International Consultant, Consultancy On Operationalizing The UN Women Social Norms Framework In Europe And Central Asia

Organizational Context

UN Women is dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women globally. The Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO) prioritizes addressing discriminatory social norms as a cross-cutting theme in its 2026-2029 Strategic Note. This role supports ECARO in translating the new UN Women Social Norms Framework into practical operational guidance for regional and country programmes, aiming to foster consistent application and strengthen regional capacity.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to operationalize the UN Women Social Norms Framework within the Europe and Central Asia region. The consultant will map existing social norms programming, analyze it against the framework's concepts (ideologies, institutions, power) and pathways for change, and develop a concise operational plan. This plan will provide practical guidance for integrating the framework into programme design, implementation, monitoring, and learning across UN Women's regional and country-level work, ensuring alignment with the Regional Strategic Note and addressing intersecting inequalities.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct a desk review to map UN Women's social norms programming across Europe and Central Asia, identifying thematic areas, approaches, target groups, and methodologies. This will be followed by an analysis of regional programming through the lens of the UN Women Social Norms Framework, assessing interventions against its core concepts and pathways for change, and identifying good practices and gaps. A key output will be a concise operational plan with practical actions, tools, and approaches for integrating the framework into programme design, implementation, and monitoring. The plan will also articulate ECARO's regional technical offer, assess capacities, and recommend strengthening measures, while ensuring complementarity with other regional strategies and addressing intersecting inequalities.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of progressive professional experience in gender equality and women's empowerment programming, policy development, research, or technical advisory services is required. Demonstrated experience in analytical reviews, programme assessments, or research, and translating findings into operational guidance is essential. Experience with social norms theories and approaches, and working with UN Women or other UN entities is also required. Experience in the Europe and Central Asia region is an asset.

Skills

Awareness and sensitivity regarding gender issues, accountability, creative problem-solving, effective communication, inclusive collaboration, stakeholder engagement, leading by example, critical understanding of social norms theories and application, analytical and conceptual thinking, strong writing skills.

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