have at least one year of relevant experience in programme support within international development projects, particularly focusing on gender and women’s economic empowerment. Strong knowledge of women’s economic empowerment in the context of private sector employment is essential, along with proven experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder regional events and developing tailored communications for a private sector audience. Experience with UN Women or other UN agencies is an asset, as is familiarity with the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). Proficiency in digital design tools is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in international development studies, Gender/Women’s Studies, Economics, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in similar fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender issues and economic empowerment.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least one year of relevant experience in programme support, particularly in the context of international development projects focused on gender and women’s economic empowerment. This experience should include a strong understanding of the private sector's role in advancing gender equality and the ability to support the conceptualization and delivery of multi-stakeholder events. Experience working with international donors and familiarity with the Asia-Pacific region are also advantageous.

Languages:
Strong proficiency in English is mandatory, with other UN languages considered an asset. The consultant must possess strong analytical writing skills suitable for diverse audiences, including private sector stakeholders and development partners. A writing sample may be required to assess these skills.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is office-based in Bangkok, Thailand, with the possibility of travel as part of the official duties. UN Women will cover one round trip air ticket from the consultant's original country to Bangkok. The consultant will receive a monthly rate upon submission of progress reports approved by the supervisor. 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.