Social Policy Consultant

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 consolidates the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender issues. UN Women operates globally, advocating for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving gender equality in various sectors including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting mutual respect and equality in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Social Policy Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Jamaica by conducting a National Care Systems Assessment. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of social protection, gender equality, and care systems, particularly in the context of Jamaica's unique socio-economic landscape. The consultant will be responsible for assessing the current care ecosystem, which includes both unpaid and paid care work, and will analyze the implications of social protection policies, labor policies, and family-friendly policies on gender equality and care responsibilities. The consultant will utilize a gender-responsive, rights-based, and intersectional approach to ensure that the assessment aligns with international standards and frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The role involves close collaboration with various stakeholders, including government ministries, civil society organizations, and community representatives, to gather insights and data necessary for the assessment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks including: conducting a policy, legislative, and institutional review relevant to care and social protection; mapping the care systems in Jamaica to identify key actors and services; performing a gender and intersectional analysis to understand how care responsibilities differ across demographics; analyzing the impacts of climate change and disasters on care needs; assessing opportunities to recognize and resource care work; facilitating stakeholder engagement through consultations; and developing actionable recommendations and a roadmap for strengthening Jamaica's national care system. The consultant will also be responsible for preparing various reports and presentations summarizing findings and recommendations throughout the assessment process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Social Policy, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Economics, Gender and Development, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. The consultant should have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields such as social policy, gender equality, and social protection. Experience in conducting national assessments and policy analyses is essential, along with a strong understanding of gender-responsive social protection and care systems. Familiarity with the SDGs and relevant international standards is also required.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. The educational background should ideally include studies related to social policy, gender studies, public health, or development studies, which are critical for understanding the complexities of care systems and social protection frameworks.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in social policy, gender equality, social protection, or related fields. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree must have at least nine years of experience. Demonstrated experience in conducting assessments, policy analyses, and stakeholder consultations is crucial. Experience working on care systems, unpaid and paid care work, and integrating gender-responsive approaches into policy design is also necessary. Familiarity with the Caribbean context, particularly Jamaica, is highly desirable, as is experience in analyzing climate resilience and disaster risk management from a gender perspective.

Languages:
Fluency in written and oral English is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, preparation of reports, and presentation of findings. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, with the possibility of conducting virtual consultations. The consultant may also be required to support in-person stakeholder consultations in Jamaica, depending on resource availability. The position is expected to adhere to UN Women’s values and competencies, including integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. The consultant will undergo rigorous reference and background checks as part of the selection process.