Support Private Sector Outreach, Due Diligence and WEPs Awards Coordination

Organizational Context

UN Women works to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve gender equality, aligning with the UN Charter and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs), co-established by UN Women, provide a global framework for businesses to advance gender equality. India hosts over 500 WEPs signatories, one of the largest communities worldwide. UN Women India aims to expand this network and strengthen engagement, particularly through initiatives like the WEPs Awards.

Job Purpose

The Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a framework by UN Women and the UN Global Compact, guide businesses in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment across the workplace, marketplace, and community. India boasts one of the largest WEPs communities globally, with over 500 signatories. UN Women India is dedicated to expanding this vital network, deepening engagement with existing signatories, and boosting participation in initiatives such as the WEPs Awards, which celebrate companies leading in gender equality innovation. This assignment requires an Online Volunteer to support critical outreach, conduct company due diligence, and coordinate WEPs Awards activities. This contribution will significantly strengthen private sector engagement, directly advancing Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Private Sector Officer, the Online Volunteer will support UN Women India's private sector engagement under the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs). Key responsibilities include conducting due diligence assessments on approximately 300-400 potential WEPs signatories using established frameworks, and maintaining a comprehensive tracker of company profiles, due diligence status, risk assessments, and recommendations. The volunteer will also play a crucial role in coordinating the WEPs Awards 2026. This involves disseminating award information to companies and business networks, conducting outreach to around 500 companies via email and follow-ups to encourage participation, and responding to basic queries about the awards process. The role requires maintaining an updated tracker of outreach efforts, follow-ups, and applications received, with a target to secure an additional 30-40 WEPs Awards applications. Furthermore, the volunteer will assist in reviewing applications, coordinating the collection of missing information, and preparing weekly progress updates on due diligence, outreach, and applications.

Work Experience

Candidates should possess strong research and analytical skills, coupled with practical experience in company profiling and desk research. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data management is essential. Prior professional experience in areas such as research, business development, partnerships, corporate sustainability, ESG, private sector engagement, or programme coordination would be a distinct advantage.

Skills

Required skills include strong research and analytical capabilities, proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data management. Candidates must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to effectively coordinate with multiple stakeholders and manage follow-up actions. Professional fluency in both written and spoken English is mandatory.

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