International Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population issues. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, aligning its strategic goals with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 aims to end preventable maternal deaths, fulfill unmet needs for family planning, and eliminate gender-based violence and harmful practices, particularly in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. UNFPA seeks principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards and are committed to delivering high-impact results.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant will play a crucial role in enhancing the national statistical systems in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, specifically focusing on the measurement and reporting of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) indicators related to gender equality. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive review of existing household surveys and census data to identify gaps in gender data and develop strategies to improve the generation of gender indicators. This position requires a deep understanding of gender issues, statistical methodologies, and the ability to work collaboratively with national statistical offices to mainstream gender into data collection and analysis. The consultant will also be responsible for preparing training materials and facilitating workshops to build the capacity of national statistical systems in producing high-quality gender-disaggregated data, ultimately contributing to better monitoring and reporting of SDG 5 indicators.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Mapping existing household surveys (such as LFS, LSMS, DHS, MICS, GGS) and census data to identify data gaps related to SDG 5 indicators and other gender equality issues.
• Assessing the potential for generating additional gender data and new levels of data disaggregation from available data sources.
• Developing recommendations for integrating gender considerations into data collection and analysis for selected household surveys and population censuses, in line with global and regional best practices.
• Creating a set of key indicators and analytical tables to be produced using household survey and census data, aiming to generate new data for at least 10 core indicators per data source.
• Preparing training materials and co-facilitating a three-day workshop on mainstreaming gender into census analysis.
• Ensuring alignment with existing recommendations from various UN and non-UN bodies in the relevant field. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Regional Programme Specialist on Population and Development and the UN Women Regional Gender Statistics Specialist.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in gender studies, population studies, social studies, international relations, or related fields. Additionally, applicants should have at least 10 years of experience in conducting desk reviews and analytical work in gender data and research, results-based monitoring, or related fields related to human rights for international organizations or development agencies. Proven experience in developing toolkits and recommendations on data and statistics in gender and social norms, gender equality, and women empowerment is essential. Familiarity with the EECA region is advantageous, as is extensive knowledge of UNFPA and UN Women’s mandate areas. Excellent drafting and report writing skills, analytical skills, and proficiency in computer applications are required, along with a strong command of written and spoken English.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in gender studies, population studies, social studies, international relations, or other related fields is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively analyze gender data and contribute to the development of gender indicators.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in conducting desk reviews and analytical work in gender data and research, as well as results-based monitoring or related fields. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing toolkits and recommendations on data and statistics related to gender equality and women's empowerment. Prior experience working with international organizations or development agencies, particularly in the EECA region, is highly desirable.

Languages:
The consultant must have an excellent command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of the Russian language is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to take place between June 2025 and October 2025, with a total of up to 30 working days. The consultant will provide home-based or remote technical support and will communicate with UNFPA EECARO. Deliverables will be submitted electronically in English and must be professionally edited and proofread. The consultant will be monitored by the Regional Programme Specialist in Population and Development, and direct supervision will be provided. Travel to the Regional Office in Istanbul and selected country offices (Armenia, Kyrgyz Republic, and Moldova) may be required, with all travel-related expenses covered separately according to UNFPA Travel Rules. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds.