International Consultant - Lead Expert: Gender, Economy and Value Chain Analysis

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) 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 to ensure that every individual has access to reproductive health services and the ability to make informed choices about their lives. The organization is committed to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls, particularly in contexts affected by conflict and humanitarian crises. UNFPA's mission is guided by its Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, which aims to address complex global challenges and promote resilience and renewal through evidence-based policies and programs. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of ethical staff who uphold international norms and standards, ensuring transparency and excellence in program results.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant is critical in the context of 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 play a pivotal role in leading a comprehensive assessment that aims to shift the narrative around women in conflict-affected settings from one of vulnerability to one that recognizes their contributions as economic actors. The consultant will be responsible for quantifying women's economic contributions, leading market mapping, and conducting gender-responsive value chain analyses. The goal is to identify investment-ready opportunities that can enhance women's economic recovery and resilience in Sudan. The consultant will work closely with national consultants and various stakeholders to ensure the assessment's methodology is robust and aligned with the project's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The International Consultant will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Technical Leadership & Methodology Design: Refine the assessment methodology by integrating quantitative economic analysis with qualitative insights from the community. Lead the national consultant in developing tools and data collection methods that align with the analytical frameworks.
• Value Chain & Market Analysis: Conduct thorough mapping of women-led productive sectors and prioritize high-potential value chains, such as agriculture, livestock, food processing, and creative industries. Analyze barriers to women's economic expansion and estimate potential economic returns on targeted investments.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborate with IOM/DTM unit, institutional staff, and UN experts to ensure cross-functional input and regular coordination of project activities with the Advisory Office for Women and Children.
• Report Production & Deliverables: Synthesize data and draft the main narrative of the assessment, including the formulation of the Women's Economic Recovery Index (WERI) framework. Deliverables include comprehensive inception reports, mid-term progress reports, draft assessment reports, and finalized assessment reports with investment portfolios.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Development Economics, Gender Studies, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, or a closely related social science field. A PhD in a relevant field is considered an advantage. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in economic research, market systems development, value chain analysis, and women's economic empowerment. 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. Excellent analytical, drafting, facilitation, and communication skills are required, as well as knowledge of international gender equality and human rights standards.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in relevant fields such as Development Economics, Gender Studies, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, or related social sciences. Candidates with a PhD will have an advantage, particularly those with a focus on gender and development or international development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in areas such as economic research, market systems development, value chain analysis, and women's economic empowerment. Candidates should have a proven track record in leading research projects, collaborating with UN institutions, and engaging with government ministries and national stakeholders. Experience in post-conflict recovery contexts and a strong understanding of the economic landscape in Sudan are highly desirable.

Languages:
Candidates must have written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English at a professional level. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 120 days over a period of approximately 12 months. The consultant will be responsible for delivering several key reports and assessments throughout this period, including an inception report, mid-term progress report, draft assessment report, and a finalized assessment report with an investment portfolio. The role is full-time and requires a commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and ethical research practices. Compensation includes a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.