International Consultant, Gender and Private Sector Engagement Expert in Crisis and Recovery Settings (Retainer)
Organizational Context
UN Women is dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women globally. In Palestine, it focuses on enhancing women's access to economic opportunities, ensuring inclusive social services, and promoting democratic governance. The organization supports Member States in translating global norms into national action, with a current emphasis on early recovery programming to restore livelihoods and create employment, particularly for women in crisis-affected settings.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to provide strategic and technical expertise to UN Women's early recovery programming in Palestine, focusing on strengthening gender-sensitive private sector engagement. The role will ensure women's economic empowerment objectives are integrated into enterprise recovery efforts and workplace practices. The consultant will advise on strategies to address barriers faced by women workers and women-owned businesses, promoting their participation, retention, and leadership. This involves supporting both demand-side (women workers) and supply-side (enterprises) interventions, fostering safer, more inclusive, and gender-responsive workplaces, and facilitating the adoption of Women's Empowerment Principles.
Responsibilities
The consultant will conduct gender-responsive assessments of enterprises and sectors to identify barriers and opportunities for women's economic participation. They will develop recommendations and a practical framework for gender-sensitive private sector engagement, integrating gender considerations into enterprise recovery and workforce development. This includes advising on strategies to increase women's employment, ensuring the inclusion of women-led enterprises, and improving worker retention and advancement. The role involves supporting enterprises in adopting gender-responsive workplace policies, preventing discrimination and harassment, and advising on grievance mechanisms. Additionally, the consultant will design and facilitate training sessions, provide coaching, build awareness of the business case for gender equality, and contribute to data collection, knowledge products, and learning on women's economic participation.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in women's economic empowerment, private sector engagement, or inclusive economic development is required, with at least 2 years in crisis and recovery settings. Experience in designing and implementing gender-responsive programs, engaging with the private sector on inclusive practices (including WEPs), and conducting gender analyses is essential. Experience in humanitarian/recovery contexts, Palestine/Middle East, and with UN agencies is highly desirable.
Skills
Technical expertise in women's economic empowerment and private sector development; Strong understanding of gender-responsive business practices and workplace inclusion (WEPs); Effective engagement with private sector stakeholders; Ability to translate gender analysis into practical business solutions; Experience designing tools and frameworks; Strong analytical, facilitation, and advisory skills.