Consultant for Women’s Economic Empowerment Strategy

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment. It merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing on eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between genders. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to support the implementation of international standards and commitments related to gender equality. The organization works across various thematic areas, including women's leadership, economic empowerment, and ending violence against women, and has a significant presence in multiple countries, including Papua New Guinea.

Job Overview:
The consultant will lead the design of a comprehensive women's economic empowerment strategy aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2024-202

• This role requires a deep understanding of business development, women's financial inclusion, and social protection. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector partners, and civil society organizations, to ensure the successful implementation of UN Women programs. The position emphasizes the importance of addressing barriers to women's economic participation and developing strategies that foster partnerships to enhance gender equality in the economic sphere.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key deliverables: 1) Designing and developing a program strategy and presentation package on women's economic empowerment, which includes mapping ongoing UN Women programs and identifying opportunities for strategic interventions. 2) Creating an engagement strategy for the private sector to advance gender equality, which involves analyzing private sector actors and developing a partnership framework. 3) Conducting a gender financing models analysis to create tailored financing models that address the unique challenges faced by women in Papua New Guinea. The consultant will also be expected to facilitate consultations with stakeholders, draft reports, and provide recommendations for implementation frameworks and resource mobilization strategies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Economics, Business Studies, or Development Studies. A first-level university degree combined with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. A project/programme management certification is advantageous. The role requires strong competencies in program formulation, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as knowledge of entrepreneurship development and financial inclusion.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in Economics, Business Studies, International Relations, Development Studies, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. A project/programme management certification is considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the design, planning, implementation, and evaluation of development projects. Experience in informal economy engagement, micro, small, and medium enterprise (mSME) development, and financial inclusion is essential. Familiarity with the UN system and experience in coordinating with government agencies or donors is advantageous. Leadership experience is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, and working knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset. Proficiency in local languages may also be beneficial for effective communication with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time, with a focus on international recruitment. The consultant will work under the guidance of the Country Representative and will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and standards of conduct. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct. Background checks will be conducted to verify credentials and employment history.