UN Women Seeks National Consultant for Gender-Responsive Safety Audit | Apply by 27 June 2026

Professionals with expertise in gender equality, social research, urban planning, and violence prevention have an exciting opportunity to contribute to a transformative reconstruction initiative in Vanuatu. UN Women is seeking a National Consultant to support a Gender-Responsive Safety and Access Audit for the reconstruction of Port Vila’s Central Business District (CBD) and market area following the devastating earthquake that struck the country in December 2024.

This consultancy presents a unique chance to help ensure that recovery efforts go beyond rebuilding infrastructure and instead create safer, more inclusive, and accessible public spaces for women, girls, and marginalized communities. The assignment will be based in Port Vila, Vanuatu, and will run for up to 60 working days over a four-month period. Applications are open until 27 June 2026.

Supporting Inclusive Recovery Through Gender-Responsive Planning

The consultancy is part of UN Women’s broader commitment to advancing gender equality and ending violence against women and girls across the Pacific region. Following the earthquake, reconstruction efforts in Port Vila have been guided by a vision to “build back better,” addressing long-standing urban challenges while improving the quality and safety of public infrastructure.

Recognizing that infrastructure design directly affects women’s mobility, safety, and economic participation, UN Women is partnering with government stakeholders to conduct a comprehensive safety and access audit. The goal is to identify risks, barriers, and opportunities within public spaces and transportation systems while ensuring that reconstruction efforts are responsive to the needs of diverse community members.

The findings will help inform practical recommendations and action plans that can be integrated into reconstruction planning, design, and management processes.

Key Responsibilities

The selected consultant will work closely with an international lead consultant and UN Women’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Programme Team. Responsibilities will span research, stakeholder engagement, fieldwork, analysis, and reporting.

Key duties include:

• Supporting desk reviews of policies, legislation, urban safety frameworks, and gender-related data.
• Assisting in adapting gender audit tools to the local context.
• Mapping and engaging stakeholders from government, civil society, and community groups.
• Coordinating interviews, focus group discussions, and field assessments.
• Managing and organizing qualitative research data.
• Contributing to analysis, reporting, and development of action plans.
• Supporting stakeholder validation workshops and dissemination activities.

The consultancy follows a structured four-phase process, including inception, field audit, report development, and final action planning.

Research and Community Engagement at the Core

A major component of the assignment involves gathering insights from women, girls, market vendors, persons with disabilities, government representatives, service providers, and civil society organizations. The audit will employ a mixed-methods approach that combines desk research, interviews, focus group discussions, site visits, and user journey mapping.

Particular attention will be given to identifying safety concerns related to public spaces, transportation access, sanitation facilities, lighting, and mobility patterns. The project places strong emphasis on survivor-centered and ethical research practices, ensuring confidentiality, informed consent, and a “do no harm” approach throughout the process.

Who Should Apply?

UN Women is looking for experienced professionals with a strong background in gender equality, social research, urban safety, or related fields. Candidates should possess an advanced university degree in Gender Studies, Urban Planning, Social Sciences, Public Health, or a related discipline. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered.

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• At least five years of relevant professional experience with a master’s degree, or seven years with a first-level university degree.
• Experience conducting qualitative research.
• Knowledge of gender equality and violence prevention issues.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Experience managing and analyzing research data.
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of Bislama is considered an asset.

Experience with gender audits, safety assessments, urban planning processes, and familiarity with the Port Vila context will be highly advantageous.

A Meaningful Opportunity to Drive Change

This consultancy offers more than a professional assignment—it provides an opportunity to influence how communities recover after disaster. By helping shape safer markets, streets, transport systems, and public spaces, the selected consultant will contribute directly to women’s empowerment, economic inclusion, and long-term resilience in Vanuatu.

For professionals passionate about gender-responsive development and inclusive urban planning, this is a chance to make a lasting impact while working alongside one of the world’s leading organizations dedicated to advancing gender equality.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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