National Consultant - Gender Economy and Value Chain Analysis

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• The organization emphasizes the importance of gender equality and women's empowerment, particularly in the context of reproductive health and rights. UNFPA's mission is to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, which is reflected in their strategic plans and initiatives aimed at addressing complex global challenges.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in the project titled 'Women Architects of Recovery: Sudan Women's Economic Potential and Investment Opportunity Assessment.' This project is a joint initiative involving the UNFPA Sudan Country Office and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the International Lead Consultant and the UNFPA GBV Team Lead. The primary objective of this position is to conduct a comprehensive assessment that shifts the focus from viewing women solely as victims in conflict-affected settings to recognizing them as active economic contributors. The consultant will be responsible for quantifying women's contributions to local economies, conducting market mapping, and performing gender-responsive value chain analyses. This role is essential for formulating evidence-based recommendations that will guide investment opportunities and policy frameworks aimed at enhancing women's economic recovery in Sudan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will have a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the quantification of women's contributions to local and national economies in targeted states.
• Conducting market mapping and gender-responsive value chain analyses for sectors with high potential for women's economic involvement.
• Assisting in formulating evidence-based recovery financing recommendations and developing a pipeline of investment-ready opportunities.
• Contributing to the design of the assessment methodology, incorporating qualitative inputs regarding women's roles in the economy.
• Implementing the overall assessment methodology effectively.
• Evaluating the role of young women and youth-led enterprises in the economy and identifying opportunities to leverage the demographic dividend. The consultant will also be responsible for stakeholder coordination, leading field-level engagement with local government bodies, community leadership, and conducting qualitative interviews and focus group discussions with women entrepreneurs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in economic research, market systems development, value chain analysis, or women's economic empowerment, particularly within the context of Sudan. Proven expertise in conducting gender-responsive market and value chain analyses is essential, along with a strong understanding of post-conflict recovery dynamics and women's economic empowerment frameworks. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of Sudan's economic context, including informal economies and sectors such as agriculture, livestock, and manufacturing. Excellent analytical, drafting, facilitation, and communication skills are required, as well as a commitment to ethical research practices and working with vulnerable groups.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Development Economics, Agricultural Economics, Gender and Development, Business Administration, Public Policy, International Development, or a closely related field is required. A PhD in a relevant field will be considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5-7 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in economic research and women's economic empowerment initiatives. Candidates should have a proven track record in research design, field data collection, and collaboration with UN institutions and national stakeholders. Experience in conducting gender-responsive analyses and understanding the complexities of post-conflict recovery is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Candidates must possess written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English at a professional level. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and stakeholder engagement throughout the assessment process.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 120 days over a period of approximately 12 months. The consultant will work closely with the International Lead Consultant and is expected to align deliverables throughout the contract duration. The role offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, and integrity, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.