International Consultant –Regional Systems Lab (RSL) Development under the Gender Action Lab (GAL)

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is an organization grounded in the vision of equality as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Established to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men, UN Women leads and coordinates efforts within the United Nations system to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action globally. The organization focuses on building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors, emphasizing women's rights at the center of its efforts. UN Women operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment, aligning its initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5, which focuses on gender equality and women's empowerment. The organization has a strong commitment to women's economic empowerment, recognizing it as essential for building strong economies and just societies.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant for the Regional Systems Lab (RSL) Development under the Gender Action Lab (GAL) will play a pivotal role in supporting UN Women in establishing a platform that engages stock exchanges and securities regulators across the Asia-Pacific region. This position is crucial for driving gender-transformative action and innovation within the private sector, focusing on sustainable financing in capital markets for gender equality. The consultant will conduct preparatory research, engage with stakeholders, and develop an Action Framework that guides capital market regulators in promoting gender equality. The consultant will also facilitate peer learning and collaboration among stakeholders to advance gender-responsive practices in financial markets, thereby contributing to the broader goals of women's economic empowerment and sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting desk research and interviews with capital market stakeholders to identify best practices towards gender equality among capital market regulators. They will identify action areas for an Action Framework and create a heatmap of current actions in Asia and the Pacific. The consultant will engage with representatives of market capital regulators to understand their needs and challenges, design a 12-month workplan for the RSL, and develop an engagement plan for the launch event. Additionally, the consultant will conduct secondary research, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and support the development of capacity-building initiatives for capital market regulators. The consultant will also be responsible for managing logistics for virtual and in-person events, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among all stakeholders involved.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of the care economy and a deep understanding of women's economic empowerment, particularly in relation to UN Women's approach. They should have experience in writing analytical papers and reports, demonstrating their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. The consultant should have a proven track record in multi-stakeholder engagement and facilitation of consultations, showcasing their ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups. Familiarity with the UN system is considered an asset, as is experience in the financial regulatory environment and economic dynamics in Asia.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in economics, business administration, public policy, corporate finance, sustainable finance, impact investing, or related fields is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of capital markets and gender-responsive finance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in research and analytical assessments with a gender lens, particularly relevant to capital market regulations, public finance, sustainable finance, and ESG frameworks. Candidates should have strong expertise in Asian capital markets and established networks with sector experts. Demonstrated experience in publishing or co-authoring knowledge products through mixed-methods research is essential, as is the ability to write analytical reports and policy briefs in English.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial for engaging with stakeholders and producing high-quality written materials. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based, with a contract duration from 1 May 2025 to 31 October 202

• The consultant may be required to travel to Southeast Asia for consultations, workshops, or meetings, with travel costs covered by UN Women in accordance with its travel policies. This position is categorized as an individual contract for an external consultant, emphasizing the need for expertise in women's economic empowerment and sustainable finance.