Consultant for Gender Responsive Budgeting

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is dedicated to 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 issues. UN Women merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. The organization operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men. UN Women works in various countries, including Moldova, where it implements strategic plans aligned with national and international frameworks to promote gender equality and women's rights.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Gender Responsive Budgeting will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the EVOLVE4GE project, which aims to enhance gender-responsive governance in Moldova. This position involves conducting gender analyses of budget sub-programs within the Ministry of Energy and providing mentorship to various ministries on gender-responsive budgeting practices. The consultant will work closely with a team of experts to assess budget allocations, identify gender disparities, and formulate actionable recommendations to improve gender responsiveness in public finance management. The consultant's work will contribute to the broader goals of the UN Women’s Country Strategic Note and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on empowering women and ensuring their rights are prioritized in governmental policies and budgets.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's primary responsibilities include conducting gender analysis of selected budget sub-programs, particularly within the Ministry of Energy. This involves examining budget allocations, assessing gender responsiveness, identifying gender disparities in service access, and formulating recommendations to enhance gender responsiveness. The consultant will also consolidate findings into detailed reports, assist in capacity-building activities, and provide mentorship to up to five other ministries. Regular communication with the Project Officer on Gender Responsive Governance is essential to ensure progress and address any challenges that may arise during the assignment. The consultant will be expected to deliver a series of reports and recommendations throughout the project timeline, culminating in a final report that integrates all findings and analyses.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in public administration, social studies, sociology, gender studies, international relations, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. The consultant should have at least two years of experience in drafting policies, reports, or guidelines related to gender analysis and budgetary programs. Experience in research and policy analysis is also required, along with familiarity with central government finance policies and processes. Previous experience working with international organizations is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in relevant fields such as public administration, social studies, sociology, gender studies, or international relations is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted with additional qualifying experience. This educational background is essential to ensure the consultant has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively analyze gender-responsive budgeting and public finance management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in drafting and writing policies, reports, or guidelines, particularly in the context of gender analysis and budgetary programs. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of experience in research and policy analysis. Experience with central government finance policies and processes, including medium-term budgeting programs, is considered advantageous. Previous work with international organizations will also be beneficial for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in written and verbal Romanian and English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of the Russian language is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with various stakeholders in Moldova.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, meaning no travel is required for the assignment. The consultant will work under the overall coordination of the EVOLVE4GE Project Manager and will report to the Project Officer on Gender Responsive Governance. Payments will be made upon certification by UN Women that the deliverables have been satisfactorily completed. The consultant is expected to maintain regular communication regarding the progress of deliverables and to inform UN Women of any unforeseen challenges that may arise.