Experto/a en Desarrollo de Sistemas Locales de Cuidados

Organizational Context

UN Women is the UN organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It works globally to advance women's rights and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5. In Ecuador, UN Women supports Decentralized Autonomous Governments (GADs) in establishing local care systems (SLC) as part of a regional project funded by AECID. This initiative aims to transform care economies by strengthening norms, legal frameworks, and access to decent work and quality care services, promoting women's economic autonomy and sustainable recovery.

Job Purpose

This role supports UN Women's strategic plan to transform care systems by collaborating with governments and civil society. The volunteer will contribute specialized technical inputs to strengthen the social organization of care and formulate policy elements and management models for Local Care Systems (SLC) in Cuenca and Portoviejo, Ecuador. The assignment focuses on developing knowledge products through analysis and systematization of local data. The ultimate goal is to enhance institutional capacities and facilitate the implementation of effective local care systems, thereby contributing to women's empowerment and a sustainable, equitable recovery.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Programme Specialist, the volunteer will develop a methodological design and work plan for information gathering on care services and actors in Cuenca and Portoviejo. This includes creating data collection instruments and a timeline, validated by the institutional counterpart. The volunteer will collect and systematize normative and programmatic instruments (ordinances, policies, plans) related to gender and care, and analyze their alignment with local care system components, providing recommendations for improvement. Responsibilities also include identifying and cataloging social and care services provided by various institutions and actors, characterizing these services, and developing a mapping of key stakeholders. Finally, the volunteer will validate findings and recommendations with local authorities and relevant actors, deliver final documents, and participate in necessary meetings and workshops.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of general relevant experience is required, with at least five years specifically in designing, implementing, analyzing, or evaluating public policies, programs, or projects related to care systems, gender equality, social protection, or local development. Experience in research, analysis, and systematization of information for policy recommendations is essential. Experience working with Ecuadorian Decentralized Autonomous Governments (GADs) or similar government entities is highly valued, as is prior experience or knowledge of the Cuenca and Portoviejo territories.

Skills

Key competencies include adaptability, flexibility, creativity, planning, organization, professionalism, strong teamwork, excellent communication, commitment to the subject matter, and the ability to produce high-quality knowledge products. The role requires respect for diversity, a gender perspective, and expertise in gender and women's rights, project management, program development, strategy, and community development.

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