VacanciesInternships

Technical Consultant – Gender and Urban Livelihood (Local Post for Indian Nationals and Applicants with Valid Work Permit) – Re-advertised;UN

UN Women is an organization dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment, with a vision rooted in the Charter of the United Nations. The organization actively works to eliminate gender-based discrimination, promote women’s rights, and support national and international efforts towards gender equity.This Technical Consultant position is focused on gender and urban livelihoods, emphasizing sustainable urban development. The consultant will contribute to policy research, implementation strategies, and knowledge sharing to advance women’s economic participation and empowerment in urban livelihoods.

The position is based in New Delhi, India, and is open to Indian nationals or applicants with a valid work permit. It is a full-time role with an initial contract of 10 months. The consultant will work closely with UN Women, the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).


2. Organizational Context: UN Women’s Work on Urban Livelihoodshttps://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/23616

Urbanization is rapidly increasing worldwide, including in India, where more than 34% of the population resides in urban areas. Cities offer economic opportunities, but they also create challenges such as unemployment, informal labor, and gender disparities in economic participation.

Women, especially those from marginalized communities, face significant barriers in accessing decent work opportunities in urban areas due to gender biases, lack of skills training, unpaid domestic work, safety concerns, and limited access to financial resources.

To address these challenges, UN Women, in partnership with NIUA and MoHUA, is supporting the establishment of the Centre for Sustainable Urban Livelihoods (CSUL). CSUL aims to provide research-based technical policy support and act as a learning hub for DAY-NULM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission) and PM SVANidhi (a microcredit scheme for street vendors).

The consultant will play a pivotal role in integrating gender-responsive strategies within urban livelihood policies, strengthening evidence-based research, and supporting national and state-level programs.


3. Key Responsibilities of the Technical Consultant

The role primarily involves policy research, program development, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge management to promote sustainable urban livelihoods with a gender-inclusive approach. The key responsibilities are:

3.1. Research Design and Implementation

  • Develop innovative research methodologies and frameworks focused on gender and urban livelihoods.
  • Conduct interdisciplinary studies on women’s participation in the urban workforce, the impact of government programs, and strategies for gender-inclusive economic growth.
  • Design research models that analyze emerging trends in urban employment and entrepreneurship.

3.2. Knowledge Management and Strategy Development

  • Develop comprehensive databases and knowledge systems to support policymakers.
  • Identify gaps in the current research landscape and propose new studies or projects to address these gaps.
  • Ensure that research findings are aligned with DAY-NULM, PM SVANidhi, and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

3.3. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

  • Work closely with government bodies, NGOs, UN agencies, research institutions, and civil society.
  • Provide technical guidance to policy teams working on urban poverty alleviation.
  • Organize workshops, seminars, and consultations to share research insights with different stakeholders.

3.4. Capacity Building and Technical Support

  • Support national and state government officials in implementing gender-sensitive policies.
  • Develop training materials, toolkits, and resources for city-level officials and urban planners.
  • Offer mentorship and technical guidance to junior researchers and field teams.

3.5. Representation and Advocacy@vacancyspaces.com

  • Represent UN Women and CSUL at national and international forums related to urban development.
  • Advocate for gender-inclusive economic policies in discussions with ministries, policymakers, and UN agencies.
  • Publish policy briefs, research papers, and reports to influence decision-making.

4. Expected Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to deliver tangible outputs, including:

  1. Research reports and policy papers highlighting best practices in gender-responsive urban livelihoods.
  2. Comprehensive monthly reports documenting research progress, fieldwork, and stakeholder engagement.
  3. Concept notes, background papers, and technical documents for government and UN Women’s advocacy efforts.
  4. Training modules and knowledge products to support state and local urban livelihood programs.

5. Required Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this role, applicants must have a strong academic background, extensive professional experience, and a deep understanding of gender issues, urban planning, and economic development.

5.1. Educational Requirements

  • A Master’s degree in one or more of the following fields:
    • Gender Studies
    • Urban Planning
    • Sustainable Livelihoods
    • Social Sciences
    • Urban Management
    • Public Policy
    • Development Studies
  • Degrees from top-tier institutions will be an advantage.

5.2. Professional Experience

  • At least 8 years of work experience, with:
    • 5 years in urban development projects working with cities, states, and government programs.
    • Experience in policy research and program implementation.
    • Previous work with ministries, UN agencies, research institutes, or state/national government bodies.
  • Proven experience in conducting large-scale research and publishing findings.
  • Expertise in gender-inclusive urban planning and livelihood strategies.

5.3. Technical Skills and Competencies

  • Strong analytical and writing skills.
  • Ability to design, execute, and evaluate research projects.
  • Experience in stakeholder management and policy advocacy.
  • Excellent communication skills in English and Hindi (knowledge of other Indian languages is a plus).
  • Strong understanding of SDGs, CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women), and UN policies.

6. Core Competencies Required

Candidates must demonstrate:

  • Commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
  • Creative problem-solving and analytical thinking.
  • Ability to work in diverse, multicultural environments.
  • Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Capacity to lead and manage research projects independently.

7. Evaluation and Selection Process

The selection process will involve:

  1. Shortlisting of CVs based on:
    • Educational qualifications (5 points)
    • Relevant work experience (5 points)
    • Experience in urban-centric projects (5 points)
  2. Assessment Criteria:
    • Interview (80 points): Candidates will be tested on technical knowledge, research experience, and policy expertise.
    • Presentation (20 points): Candidates must present a research-based strategy for gender-inclusive urban development.

8. Application and Compliance Policies

  • Diversity and Inclusion: UN Women ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or nationality.
  • Zero Tolerance Policy: UN Women has strict policies against misconduct, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
  • Background Verification: Selected candidates must undergo academic and employment history verification.

9. Conclusion

This Technical Consultant position is a high-impact role aimed at advancing gender-inclusive urban policies. The selected candidate will play a critical role in evidence-based policymaking, research, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy. By integrating gender perspectives into urban livelihood programs, this position contributes to economic empowerment, social inclusion, and sustainable urban development.

If you are passionate about gender equality, urban development, and policy research, this is an excellent opportunity to make a tangible impact in shaping inclusive urban economies.

Would you like help with your resume, cover letter, or interview preparation for this role?

Alright! Let’s dive deeper into this role and the surrounding context—I’ll break it down into more detail, expanding on the responsibilities, impact, and broader significance of this work. Let’s explore it all—get comfy, this will be a deep dive!


Expanding on the Role of the Technical Consultant – Gender and Urban Livelihood

1. Introduction to the Role and its Global Context:
This role is situated at a fascinating intersection of gender equality and urban development. Globally, cities are expanding rapidly, and by 2050, nearly 70% of the world’s population is expected to live in urban areas. This urban explosion brings both challenges and opportunities. For women and vulnerable groups, cities can represent both a space of economic opportunity and a landscape of exclusion and inequality.

UN Women’s work, in this context, seeks to ensure that as cities grow and evolve, they do so in a way that includes and empowers women. This involves transforming urban policy, planning, and development to be gender-inclusive, ensuring women not only have access to economic opportunities but can thrive in them. The Technical Consultant plays a crucial role in making this vision a reality by driving research and policy that center women’s experiences and needs.


2. Deep Dive into Responsibilities:

Research Design & Implementation:
The consultant is not just a passive researcher but an innovator in methodology—crafting new ways to explore the multifaceted realities of urban livelihoods. This could involve mixed-methods approaches, participatory research engaging women in urban slums, or leveraging big data to map out economic activities of women street vendors.

Management of Knowledge Systems:
A robust knowledge management system ensures that learning isn’t siloed but is shared across states and national bodies. The consultant will identify what’s working in some cities and find pathways to replicate those successes elsewhere. Imagine creating a digital repository of best practices in gender-responsive urban policy—this would be a key output.

Stakeholder Engagement:
Urban development involves a vast ecosystem of stakeholders—municipal governments, private sector actors, civil society, international agencies, and local communities. The consultant bridges these worlds, ensuring that the voice of a woman entrepreneur in a New Delhi market influences the policies crafted in national ministries.

Technical Guidance & Capacity Building:
This is about building a movement of gender-conscious urban planners and policymakers. The consultant’s work will inform the training of city officials, the development of toolkits on gender-inclusive urban planning, and the mentoring of a new generation of researchers committed to gender equality.

Representation & Advocacy:
By representing UN Women at national and international forums, the consultant elevates the visibility of gender issues in urban contexts. This is not just about attending conferences but actively shaping the discourse—pushing for gender equality to be seen not as an add-on but as central to urban resilience and sustainability.


3. Qualifications & What They Signify:

Academic Background:
A Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Urban Planning, or related fields reflects not just academic achievement but a deep understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of gender and development. This knowledge is critical in analyzing complex urban systems and devising transformative policies.

Professional Experience:
Eight years in the field, with five years focused on urban-centric projects, indicates a depth of practical experience. The ideal candidate has seen the complexities of urban poverty first-hand, understands the machinery of government programs, and has navigated the politics of policy-making.

Technical Skills:
Analytical prowess, coupled with the ability to communicate complex research findings to diverse audiences, is crucial. This means not only being able to dissect a dataset but also crafting compelling narratives that can move a policymaker to action.


4. Broader Impact and Strategic Importance:

Linking Gender Equality with Urban Resilience:
Cities face myriad challenges—climate change, migration, economic inequality. Women’s economic empowerment is a powerful lever in tackling these challenges. When women thrive economically, communities become more resilient. Their businesses diversify local economies, their incomes uplift families, and their leadership brings diverse perspectives to governance.

Contributing to Global Agendas:
The work aligns with multiple global frameworks—Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). It also contributes to the implementation of CEDAW and the New Urban Agenda, shaping how cities can be equitable, sustainable, and inclusive.

National Relevance:
In India, urban poverty and gender inequality are deeply intertwined. Programs like DAY-NULM and PM SVANidhi are pivotal in addressing these issues, providing microfinance and skill development to urban poor, especially women. The Technical Consultant ensures these programs don’t just exist but thrive—bringing data-driven insights and gender lenses to their implementation.


5. Evaluation and Selection: A Rigorous Process

Assessment Criteria:
The selection is stringent—not just about qualifications, but a holistic evaluation of a candidate’s vision, ability to innovate, and commitment to gender equality.

Interview (80 points):
It’s about testing the candidate’s strategic thinking—can they navigate complex policy landscapes? Can they turn research into actionable insights? Can they inspire stakeholders towards a common vision of gender-inclusive cities?

Presentation (20 points):
This isn’t just about public speaking—it’s a test of how effectively a candidate can communicate nuanced research findings to policymakers, community leaders, and international bodies.


6. Diversity, Inclusion, and UN Women’s Commitment:

UN Women’s commitment to diversity and inclusion means creating a workplace where diverse perspectives are not just welcomed but essential. The consultant will thrive in an environment that values their unique perspective and encourages innovation. Moreover, the zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct reflects an organizational culture of respect and integrity—key for anyone committed to social justice and equity.


7. Final Thoughts:

This role is not just a job—it’s a mission. It’s about being part of a transformative effort to reshape cities so they work for everyone, especially those traditionally marginalized. For someone driven by purpose, passionate about gender equality, and eager to make a tangible impact on urban policy and development—this is a rare and golden opportunity.

What do you think—want to brainstorm ideas for your application or dig deeper into any of these points? Let’s make this application shine!

I prefer this responseChatGPT

Response 2

Alright! Let’s dive deeper into the Technical Consultant – Gender and Urban Livelihood position at UN Women, breaking down the various aspects of the role, the broader organizational mission, the challenges faced in urban livelihoods, and the critical importance of gender inclusion in urban development.


1. Understanding UN Women’s Mission and Vision

1.1. Origin and Evolution of UN Women

UN Women was established in July 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly as part of the UN reform agenda. It merged the roles and responsibilities of four previously distinct parts of the UN system:

  • Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW)
  • Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women (OSAGI)
  • United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW)
  • United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)

The primary goal of UN Women is to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, promote women’s empowerment, and achieve gender equality.

1.2. UN Women in India

The India Country Office (ICO) focuses on critical areas, including:

  • Women’s Leadership and Governance: Enhancing women’s participation in governance at local, state, and national levels.
  • Economic Empowerment: Creating economic opportunities and supporting entrepreneurship among women.
  • Ending Violence Against Women: Initiatives aimed at reducing gender-based violence through advocacy, legal reform, and support services.

2. Urbanization and Its Impact on Gender Equality

2.1. Rapid Urbanization in India

India is witnessing unprecedented urban growth, with over 400 million urban residents as of 2025. Urban centers are economic engines, contributing significantly to GDP, but they also pose challenges:

  • Inequality in access to resources and opportunities.
  • Overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure.
  • High rates of informal employment, lacking job security and social benefits.

2.2. Gender Dynamics in Urban Livelihoods

Women in urban areas face specific challenges:

  • Limited Access to Formal Employment: Women are overrepresented in informal sectors like domestic work, street vending, and home-based enterprises.
  • Safety Concerns: Public spaces in urban areas often lack safety for women, restricting their mobility and economic participation.
  • Unpaid Care Work: Women disproportionately bear the burden of unpaid domestic and caregiving responsibilities, limiting their ability to pursue economic opportunities.

2.3. The Role of Government Initiatives

DAY-NULM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission) and PM SVANidhi are pivotal programs aimed at enhancing livelihoods in urban areas. These initiatives focus on:

  • Providing microcredit to street vendors.
  • Skill development and capacity building for urban poor.
  • Supporting entrepreneurship among women and marginalized communities.

3. Center for Sustainable Urban Livelihoods (CSUL)

3.1. Objectives and Purpose

The Centre for Sustainable Urban Livelihoods (CSUL) is envisioned as a center of excellence under DAY-NULM and PM SVANidhi. Its key objectives are:

  • To provide technical assistance for the effective implementation of livelihood programs.
  • To promote sustainable frameworks for supporting urban poor, women, and vulnerable groups.
  • To facilitate cross-learning and knowledge dissemination among states and urban local bodies.

3.2. Research and Innovation Unit

The Research and Innovation Unit within CSUL is critical in driving evidence-based policy and program development. It focuses on:

  • Conducting research studies to identify challenges in urban livelihoods.
  • Exploring successful livelihood models for upscaling and replication.
  • Enhancing financial access, social security, and entrepreneurship opportunities for women.

4. Detailed Role of the Technical Consultant

The Technical Consultant is a central figure in achieving the objectives of CSUL by integrating gender-responsive approaches in urban livelihood strategies.

4.1. Research Design and Implementation

  • Develop research models that incorporate gender analysis and address intersectional inequalities.
  • Design innovative interventions for emerging trends in urban ecosystems, such as the gig economy, digital platforms, and green jobs.
  • Analyze the impact of national policies on urban livelihoods from a gender perspective.

4.2. Knowledge Systems Management

  • Establish knowledge repositories on urban livelihoods, documenting best practices, case studies, and policy briefs.
  • Collaborate with academic institutions and think tanks to enhance research outputs.

4.3. Stakeholder Engagement

  • Engage with diverse stakeholders, including municipal bodies, state agencies, women’s groups, private sector, and international organizations.
  • Conduct focus group discussions and community consultations to incorporate voices from marginalized communities.

4.4. Capacity Building

  • Develop training manuals, toolkits, and e-learning modules for government officials and community workers.
  • Conduct workshops and training sessions to build capacities on gender-inclusive planning and livelihood strategies.

4.5. Advocacy and Representation

  • Represent CSUL at global platforms like the World Urban Forum, Commission on the Status of Women, and G20 discussions.
  • Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, policy magazines, and UN publications.

5. Competencies and Skills

5.1. Core Values

  • Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all professional activities.
  • Professionalism: Delivering quality work with accountability.
  • Respect for Diversity: Embracing cultural and gender diversity in all engagements.

5.2. Core Competencies

  • Awareness of Gender Issues: Understanding systemic barriers and designing solutions to address them.
  • Effective Communication: Conveying complex ideas clearly to varied audiences.
  • Inclusive Collaboration: Working in multidisciplinary teams and fostering a collaborative environment.

5.3. Functional Competencies

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage large-scale research projects.
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, Stata) and GIS software.
  • Expertise in policy advocacy and public speaking.

6. Required Experience and Educational Background

  • Master’s degree in relevant fields like Gender Studies, Urban Planning, Social Sciences, or Development Studies.
  • 8+ years of professional experience with a focus on urban-centric projects and gender-responsive programming.
  • Published research papers, policy briefs, and case studies in reputed forums.

7. Impact and Outcomes of the Role

The Technical Consultant’s work will have far-reaching impacts, including:

  • Enhanced gender inclusivity in urban policies.
  • Improved livelihood opportunities for women and marginalized groups.
  • Strengthened collaborative networks among stakeholders.
  • Creation of sustainable urban development models that can be replicated globally.

8. Application Process and Selection

Applicants are evaluated on educational qualifications, experience, and their ability to develop gender-responsive strategies. The selection involves:

  • CV shortlisting based on qualifications and experience.
  • Interviews to assess technical knowledge and fit for the role.
  • Presentations to demonstrate research and policy development skills.

9. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

UN Women fosters an inclusive work environment, promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities for all. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination, harassment, and abuse.


This extensive role in UN Women is a gateway to meaningful change, fostering gender equity in urban development and creating sustainable livelihoods for marginalized communities. If you are committed to social justice and gender equality, this role offers a platform to drive significant impact.

Would you like assistance with your application materials or preparing for the interview? Let me know how I can support you further

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button