Description of Responsibilities /Scope of Work
The consultant will provide technical, programmatic, and policy support to the WEE work at the intersection of gender, climate and the green and blue economies. This would include, but not be limited to:

Provide technical support to implement of programmes and initiatives on Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE)

• Provide technical support on integrating gender equality into climate policies;
• Support policy engagement in climate negotiations and regional frameworks, including to UNFCCC processes, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and climate finance discussions;
• Support to develop policy briefs and technical reports on gender-responsive climate action, just transitions, and green jobs;
• Support UN Women’s participation in key intergovernmental meetings such as UNCBD SBSTTA/SBI, UNFCCC Standing Committee on Finance Forum, and PreCOP strategy meetings, ensuring gender considerations are integrated into discussions;

Enhance women’s access to green jobs and sustainable livelihoods through targeted interventions;

• Support the development and implementation of programmes that increase women’s participation in climate-resilient and green/blue economy sectors, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy initiatives;
• Support partnerships with private sector actors, financial institutions, and government agencies to expand financing opportunities for women entrepreneurs in green/blue industries;
•  Support efforts to build technical skills and financial literacy for women in climate-resilient sectors;
• Leverage experience in proposals development and resource mobilization to identify funding opportunities for scaling gender-responsive climate programs.

Strengthen capacity and foster multi-stakeholder engagement for gender-responsive climate action:

• Support regional learning sessions, policy dialogues and technical workshops on gender-responsive climate action, sustainable investments, and women’s leadership in green/blue jobs;
• Engage with key stakeholders, including multilateral banks, regional bodies (RECs), UN agencies, and financial institutions, to strengthen policy coherence and financing for gender and climate action;
• Support to develop tools, methodologies, and training materials to enhance the capacity of policymakers and practitioners on gender-responsive climate action.

Generate, manage, and disseminate knowledge on gender and climate action:

• Conduct research and develop knowledge products on gender and climate action, just transition policies, and best practices for advancing women’s participation in climate-resilient economies;
• Establish and maintain a database of gender and climate data.

Advance advocacy, strategic communication, and policy influence on gender-responsive climate action:

• Develop advocacy materials, presentations, and talking points for high-level policy dialogues, ensuring strong gender perspectives in climate and green economy discussions;
• Support UN Women’s engagement in regional and global events (e.g., COP, Standing Committee on Finance, SBIs) to advocate for increased financing for women in climate-related sectors.

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel
This is an office-based consultancy (with possible travel and remote arrangements).

Competencies :

Core Values:

• Integrity;
• Professionalism;
• Respect for Diversity.

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
• Accountability;
• Creative Problem Solving;
• Effective Communication;
• Inclusive Collaboration;
• Stakeholder Engagement;
• Leading by Example.

Functional Competencies:

• Technical Expertise in Gender and Climate Policy
• Progrmmatic Skills
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Knowledge Management and Research
• Strategic Communication and Advocacy
• Partnership Development
• Strong analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to develop knowledge products and policy recommendations.
• Excellent communication and writing skills with experience in drafting technical reports, policy briefs, presentations and talking points.

Required Qualifications:

Education and Certification:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, sustainable development, international cooperation, gender studies, climate change, environmental policy, or a related field is required;
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• At least two years of progressively responsible experience in project management, planning and/or monitoring for sustainable development;
• At least one year of experience in climate resilience and gender equality;
• Experience in integrating gender considerations into climate change policies, programmes, and financing instruments;
• Familiarity with intergovernmental climate processes, including UNCBD and UNFCCC, with direct engagement in policy discussions;
• Experience working with international organizations, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, or regional economic communities (RECs) is an asset.
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and proposals development;
• Prior work in East and Southern Africa is an asset.