UNDP Is Hiring a Research Consultant on Women’s Judicial Leadership in Southeast Asia – Remote Opportunity | Apply by 11 June 2026

Professionals with expertise in gender equality, rule of law, judicial reform, governance, and research have an exciting opportunity to work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a Research Consultant on Women’s Judicial Leadership in Southeast Asia. This home-based consultancy offers the chance to contribute to evidence-based research that supports gender-responsive justice systems and promotes women’s leadership within judicial institutions across the region.

The consultancy is being implemented through the Rule of Law, Human Rights and Security Unit at the UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub and is expected to run for 50 working days between June and September 2026.

About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ leading development agency, supporting countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through policy expertise, technical assistance, research, and partnerships, UNDP works to reduce inequalities, strengthen governance, promote human rights, and advance sustainable development worldwide.

Across Asia and the Pacific, UNDP supports initiatives that promote inclusive governance, gender equality, access to justice, and institutional reform. One of its key priorities is increasing women’s participation and leadership within justice systems to ensure fair, representative, and responsive institutions.

About the Consultancy Assignment

The Research Consultant will contribute to a regional initiative focused on understanding and strengthening women’s leadership within judicial systems across Southeast Asia.

The research will examine women’s representation and advancement in judicial leadership positions across six Southeast Asian countries. The findings will help identify barriers, opportunities, and strategies that can strengthen gender equality within judicial institutions.

The assignment aims to generate practical recommendations that can guide future policies, programs, and partnerships designed to promote inclusive justice systems and women’s leadership in the legal sector.

Key Objectives of the Project

The consultancy seeks to provide valuable evidence and analysis that will support ongoing efforts to improve gender equality within judicial institutions.

Project objectives include:

• Examining women’s representation in judicial leadership positions
• Identifying structural and institutional barriers to advancement
• Analyzing gender-related challenges within justice systems
• Documenting promising practices and successful approaches
• Supporting evidence-based policy recommendations
• Strengthening regional dialogue on women’s judicial leadership
• Contributing to gender-responsive justice reforms
• Enhancing collaboration among justice sector stakeholders

The findings are expected to inform future UNDP programming and broader regional efforts aimed at advancing gender equality in governance and justice.

Responsibilities of the Research Consultant

The selected consultant will support research and analysis activities throughout the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities may include:

• Conducting desk research and literature reviews
• Analyzing judicial leadership trends in Southeast Asia
• Reviewing existing laws, policies, and institutional frameworks
• Gathering and synthesizing data from multiple sources
• Preparing research reports and analytical papers
• Developing evidence-based recommendations
• Supporting stakeholder consultations where necessary
• Contributing to knowledge products and policy briefs
• Collaborating with UNDP teams and technical experts

The assignment requires strong analytical skills and the ability to produce high-quality written outputs within agreed timelines.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for professionals with experience in governance, gender equality, legal systems, human rights, public policy, or development research.

Strong candidates may have backgrounds in:

• Law and judicial reform
• Gender studies
• Governance and public administration
• Human rights advocacy
• International development
• Public policy analysis
• Academic research
• Rule of law programming

Applicants who possess regional knowledge of Southeast Asia and experience working on gender-related initiatives will be particularly well positioned for success.

Why Women’s Judicial Leadership Matters

Increasing women’s representation within judicial leadership is essential for creating inclusive and effective justice systems.

Research has shown that diverse leadership can strengthen institutional credibility, improve decision-making processes, and help ensure that justice systems are more responsive to the needs of all citizens.

Despite progress in many countries, women continue to face barriers that limit advancement into senior judicial positions. These challenges may include unconscious bias, limited mentorship opportunities, institutional obstacles, and gender-based discrimination.

By examining these issues and identifying practical solutions, this project contributes to broader efforts aimed at achieving gender equality and strengthening the rule of law.

Benefits of Working with UNDP

Consultants working with UNDP gain valuable experience contributing to internationally recognized development initiatives.

Benefits of this consultancy include:

• Fully remote work arrangement
• No travel requirements
• Opportunity to work with a leading UN agency
• Exposure to regional governance and justice initiatives
• Contribution to gender equality and human rights efforts
• Professional networking opportunities
• Experience working on high-impact international research projects
• Opportunity to influence future policy and programming

This assignment allows consultants to combine technical expertise with meaningful social impact.

Application Details

The consultancy is home-based and requires no travel. The assignment duration is 50 working days between June and September 2026.

Interested candidates should submit their proposals through the UNDP Quantum Supplier Portal before the application deadline of 11 June 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to review all procurement documentation carefully and ensure they meet the eligibility and submission requirements before applying.

Final Thoughts

The Research Consultant – Women’s Judicial Leadership in Southeast Asia consultancy offers a unique opportunity for experienced researchers and development professionals to contribute to advancing gender equality within justice systems. By generating evidence-based insights and recommendations, the selected consultant will help strengthen judicial leadership pathways for women and support more inclusive governance across Southeast Asia.

Professionals with expertise in gender, governance, law, human rights, and public policy should consider applying before the 11 June 2026 deadline.

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