UN Women : Programme Management Specialist, Consultant, Bangkok, Thailand

Background:

UN Women is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women globally, working to eliminate discrimination and achieve equality between women and men in all areas of life. The organization leads and coordinates efforts within the United Nations system to ensure that gender equality commitments are realized, providing strong leadership and fostering partnerships with civil society and other stakeholders.

Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) is central to UN Women’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025 and 2026-2029, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that focus on gender equality, decent work, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth. In the Asia-Pacific region, UN Women’s initiatives aim to advance gender-responsive business practices, transform the care economy, support women entrepreneurs, and promote gender-responsive markets for climate action. These efforts are integrated with broader work in sectors such as climate change, ending violence against women, and humanitarian action.

The UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific’s Women’s Economic Empowerment team is seeking to hire a Programme Management Consultant to lead the programme implementation of the WE RISE Together Programme and will provide strategic oversight for the Thailand Programme. The Consultant will work closely with the Regional WEE Advisor and the WEE MEL Programme Consultant.

WE RISE Together Phase 2 (WRT 2.0)
In its second phase, WE RISE Together Phase 2 (WRT 2.0) - (1 March 2025 to 28 February 2029) is funded and supported by the Australian Government through the Mekong–Australia Partnership (MAP) and implemented by UN Women to advance Gender-Responsive Procurement (GRP) in the Mekong Subregion across Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Thailand, and Viet Nam. The project contributes to specific key envisioned outcomes in the MAP, namely Mekong Subregion partners increase leadership and economic opportunities for women and people with disabilities and other marginalized groups, and Mekong Subregion partners enable strengthened economic resilience and subregional integration.

WRT as a programme is working the overarching results of: More women are empowered to equally access, participate, lead and benefit from expanded market opportunities in the Mekong Subregion and works across three outcome areas:

• Outcome 1: Increased awareness and commitment to Gender-Responsive Procurement (GRP), demonstrated through increased adoption of GRP practices by public and private institutions and strengthened gender-responsive data on procurement practices.
• Outcome 2: Strengthened national public policies and/or practices related to GRP and/or women-owned businesses (WOBs) / gender-responsive enterprises (GREs) promotion that are aligned with existing regional frameworks; and
• Outcome 3: Increased market connections and opportunities for WOBs and GREs.

WRT 2.0 has established a comprehensive Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Strategy serving as both a normative and operational framework guiding the integration of GEDSI across the programme.
Reporting to the Regional Programme Manager and Technical Advisor - Regional Women’s Economic Empowerment in Asia (P4) with matrix reporting line to Thailand Programme Coordinator (NOC), the Programme Management Consultant, WE RISE Together (WRT) is responsible for leading coordination among all Mekong Countries, Cambodia, Laos PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam WRT teams for effective programme implementation.
In addition, the Programme Management Consultant will be managing strategic oversight towards the WRT program in Thailand and serving as a donor contact person, in close collaboration/consultation with the UN Women’s Thailand Programme Coordinator to ensure programme coherent. The consultant will work in close coordination with various partners and stakeholders, including the DFAT MAP Team in Bangkok, which will guide and provide input for the performance of the programme at regional and country level. The incumbent will also inform and update WEE unit and UN Women Thailand about programme implementation and opportunities to build synergies with other relevant initiatives implemented by UN Women and key relevant stakeholders at the country and regional level.

Description of Responsibilities /Scope of Work

The Consultant will undertake the following tasks:

Support the Regional Team with the monitoring, tracking, coordination, and reporting of the WEE Programme portfolio, as follows:

Regional

• Lead regional programme coordination and management in close collaboration with the WEE Technical Lead;
• Manage WRT implementation based on the Results-based Management (RBM) principles and in accordance with the UN Women’s standard rules and regulations;
• Manage WRT Budgets to ensure planned spending and delivery;
• Ensure the translation of the UN Women’s and Mekong-Australia Partnership (MAP) project’s priorities into Country and regional interventions that resonate with country and regional level priority to promote women’s economic empowerment (WEE) in the context of Gender Responsive Procurement and market access;
• Connect the country level activities with regional level initiatives and cross-country learnings;

Thailand Specific

• Provide oversight for Thailand Programme management (including budget, results management) and provide strategic technical guidance to the Thailand CO on Public GRP and SME policies
• Analyse development context and identify key opportunities and partners to advance the project planning and implementation in close collaboration with UN Women’s Thailand Programme Coordinator to ensure UN Women’s programme coherence;
• Supervise work with partners/contractors in Thailand to engage the private and public sector actors into WE Rise Together;
• Develop further and implement existing a detailed country-level work plan in line with the approved programme document in close consultation with the WEE Regional Lead and the Thailand Program Coordinator to ensure it is aligned with the overall direction of WRT programme as well as UN Women’s strategic priorities on WEE at the country and regional level;
• Provide quality assurance for country strategy documents, proposals, briefs, policy dialogue and other documents related to WE Rise Together;
• Provide Technical support to Thailand Country coordinator to ensure that WRT is embedded in UNSDF and the Country Coordinator can represent the programme at strategic meetings, especially in the context of government engagement
• Identify country-level capacity building needs and support partners through technical assistance, mentoring, training, cross partner learning and sharing;

2.Lead monitoring and reporting, coordination between regional (Mekong) and four implementing
countries (Cambodia, Laos PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam) and donor engagement

• Coordinate cross-country results, monitor and report progress of implementation of activities and finances using results-based management tools in close collaboration with the M&E personnel;
• Lead the drafting and consolidating of the reports on monitoring missions, project programme results, outputs and outcomes;
• Provide substantive inputs to the preparation of donor and UN Women reports, including quarterly and annual results reporting in RMS, narrative and financial reports;
• Review, coordinate and monitor the submission of implementing partner financial and narrative reports;
• Provide technical guidance, support, monitor and course correct GEDSI Strategy implementation
• Record and maintain documents on relevant programme activities, issues, risks and risk mitigation plans;
• Monitor budget implementation and make budget re-alignments/ revisions, as necessary;
• Track progress and share updates on WRT implementation among WRT teams, WEE Unit and UN Women Thailand to ensure coherent project implementation;
• Serve as a focal person for donor engagement and ensure the donor remains well-informed according to the agreed Governance Note.

3.Oversee partnerships, advocacy support and outreach of WRT

• Lead advocacy strategy and implementation, coordinating high-impact campaigns, policy dialogues, and stakeholder engagement on women’s economic empowerment (WEE), with a focus on Thailand, Viet Nam, and the regional platform.
• Support and manage engagement with DFAT and Mekong–Australia Partnership (MAP) stakeholders, including regular updates, coordination, and visibility of WRT results in close collaboration with the WEE Programme Lead.
• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with relevant UN agencies, multilateral organizations, government institutions, civil society actors, and private sector players to ensure timely and effective delivery of programme activities.
• Strengthen public and private sector engagement, facilitating collaboration with WOBs, GREs, business associations, and procurement-related stakeholders to advance inclusive market access and gender-responsive procurement supported by the partnership consultant
• Identify and engage new partners to co-design and co-deliver joint activities—such as trainings, events, and platforms—aligned with WRT objectives and country priorities.
• Support the engagement of WOBs, GREs, private sector companies, industry associations and relevant public agencies in close cooperation and coordination with the regional communications team to expand WEPs signatories and implementation of WEPs;

4.Support the development of technical support materials, provide technical support to the Country Offices and lead Knowledge Management and Exchange specific regional interventions

a. Support the WEE Technical lead in the development of GRP Capacity Building materials and programmes for Staff and external partners

b. Work closely with the HQ technical GRP team to organize targeted capacity building for Country Offices

• Support the WEE Technical Lead to support the Regional WEE Community of Practise to increase the GRP knowledge in the Asia and Pacific Region
• Support the WEE Technical lead in the development of Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) capacity Building materials and programmes for Staff and external partners
• Support Mekong country offices in implementing GEDSI Strategy across all programme activities
• Collect knowledge on current and emerging trends by gathering relevant information on projects, strategies, approaches and ongoing experience for lessons learned and best practices and facilitate exchange amongst Mekong countries;
• Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice, facilitating the knowledge exchange of companies to take up effective gender equitable business practices through gender-responsive procurement and guide development of incentives for companies to enjoy recognition of their advances;
• Lead the implementation of regional and/or country specific GEDSI disaggregated WOB databases in partnership with and industry association and networks in the Mekong region;

Expected Deliverables

The Consultant will provide a monthly progress report covering the following areas:

• Programme Implementation: Summary of implementation progress at regional and Thailand levels, including key results, workplan updates, meetings, budgets, challenges, and coordination updates.
• Monitoring & Results: Highlights of progress against the results framework, implementing partner reporting, and any key updates on risk and mitigation.
• Donor & Stakeholder Engagement: Summary of engagements and communications with DFAT and MAP stakeholders, including coordination updates and visibility actions.
• Advocacy & Partnerships: Key advocacy activities, events, and updates on new or ongoing partnerships with government, civil society, and private sector actors.
• Technical Support and GEDSI Integration: Overview of technical support provided and progress in mainstreaming GEDSI across programme activities and engagement with WOBs/GREs.
• Updated Calendar: A consolidated calendar of programme activities, meetings, and deliverables—reflecting updates from country teams, partner engagements, and DFAT coordination.

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel

This is an office-based consultancy in Bangkok, Thailand. The consultant may be required to travel to the Asia-Pacific region for the purpose of this assignment, where required by the Regional Lead, Women’s Economic Empowerment and Migration. Travel will be arranged by UN Women following UN Women’s Travel Policy.

Candidates of all nationalities - including Thai nationals - are welcomed to apply for this assignment, and accordingly the appropriate consultancy contract (international or national) will be issued.

SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS

A monthly rate will be paid upon submission of a monthly update reports with an approval of the supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely and high-quality implementation of Programme at regional and country level against set workplans, timelines and budgets, in line with the programme document
• Quality and timely reporting
• Excellent relations with partners and stakeholders internally and externally
• Regular and timely monitoring of activities
• Enhanced best practices and lessons learned documented and circulated
• Increase awareness of WRT/ MAP and UN Women and DFAT engagement at regional and country level
• Excellent relations and partnership with Governments and other stakeholders in the Gender-Equality and/or Business and Human Rights space
• Excellent relationship and management of key donor and related stakeholders

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:

• Ability to support design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects.
• Knowledge of Results Based Management principles and approaches.
• Ability to maintain networks and partnerships with UN agencies and other international partners to promote partnership and build alliances to advance organizational interests and competencies.
• Demonstrated good oral and written communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of UN and/or other programme management systems
• Strong knowledge in gender equality, GEDSI, women`s economic empowerment and private sector management, policies and environment
• Strong technical expertise in SME development, women’s entrepreneurship and inclusive / gender-responsive procurement and/or market access and inclusive trade experience
• Policy design and analysis in the area in women’s economic empowerment

Recruitment Qualifications

Education and certification:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in public administration, law, economics, human rights, gender equality, management, social sciences or other related areas 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.
• A project/programme management certification would be an added advantage

Experience:

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects.
• Previous experience in the development sector including the UN system is a plus.
• At least 5 years experience in promoting gender equality and/or social development and GEDSI implementation
• Experience on women’s economic empowerment
• Experience in Inclusive and Gender-Responsive Procurement and/or inclusive trade and SME Development
• Strong experience in advocacy and policy influencing and working with governments and/or other inter-governmental bodies
• Experience in applying the Results-based Management (RBM) principles and approaches in programme planning, monitoring/reporting and implementation
• Knowledge of working with the private sector is a plus as well as knowledge on Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and/ or Gender-equality in private sector is an advantage
• Experience in private sector engagement for resource mobilisation is a plus

Language Requirements :

• Fluency in both English is required
• Thai language skills is a plus
• Excellent written and communication skills

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.