Background:
UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.
The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the empowerment of Women (UN Women), grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women’s rights at the center of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors. In Viet Nam, UN Women contributes to the development objectives of Viet Nam’s Socio-Economic Development Plan and the National Strategy for Gender Equality. Its Country Strategy Note for 2022-2026 is aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (CF) 2022-2026 and is focused on supporting Viet Nam’s fulfilment of Gender Equality commitments under The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the promise of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda to “leave no one behind”. The key priorities of UN Women in the 2022-2026 period are:
By 2026, people in Viet Nam, especially those at risk of being left behind, will benefit from and contribute to safer and cleaner environment resulting from Viet Nam’s effective and gender responsive mitigation and adaptation to climate change, disaster risk reduction and resilience building, promotion of circular economy, the provision of clean and renewable energy, and the sustainable management of natural resources. By 2026, people in Viet Nam, especially those at risk of being left behind, will contribute to and benefit equitably from more sustainable, inclusive and gender-responsive economic transformation based on innovation, entrepreneurship, enhanced productivity, competitiveness, and decent work; By 2026, people in Viet Nam, especially those at risk of being left behind, will have benefited from and have contributed to a more just, safe and inclusive society based on improved governance, more responsive institutions, strengthened rule of law and the protection of and respect for human rights, gender equality, and freedom from all forms of violence and discrimination in line with international standards.Over the last decade, increasing natural hazards, climate-related emergencies, mounting insecurity and crises in Asia and the Pacific are eroding development gains, posing significant challenges in the transition to low-carbon, resilient societies. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the world was off-track to meet the transformational environmental, social and economic changes required to achieve gender equality, address climate change and realize human rights for all. The pandemic set back sustainable development progress while further increasing inequalities. Women and girls, especially those facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, have faced disproportionate fallout.
Environmental degradation and climate and disaster impacts are unequally felt across the region. For women, people in poverty and other marginalized groups, pre-existing discriminatory social norms and pervasive gender inequalities increase exposure to risks while undercutting the ability to cope and recover from shocks. Women’s livelihoods are often the first to decline due to climate-related hazards and disasters and inequalities in access to resources, finance and technologies, leaving women with greater challenges in coping and rebuilding after a crisis.
The low-carbon transition and social transformation required to solve the climate crisis pose significant opportunities to redress gender inequalities and promote human rights. By placing women and other marginalized groups at the centre, this transition can advance gender justice and occur more quickly with empowered women and marginalized groups acting as change agents.
The second phase of the EmPower: Women for Climate Resilient Societies Project aims to scale up results and continue to promote gender-responsive and human rights-based climate action by supporting key regional and country stakeholders to achieve a broader impact across the Asia-Pacific region. The project is a joint project between UN Women and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), with financial support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, the government of Germany, New Zealand and Switzerland.
The overall outcomes of the EmPower programme: Countries in Asia and the Pacific experience greater gender equality and the full enjoyment of their rights, including equal access to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, reducing their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Three outputs are:
Output 1: Asia-Pacific actors increase action on gender responsive climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Output 2: Women in all their diversity are key actors in climate and DRR decision-making.
Output3: Women engage in climate-resilient livelihoods.
In Viet Nam, for the implementation of the EmPower programme phase II, UN Women is partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), the Viet Nam Women’s Union, the CSO network on gender and climate change, and UN agencies, NGOs and development partners to realize programme outputs and outcomes.
UN Women is therefore seeking a team of national consultants to provide technical support to Department of Climate Change (DCC) in mainstreaming gender in National Determined Contribution (NDC) 3. The consultant team will report to the Programme Analyst for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction, UN Women in Viet Nam with oversight of the Programme Management Specialist and ultimate management of the Country Representative and work closely with designated focal points from Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), and related Divisions of the Department of Climate Change and Informal gender and climate change group.
Description of Responsibilities/ Scope of Work
The work will be carried out in two main phases.
Phase 1 involves conducting gender analyses and supporting the integration of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) into the 2025 Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and developing a gender-responsive Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) indicator framework for the NDC.
Phase 2 supports piloting GEDSI and just transition practices in selected sub-sectors such as agriculture or waste management, through both policy integration and practical implementation at the local/enterprise level.
The tasks are scheduled as follows:
Phase 1: From July 2025 to December 2025
Task 1: Develop an Inception Report
Review Viet Nam’s and UNFCCC’s climate change and gender-related policies to ensure that gender equality (GE) analysis and recommendations for the NDC align with both national and international climate change and gender equality frameworks. Analyze gender mainstreaming and gender gaps in the 2020 Updated NDC; review relevant programs and projects to extract lessons learned and good practices. Review, study, and analyze secondary literature and data on gender and climate change in Viet Nam to assess gender mainstreaming and GE outcomes across key NDC sectors. Based on findings, propose an approach for assessing gender integration and GE implementation in the 2020 Updated NDC (2022), and outline key targets, tasks, expected outputs; propose a research/review framework, methodology, timeline, and human resources needed. Finalize the Inception Report incorporating the components listed above.Final Deliverable: Inception Report
Task 2: Review and assess gender mainstreaming and gender equality implementation in the 2020 Updated NDC, with emphasis on five key sectors
Conduct consultations with relevant ministries and sectors; carry out studies/surveys with local authorities, businesses, and communities to collect information, identify challenges and opportunities for GEDSI integration in climate policies/actions and WRO. Analyze achievements, challenges, and lessons learned in gender mainstreaming and GE implementation in the 2020 Updated NDC (2022), especially in GHG mitigation. Prepare a summary presentation (PPT) of key findings for consultation workshops. Finalize the Review and Assessment Report on gender integration and GE implementation in the 2020 Updated NDC.Final Deliverables:
Assessment Report on Gender Mainstreaming and Gender Equality Implementation in GHG Mitigation and Climate Adaptation in the 2020 Updated NDC. GEDSI integration recommendations for Viet Nam’s 2025 Updated NDC (2025–2035), with an implementation roadmap for 2025–2030 and 2030–2035.Task 3: Propose approaches and provide technical inputs for integrating GEDSI into the 2025–2035 Updated NDC
Based on results from Task 2:
Review the 2025 Draft NDC and participate in technical meetings to propose sector-specific GEDSI content/intersectionality/just transition aspects; suggest integration methods for each sector/sub-sector. Identify and provide technical inputs on gender, inclusion, and just transition elements for sections of the 2025 Draft NDC. Participate in technical consultations, present findings and gather feedback to finalize the gender-responsive NDC. Finalize technical inputs based on feedback to ensure a gender-responsive and inclusive 2025 Updated NDC.Final Deliverables:
Document proposing sector-specific GEDSI/inclusive/just transition content, including integration methods for each sector/sub-sector. 2025 Updated NDC with gender integration approved by the competent authority (DCC).Task 4: Develop a Gender-Responsive Monitoring & Evaluation Framework for the 2025 Updated NDC
Study international and regional gender-responsive NDC M&E frameworks for reference and adaptation. Develop gender-responsive M&E indicators for key content in each sector/sub-sector of the 2025 Updated NDC. Create implementation guidelines for the gender-responsive M&E framework by sector (agriculture, energy, waste, industrial processes, etc.). Develop gender and inclusion implementation reporting templates for sectors related to GHG mitigation and climate adaptation.Final Deliverables:
Gender-responsive M&E framework for the 2025 Updated NDC Standardized reporting templates for gender and inclusion implementationPhase 2: From January 2026 to June 2026
Task 5: Guide Pilot Implementation of GEDSI Integration in Selected Sectors of the 2025 Updated NDC
Consult with ministries to review sectoral climate policies and select pilot sectors for GEDSI integration based on the NDC. Conduct training sessions to guide stakeholders at central and provincial levels on integrating GEDSI into sectoral policies and planning. Provide technical assistance to selected enterprises/groups (e.g., GHG inventory-mandated entities in energy, agriculture, waste sectors, etc.) to integrate GEDSI into business policies and operations. Monitor and provide regular technical support to ensure planned GEDSI implementation in pilot enterprises is achieved. Prepare periodic monitoring and evaluation reports to track progress and update results.Final Deliverable:
Report on pilot implementation results of GEDSI integration in policies and enterprise-level practices.Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel
This is a home-based consultancy. Consultant may be expected to travel for UN Women’s partners meetings and/or the field where UN Women and its partners organize the workshops/ trainings.
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.Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework:
Functional Competencies:
Coordination and Partnership-Building
Demonstrates excellent expertise in the NDC and interpersonal skills and political sensitivity to engage effectively with national counterparts, particularly in structured institutions such as Department of Climate Change under Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Coordinates complex multi-stakeholder processes with professionalism and diplomacy.Reporting and Documentation
Prepares clear, concise, and well-structured reports in English (narrative and indicator-based). Captures and communicates success stories, good practices, and lessons learned. Presents information in engaging formats, such as PowerPoint presentations, policy briefs, press release, or donor updates.Communication and Knowledge Management
Ensures visibility and branding requirements are met across communication products. Supports knowledge exchange between stakeholders and ensures institutional memory is maintained through effective documentation.Gender Equality and social inclusion mainstreaming
Demonstrates understanding of gender and social inclusion mainstreaming, etc.Required Qualifications
4.1 Senior Expert on Gender and Climate Change, Team Leader
• Holds a Master's degree or higher in sociology, development studies, gender studies, climate change, or related fields;
• At least 15 years of professional experience in the field of social development, with research/survey experience related to gender and climate change;
• Well-versed in national and international gender equality and climate change policies. Has a sound understanding of Viet Nam’s national policies on green growth, disaster risk reduction, and short- and long-term socio-economic development contexts;
• Experienced in providing technical support for gender analysis and mainstreaming in national climate policies; experience working with the private sector on climate change, disaster risks, gender equality, etc.;
• Practical experience working with governmental agencies at both national and local levels on climate change, gender equality related to climate change, and disaster risk reduction; experience collaborating with bilateral and multilateral international organizations in Viet Nam;
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills; proficient in report writing and information synthesis;
• Has led at least 3 assignments as a team leader, and is capable of working both independently and as part of a team.
4.2. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Expert
Requirements:
• Postgraduate degree (PhD preferred) in social sciences such as sociology, public policy, development studies, women and gender studies, or related disciplines;
• At least 10 years of proven experience in conducting research and implementing programs/projects supporting gender equality and social issues, including intersecting factors such as sustainable poverty reduction, labor and employment, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities; capacity building on gender, women’s participation, and female leadership;
• In-depth knowledge of national and international gender equality policies (CEDAW); understanding of gender policies within UNFCCC climate change frameworks is a plus;
• Familiar with gender analysis frameworks and women’s economic empowerment in relation to employment, green production and consumption, climate change, and disaster risk reduction;
• Experience working with government agencies at both national and local levels on climate change, gender equality, and social development;
• Fluent in Vietnamese and proficient in English.
4.3. Monitoring and Evaluation Expert
• Holds a Master’s degree or higher in project management, social development, development economics, climate change, environment, sociology, or related fields;
• Minimum 10 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of development programs and projects; experience with environmental protection, climate change, and gender equality projects is an advantage;
• Must possess knowledge of M&E concepts and principles; knowledge of quantitative data collection and analysis is required;
• Familiar with Viet Nam’s gender equality and climate change policies and programs. Knowledge of the national gender statistical indicators and national climate adaptation M&E indicators is a plus;
• Experience working with governmental authorities at both national and local levels; experience working with international development partners, INGOs, and donors;
• Strong English communication skills, both written and verbal.
4.4. ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) Expert
• Holds a degree in environmental science, climate change, energy management, business administration, sustainable development, or equivalent;
• At least 5 years of experience providing consulting services to businesses on environmental protection, energy management and transition; organizational governance and strategic development;
• Experience in advising and supporting businesses in preparing and publishing annual sustainability or ESG reports is a significant advantage;
• Experience working with businesses in sectors such as energy, waste, industrial processes, and sustainable agriculture;
• Experience collaborating with programs/projects on climate change and cleaner production; understanding of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a plus;
• Strong English proficiency in both spoken and written communication.
Education and Certification:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in public administration, political science, development studies, gender studies, international relations, or a related field.
- A bachelor’s degree with 7 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s.
Statements :
In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.
Diversity and inclusion:
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