UNW: International Consultant to develop and facilitate one introductory training on Gender Responsive Budgeting for government officials

Background:

UN Women, the United Nations entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women, was created to accelerate progress towards the fulfillment of their rights around the world. UN Women assists UN member states in setting international norms and standards for achieving gender equality and works with governments and civil society to develop laws, policies, programs, and services needed to implement these standards.

UN Women actively promotes the equal participation of women in all spheres of life, focusing on five priority areas of action: strengthening women's leadership and participation in society; elimination of violence against women; involvement of women in solving the whole range of issues of ensuring peace and security; empowering women in the economy; ensuring the central role of gender equality in national development planning and budgeting processes. UN Women also coordinates work to promote gender equality throughout the UN system.

UN Women has been implementing GRB interventions in more than 80 countries and is recognized globally for its excellent technical expertise in this area. In Kazakhstan, specifically, a pilot project was implemented in 2021-2022 in the Akmola region to test approaches to introducing gender budgeting in the sectors of social protection, healthcare, and education. Moreover, introductory video materials were prepared for Public Administration Academy.     

As continuation of these advocacy and capacity development efforts, UN Women plans to conduct one day introductory training on GRB for line ministries and public officials. 

Context:

In 2021, UN Women developed an online course titled "Gender Analysis in the National Planning and Budgeting System" to equip government officials with the necessary knowledge and tools to integrate gender perspectives into policy and budgeting processes. The course consists of five modules covering the fundamentals of gender equality, principles of gender budgeting, gender analysis, the integration of gender-responsive budgeting into the budget cycle, and practical case studies. It includes interactive materials, tests, and infographics to enhance learning and support the adoption of a gender-responsive approach in public administration. 

In 2024, UN Women together with key national partners, the Ministry of Culture and Information and the National Women's Machinery engaged in negotiations with Ministry of National Economy and the Ministry of Finance on the implementation of GRB into the draft New Budget Code. 

As part of the strategical view towards advancing gender equality in November 2024 UN Women conducted training on Gender expertise of legal acts and strengthened capacities of the 53 representatives of legal departments of the 23 ministries and 6 research institutions.

Duties and responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the UN Women Project Manager, the International consultant will be responsible for the following key objectives:

• Review and assess existing (from 2021 - on) UN Women products, including reports, training materials, and policy documents related to gender-responsive budgeting and planning in Kazakhstan.
• Overview current finance management framework in Kazakhstan, identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities for further integration of gender perspectives. 
• Develop and deliver a training in Astana for government officials and relevant stakeholders on gender-responsive budgeting. 
• Development of the draft National Road Map of introducing and integration of the GRB in Kazakhstan legislation procedures and strategic documents and Public Finance Management.  
• Presentation of the Road Map to the national partners MCI and National Commission.

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

Required skills and qualifications:

Education

• University Degree in finance/budget, social or pedagogical sciences, gender studies, public administration, international relations, law and international law, public policy or related fields.

Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in gender-responsive budgeting, policy analysis, and training.
• Proven experience working with UN agencies, governments, or international organizations is an asset.
• Strong analytical and research skills in the field of GRB and gender equality, with experience in reviewing policy documents.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and conduct training programs for government officials is mandatory.

Language Requirements

• Professional proficiency in written and spoken English and Russian.

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:

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.