Consultant on Gender Equality and Women Economic Empowerment

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA was founded in 1973 and operates in 17 member states across the Arab world. The organization focuses on various issues including gender equality, economic development, and social justice, working to translate global normative frameworks into actionable strategies tailored to the specific needs of the region. ESCWA employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by Arab countries, with a mission to foster inclusive and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting ESCWA's initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and women's economic empowerment in the Arab region. This position involves the development of various outputs including data collection tools, literature reviews, and knowledge products that will inform policy and programmatic actions. The consultant will be expected to engage in extensive research and analysis, contributing to national case studies and technical requests that address the barriers to women's economic participation. The role requires collaboration with governmental entities and stakeholders to facilitate dialogues and capacity-building workshops, ultimately aiming to enhance women's socio-economic status and promote gender justice in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a range of tasks including conducting desk reviews on gender equality topics, preparing data collection tools such as questionnaires and interview guides, analyzing data, drafting reports and papers, and organizing meetings with stakeholders. Specific duties include:

• Conducting thorough research and desk reviews to inform gender equality outputs.
• Developing and preparing data collection instruments for surveys and focus groups.
• Analyzing collected data and synthesizing findings into actionable insights.
• Drafting reports and other written materials according to established outlines.
• Preparing inputs for meetings and workshops, ensuring alignment with project objectives.
• Collaborating with ESCWA staff and external partners to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in social sciences, economics, gender studies, anthropology, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in socio-economic issues is required, along with demonstrated experience in preparing and reviewing publications or reports. Candidates should have a strong background in gender issues and women's economic empowerment, particularly within the context of the Arab region. Experience working with government entities is considered an asset, as is familiarity with the legal and policy frameworks affecting gender equality in the region.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, economics, gender studies, or anthropology is mandatory. Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications as part of the application process, and incomplete applications will not be considered.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of professional experience in socio-economic research and analysis, with a focus on gender issues and women's economic empowerment. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in the Arab region and engaging with governmental and non-governmental organizations on gender-related projects. Experience in drafting reports and publications is essential, as is the ability to conduct research and analysis effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the primary working languages of ESCWA. Proficiency in French is desirable but not mandatory. Fluency is defined as being able to speak, read, write, and understand the language at a high level, while knowledge of a language means being confident in at least two of the four language skills.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered on a local basis, meaning that candidates must have the legal right to live and work in Lebanon. The contract duration is expected to be 4 months, and the work will be conducted in a hybrid format, combining both in-office and remote work. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.