International Consultant to Develop the Background Paper and Common Africa Position for CSW 71

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 has a significant presence in various countries, working collaboratively with member states and stakeholders to ensure stronger gender perspectives in intergovernmental processes, particularly in Africa, where it engages with regional frameworks and commitments.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant will play a crucial role in developing a comprehensive background report on accelerating gender equality and women's empowerment in the context of the 2030 Agenda in Africa. This position requires the consultant to ensure that the report aligns with Africa's broader policy frameworks, including Agenda 2063 and the Maputo Protocol. The consultant will conduct extensive literature reviews and desk research on the priority themes of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 71), focusing on gender equality, climate change, and disaster risk reduction. The consultant will also support the drafting of agendas for expert and ministerial consultations and contribute to the development of the Common Africa Position Paper for CSW 71, which will include actionable recommendations. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the UN Women Special Representative to the AU and UNECA, ensuring that all outputs reflect the priorities and perspectives of member states and civil society.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities will include conducting a comprehensive literature review on the CSW 71 priority theme, identifying and mapping relevant organizations and experts, preparing a background document for Africa's pre-CSW 71 consultations, and ensuring that all outputs are aligned with continental frameworks. The consultant will also facilitate the incorporation of member state and civil society perspectives into the Common Africa Position, prepare reports capturing key points from consultations, and support the drafting of the Common Africa Position document. Additionally, the consultant will organize validation sessions for the background document and ensure that all findings are structured around the analytical clusters that highlight Africa's progress, gaps, and policy actions needed to accelerate implementation of gender equality.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or higher in social sciences such as gender studies, sociology, public administration, international relations, law, 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 consultant should have in-depth knowledge of gender equality and women's rights issues, particularly in the context of the 2030 Agenda and SDG implementation. Strong analytical skills and the ability to produce clear reports with strategic recommendations are essential, along with good communication and facilitation skills to foster networks and partnerships.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a Master's degree or above in relevant fields such as gender studies, sociology, public administration, international relations, law, or a related discipline. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender equality and women's empowerment within the framework of international development and policy analysis.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least 10 years of program experience in areas related to gender equality, women's empowerment, sustainable development, and policy analysis. This experience should include leading research and analytical work relevant to the pre-CSW 71 theme within the African region. Previous involvement in developing regional or continental policy frameworks, including advocacy documents, is highly desirable. Experience working with development agencies, the United Nations, or the African Union will be an advantage, as it demonstrates familiarity with the institutional landscape and policy processes in Africa.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to produce reports and engage in consultations primarily in English. Knowledge of French or any other UN official language is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, but it requires travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for expert and ministerial consultations. UN Women will cover travel costs in accordance with its travel policy. The position is expected to involve a significant amount of collaboration with various stakeholders, including member states and civil society organizations, to ensure that the Common Africa Position reflects a broad consensus and actionable priorities. The consultant will be expected to adhere to UN Women's values and competencies, including integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, while also demonstrating awareness and sensitivity regarding gender issues.