UN Women is Hiring International Consultants on Women’s Economic Empowerment (Retainer) – Home-Based
Job ID: 30435
Location: Home-Based
Category: Consultancy
Application Deadline: 6 December 2025 – 06:59 AM
Contract Duration: 1 December 2025 – up to 100 working days per year
Schedule: Full-time, as required
UN Women is inviting applications from qualified international consultants to join a Roster of Experts supporting Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region.
This retainer consultancy provides an opportunity to work with UN Women Country Offices and the Regional Office on policy development, programme design, research, and capacity-building initiatives across multiple thematic areas.
About UN Women
UN Women works globally to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve gender equality. The Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO) supports Country Offices in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Türkiye, and Ukraine, and provides direct programme support in Kosovo (UNSCR 1244), Serbia, North Macedonia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Women’s economic empowerment is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Despite global progress, structural barriers—ranging from discriminatory laws to unequal access to resources—continue to hinder women’s economic participation. In response, UN Women adopted its Women’s Economic Empowerment Strategy (2023), which outlines transformative pathways for strengthening women’s economic agency and rights.
The strategy focuses on:
- Three priority accelerators: women and the world of work, gender-responsive climate action, and transforming care systems
- Three cross-cutting areas: gender-responsive macroeconomic policy, shifting social norms, and increased financing for gender equality
- Five strategic pathways: global norms, public policy support, partnerships, gender data, and convening multi-stakeholder action
Areas of Expertise Required
The roster covers a wide range of technical areas, including but not limited to:
Women in the World of Work
- Decent jobs and equal pay
- Social protection
- Women’s entrepreneurship and business acceleration
- Legal and policy frameworks
- Gender-responsive procurement
- Equitable and inclusive business practices (including WEPs)
Transforming Care Systems
- Costing and financing care systems
- Paid/unpaid care and domestic work
- Private-sector engagement on care
- Changing social norms around care
- Care–climate and care–conflict nexus
Gender-Responsive Climate Action
- Women’s land rights
- Climate-resilient agriculture
Gender-Responsive Private Sector Development
- Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs)
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
- Gender-responsive HR practices
- Sustainable finance
Cross-Cutting Areas
- Gender-responsive macroeconomic policies
- Addressing harmful and discriminatory norms
- Financing for gender equality
- Communications and knowledge products
Scope of Work
Depending on expertise and assignment, consultants may be expected to:
- Develop detailed work plans
- Draft programme or project proposals
- Prepare policy papers and analytical reports
- Design and deliver training modules
- Conduct training needs assessments or surveys
- Organize and facilitate workshops, events, and stakeholder dialogues
- Support knowledge product development (manuals, brochures, publications)
- Moderate high-level sessions or deliver keynote presentations
- Produce final consultancy reports
Consultants report to the Programme Specialist on Women’s Entrepreneurship Acceleration, or to designated staff in relevant UN Women Country Offices.
Workplace & Travel
- Home-based consultancy
- Travel may be required to ECA region countries; DSA and travel costs covered according to UN Women rules
Required Competencies
Core Values
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Respect for Diversity
Core Competencies
- Gender awareness and sensitivity
- Accountability
- Creative problem-solving
- Effective communication
- Inclusive collaboration
- Stakeholder engagement
- Leading by example
Functional Competencies
- Strong technical expertise in one or more listed WEE areas
- Excellent analytical and writing skills
- Experience developing policies, briefings, and training materials
- Knowledge of programme design, implementation, and results-based management
Required Qualifications
Education
- Master’s degree in development, economics, human rights, international relations, or related social sciences
- A first-level degree plus two additional years of experience may be accepted
Experience
- At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in WEE policy or programme design
- Experience in programme analysis, strategic planning, and communication
- Experience with the UN system is an asset
- Experience in the Europe and Central Asia region is an asset
Languages
- Fluency in English required
- Knowledge of regional languages is an asset
How to Apply
Submit the following:
- Personal CV or UN Women P11 form
- Brief cover note indicating your areas of expertise
Commitment to Diversity & Integrity
UN Women upholds the highest standards of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational needs.
The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. Successful candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
