Consultant for Gender-Responsive Budgeting

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. The organization merges the resources and mandates of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing on the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and the achievement of equality between women and men. UN Women operates globally, with a significant presence in West and Central Africa, where it addresses the challenges faced by women in these regions, particularly in terms of economic participation and access to resources. The organization collaborates with government partners and stakeholders to develop gender-responsive economic policies and supports capacity building to advocate for gender equality. UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and competence, regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) involves providing advisory services to UN Women and its partners in West and Central Africa. The consultant will be included in the UN Women WCA GRB Roster, which facilitates the recruitment of experts in this thematic area. The role requires analyzing the progress and gaps in the GRB approach, mapping the emerging context for gender-responsive planning and budgeting, and providing technical assistance to governments. The consultant will also develop GRB strategies for local government institutions and lead capacity development sessions for various stakeholders. This position is crucial for ensuring that gender considerations are integrated into public financial management and budgeting processes, ultimately contributing to the empowerment of women and gender equality in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key activities, including: 1) Analyzing the current macroeconomic situation and the effectiveness of the GRB approach in target countries, identifying achievements and challenges. 2) Mapping the context for gender-responsive planning and budgeting, including reviewing national policies and exploring financing mechanisms for gender-related priorities. 3) Providing technical assistance to government ministries to mainstream gender in budgetary processes and ensure the implementation of gender equality commitments. 4) Developing GRB strategies for local government institutions to support the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 5) Creating training materials and leading capacity-building sessions for stakeholders on gender-responsive planning and budgeting. 6) Conducting gender analysis of budgets and public expenditures to inform policy and decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in economics, Gender and Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, Social Science, or a related field. A PhD in similar fields is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have at least 10 years of relevant experience in macroeconomics and gender, with a minimum of 7 years of proven experience in producing high-quality GRB analysis, providing policy advice, and conducting capacity-building initiatives. Experience in West and Central Africa is essential, along with a strong understanding of gender-responsive budgeting and its implications for economic policy.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as economics, Gender and Development Studies, Political Science, or Social Science. A PhD in similar fields is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in macroeconomics and gender, with at least 7 years specifically focused on gender-responsive budgeting. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting high-quality research, providing policy advice, and developing tools and instruments related to GRB. Experience in similar assignments within West and Central Africa is highly desirable, as it demonstrates familiarity with the regional context and challenges.

Languages:
Fluency in English (oral and written) is required to support anglophone country offices, while fluency in French (oral and written) is necessary for supporting francophone country offices. Proficiency in both languages is highly beneficial and may be preferred for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is part of a roster system, meaning that entry into the roster does not guarantee a contract with UN Women. The specific terms of reference for each assignment will outline the expected outputs, timeframes, and deadlines. The role may involve working on a contract basis, and candidates should be prepared for rigorous reference and background checks as part of the selection process. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Candidates are encouraged to provide a comprehensive application, including a personal CV, cover letter, and relevant previous work samples.