National Consultant

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 work of four previously 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 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 actively involved in various countries, including Papua New Guinea, where it addresses severe gender inequality and advocates for women's rights and empowerment. UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and adheres to strict policies against discrimination and misconduct.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant position is focused on enhancing the capacity of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and relevant stakeholders in Papua New Guinea to effectively advocate for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE). The consultant will work closely with UN Women to strengthen the technical capacity of beneficiaries on reporting and implementing human rights recommendations related to gender-based violence (GBV) and sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV). The consultancy aims to empower HRDs and CSOs to utilize social accountability mechanisms and tools effectively, ensuring that interventions are aligned with international human rights standards and culturally sensitive. The consultant will be responsible for conducting capacity needs assessments, developing training modules, and providing mentorship to enhance the effectiveness of civil society in advocating for women's rights and addressing GBV.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will undertake several key tasks, including conducting a capacity needs assessment of CSOs and HRDs, focusing on their understanding of international human rights frameworks and national legal frameworks related to GBV and SARV. The consultant will facilitate technical sessions to identify gaps in referral pathways and address GBV through a rights-based lens. Additionally, the consultant will develop context-appropriate social accountability tools for GEWE, conduct training workshops, and provide mentorship to Women Human Rights Defenders. The consultant will also support advocacy efforts by facilitating the development of provincial and sectoral roadmaps for implementing human rights recommendations and conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) for selected HRDs and CSO representatives. The consultant will ensure that all deliverables are aligned with human rights principles and are accessible to marginalized groups.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in Law, human rights, gender/women’s studies, international development, social sciences, 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. The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in legal support for strengthening social accountability mechanisms, addressing gender equality, and women’s empowerment, with a strong focus on ending violence against women. Familiarity with international human rights mechanisms, national legal frameworks, and experience in facilitating events with diverse stakeholders are essential. Candidates should also have experience in building partnerships with civil society organizations and working with government institutions.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Law, human rights, gender/women’s studies, international development, or social sciences. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be considered. The emphasis is on advanced knowledge and understanding of gender issues, human rights frameworks, and legal mechanisms related to GBV and SARV.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in areas related to legal support, social accountability mechanisms, and gender equality advocacy. Candidates should have a strong focus on ending violence against women, particularly in community mobilization and movement building. Experience in identifying and tracking recommendations from international human rights mechanisms, as well as familiarity with the GEWE Policy 2026-2035 and related legislation in Papua New Guinea, is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience in facilitating high-level events and building partnerships with civil society organizations.

Languages:
Excellent verbal and written proficiency in English is mandatory. Proficiency in Pidgin (PNG) is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to begin on July 1, 2026, and conclude by December 31, 202

• The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative and will receive technical guidance from UN Women’s CSO Technical Specialist. The consultant will be required to conduct regular briefings on progress and will be supported by the UN Women PNG team during fieldwork. Payment will be disbursed upon submission and approval of deliverables, and UN Women will cover the costs of fieldwork, including travel. 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.