National Consultant for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Manual Development

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 resources and mandates of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing exclusively 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 as partners and beneficiaries of 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 ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and competence.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Manual Development will play a crucial role in embedding equity and inclusivity into Malawi's climate response. The consultant will be tasked with developing a National GESI Manual that aims to integrate gender-responsive approaches into Malawi's Climate Action work, particularly in the context of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 3.

• This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between gender equality and climate change, as well as the ability to provide practical guidance, tools, and frameworks to mainstream gender and social inclusion across climate policies, programs, and projects. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, and community groups, to ensure that the manual reflects the needs and perspectives of vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls who are disproportionately affected by climate change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including conducting a comprehensive desk review of relevant climate change, gender, and social inclusion policies; identifying gaps and opportunities for strengthening GESI integration; conducting stakeholder consultations and interviews; and developing a National GESI Manual that includes practical tools, training guidance notes, templates, indicators, and frameworks for implementation. The consultant will also be responsible for facilitating consultations and validation meetings, finalizing the GESI Manual, and ensuring that the process is inclusive and participatory. Deliverables will include an inception report, draft and final GESI Manual, training materials, and a final consultancy report summarizing the process and findings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Gender Studies, Climate Change, Environmental Sciences, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Economics, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a master's degree. Additionally, candidates should have at least 7 years of demonstrated experience in gender equality, social inclusion, climate change, or environmental governance. Experience in developing policy frameworks, training manuals, and engaging with various stakeholders is essential. Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies is also required, and experience working with Women Networks in Climate Action in Malawi is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as Gender Studies, Climate Change, Environmental Sciences, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or Economics is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a master's degree, indicating flexibility in educational requirements based on professional experience.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant experience in areas such as gender equality, social inclusion, climate change, and environmental governance. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing policy frameworks, training manuals, and engaging with government institutions, development partners, and civil society organizations. Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies is also necessary, along with a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality technical reports and policy documents that meet international standards.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the consultant will be required to produce reports and engage with stakeholders in English. Knowledge of local languages may be considered an asset, particularly for engaging with community stakeholders and ensuring inclusive participation in consultations.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, with the requirement for travel within Lilongwe for stakeholder consultations and validation meetings. The consultant will report directly to UN Women Malawi and will be expected to maintain high standards of technical quality in all deliverables. The consultancy will adopt a participatory and evidence-based approach, ensuring meaningful engagement of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups throughout the process. UN Women will provide overall technical oversight and coordination, while relevant government ministries and partners will contribute technical inputs and support the dissemination of the final GESI Manual.