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. Afghanistan is one of the world’s most complex emergencies, and the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Afghan people are grappling with the impact of conflict, poverty, economic decline, and natural disasters. In this context, Afghan women and girls face unique vulnerabilities and require urgent support as gender inequality is interwoven with conflict dynamics and humanitarian needs. It is essential that Afghan women and girls can continue to shape the development of their country, and that their gains are protected. UN Women remains fully committed to supporting Afghan women and girls and to putting them at the center of the global response to the crisis in Afghanistan. UN Women has been in Afghanistan for two decades. UN Women’s programming approach is informed by analysis of the political, economic and humanitarian situation, risks to and capacities of partner organizations, and needs of Afghan women and girls. UN Women Afghanistan currently has four key programme priorities: (1) Gender in Humanitarian Action, (2) Ending Violence Against Women, (3) Women’s Economic Empowerment, and (4) Women, Peace and Security.
Under the Women, Peace and Security portfolio, UN Women focuses on supporting women-led/gender focused civil society organizations to promote social cohesion and produce research analysis and reports to build evidence and understanding around the gender equality dynamics in Afghanistan.
Under the guidance of the Programme Manager-WPS, the consultant (Programme Specialist) will advance nascent areas of work under the broader portfolio, including developing stringent risk management approaches for civil society partnerships, and leading on emerging areas of research and advocacy. The Programme Specialist is expected to work in tandem with programme assistants and national UN Volunteers, as well as affiliate personnel which includes technical consultants and suppliers working under the partnership and research and analysis portfolio. The Programme Specialist also works in close collaboration with the programme and operations team, UN Women HQ staff, UN entities (UNAMA, IOM) as well as multi and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful implementation of initiatives under the WPS portfolio.
Description of Responsibilities/ Scope of Work
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Programme Manager – WPS, the consultant will contribute to three overarching tasks.
Task I: Advance risk-management approaches under the WPS team’s programming work
The consultant will lead the development and implementation of risk management strategies for WPS programme partners in Afghanistan, including the creation of technical tools, training initiatives, and a team-wide risk management mechanism. The consultant will also provide capacity building and technical support to partners, strengthen financial oversight, and ensure alignment with UN Women policies and broader coordination with relevant UN actors.
Task II: Conduct research and context-analysis of key gender trends across Afghanistan, including through innovative tools
The consultant will lead on the development of three regional gender profiles through data collection, analysis, and drafting, ensuring quality and relevance through technical review and stakeholder feedback. They will also lead on a pilot initiative using digital tools to facilitate inclusive consultations with Afghan women, document lessons learned, and present findings. Additionally, the consultant will review and contribute to the production of knowledge products, develop a knowledge management strategy and dissemination plans, and support efforts to enhance the visibility of project outcomes.
Task III: Develop tools and systems for strengthened monitoring and reporting of WPS programme results
The consultant will develop and implement a results-based monitoring and reporting plan for the WPS team, incorporating stocktaking exercises and strategic recommendations. Coordinate team use of reporting tools, support mission planning, and contribute to donor and UN Women reports, as directed.
Deliverable Deliverable Expected completion time (due day) Payment Schedule (optional)
Develop three regional gender profiles, including support to data collection processes.
Conduct background research and support review and analysis of data. Background research may also include researching information on donors, to strengthen the strategic value of the gender profiles and linkages with key WPS priorities. Plan and coordinate primary data collection processes, including the development and disbursement of surveys, and conduct of FDGs and telesurveys. Plan and coordinate participatory analysis sessions to validate preliminary analysis for the gender profiles. Draft gender profiles, incorporating feedback from the project manager, copy-editors and other technical staff. This may also entail drafting of shorter thematic briefs and case studies, of relevance to the profiles. The reports should be directly linked to the WPS agenda and lay the foundation for localized and multi-sectoral programming. Undertake technical review of Dari and Pashto translations of reports to ensure they meet UN standards of quality. Contribute to a learning brief on WPS and data collection to identify lessons learned1st profile draft to be completed by 31 August 2025
1st profile to be completed by 30 September 2025
2nd profile draft to be completed by October 2025
2nd profile to be completed by 30 November 2025.
3rd profile draft to be completed by December 2025
3rd profile to be completed by January 2026.
31 August 2025 (22 working days)
30 September 2025
(22 working days)
31 October 2025
(22 working days)
30 November 2025
(22 working days)
31 December 2025
(22 working days)
31 January 2025
(22 working days)
Develop a reflection paper on the use of technology to foster inclusive political engagement with Afghan women.
Lead on a pilot initiative on using technology and digital tools to conduct inclusive dialogues with Afghan women and advance the WPS agenda. This will include liaising with other UN entities on development of a consultation tool, identification of participants and conduct of the consultations. Document challenges and lessons learned throughout the pilot initiative. Draft a reflection paper on lessons learned and recommendations on tech-facilitated dialogues and consultations. Develop a presentation and share findings (including translation) from the reflection exercise in meetings, as delegated. 28 February 202628 February 2026
(22 working days)
Develop dissemination plans and provide technical review of four WPS knowledge products
The technical review will consist of fact checking, quality assurance of translations and design of publications. Draft a knowledge management strategy, and up to four dissemination plans and risk-management strategies for knowledge products produced by the WPS team. Contribute to visibility of the project results by identifying promising and notable achievements for amplification by UNW communications, to be reflected in the knowledge management strategy. 31 March 202631 March 2026
(11 working days)
Develop and advance a monitoring and reporting plan and tool for the WPS team, in line with results-based management principles.
The M&R plan should include stocktaking exercises to identify lessons learned and overarching recommendations for the WPS portfolio. Coordinate the team in using reporting tools, and support mission planning and other monitoring efforts. Follow up and oversee the implementation of monitoring and reporting tools and mechanisms, in line with the developed plan. Contribute to at least two office donor and UN Women reports. 31 March 2026 31 March 2026Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel
This is an office-based consultancy, which requires active engagement with the WPS team at large, project partners and service providers. The working week in Afghanistan is Sunday-Thursday.
As part of the assignment, short-term missions to other provinces in Afghanistan may be required, in compliance with the do no harm principle, safety protocols and measures recommended by the United Nations Department for Security Services. Any official duty travel required in relation to the consultancy will be governed by UN Women’s travel policy.
IV. Required Qualifications
Education and Certification:
Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, international development, 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 degreeExperience:
At least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience at the national or international level in design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects is required. Experience working in the UN System is required. Experience organizing and facilitating meaningful consultations and dialogues, including outreach and liaising with communities is required. Understanding of how to manage risks related to work on WPS or with women human rights human rights defenders in Afghanistan is required. Technical experience in Women Peace and Security is desirable. Experience coordinating and liaising with international-bilateral and multilateral partners, and/or donors is desirable. Experience in leading/managing a team is desirable.Languages:
Fluency in English is required. Fluency in Dari and /or Pashto is required. Working knowledge of another official UN language is an asset,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:
Strong programme formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation skills Ability to develop detailed operational plans, budgets, and deliver on them. Ability to synthesize program performance data and produce analytical reports to inform management and strategic decision-making. Strong analytical skills Strong knowledge of Results Based Management Good knowledge of UN programme management systemsStatements :
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:
At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.
If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.
UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)
Note: Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including the sections on education and employment history, are completed. If all sections are not completed the application may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process.