UN Women International Consultant in ECOWAS 2026 to lead institutional mapping and strategic integration of care economy priorities. A 40-day, home-based contract with travel to Abuja and Dakar. Master’s degree, 7+ years’ experience, and fluency in English and French required. Apply by 10 December 2025.
Overview
UN Women has opened applications for a 40-day International Consultancy supporting the ECOWAS Commission and the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) to advance regional care-economy integration. The consultancy is part of UN Women’s commitment to strengthening women’s economic empowerment, transforming care systems, and preparing regional policy work ahead of CSW72 (2028).
This short-term, high-impact consultancy is home-based, with missions to Abuja, Nigeria and Dakar, Senegal, and will deliver institutional mapping, analysis, strategic entry points and a full ECOWAS Care Institutional Case.
About the Consultancy
The selected consultant will work under the supervision of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Regional Advisor (UN Women West and Central Africa Regional Office) and collaborate closely with the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre.
The assignment focuses on supporting ECOWAS to integrate a gender-responsive care economy agenda, addressing the region’s substantial unpaid care burdens, structural inequality, and policy gaps.
Detailed Responsibilities
1. Institutional Mapping on the Care Economy
- Map all ECOWAS Directorates, Departments, Agencies, and affiliated bodies with mandates related to care systems.
- Identify existing strategies, frameworks, and programmes related to unpaid and paid care work.
- Highlight gaps and opportunities for policy integration.
2. Identification of Strategic Entry Points
- Analyse ECOWAS policy cycles and strategic planning processes for short-, medium-, and long-term openings.
- Draft a detailed action plan for mainstreaming care priorities across ECOWAS frameworks.
3. ECOWAS Care Institutional Case
- Produce a high-level advocacy narrative positioning the care economy as a strategic regional priority.
- Align the case with ECOWAS priorities in regional integration, economic growth, human development, and gender equality.
- Provide actionable engagement recommendations for UN Women and EGDC.
4. Research, Data Collection and Field Missions
- Conduct desk reviews of ECOWAS documents and global regional care-system models.
- Hold interviews with ECOWAS departments, women parliamentarians, and key stakeholders.
- Undertake missions to Abuja and Dakar for in-person consultations.
5. Final Reporting and Presentation
- Present findings in a virtual restitution workshop.
- Produce a comprehensive final report integrating all feedback.
Deliverables and Timeline for UN Women International Consultant in ECOWAS 2026
| Deliverable | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Inception report, methodology and workplan | By 9 January 2026 |
| Care Institutional Mapping Report | By 27 February 2026 |
| ECOWAS Care Institutional Case | By 20 March 2026 |
| PPT presentation for restitution workshop | By 10 April 2026 |
| Final integrated report | By 27 April 2026 |
| Total consultancy duration | 40 days |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
Education
- Master’s degree in economics, gender studies, political science, social sciences, development studies, or related field.
- A PhD is an asset.
Experience
- At least 7 years of progressive experience in gender-responsive public policy, care economy, women’s economic empowerment, and regional integration.
- Experience working with ECOWAS or other African regional bodies is highly desirable.
- Proven experience conducting similar assessments or institutional analyses in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Strong analytical, strategic, and independent working capacity.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in both English and French is required.
Benefits of the Assignment
- Home-based consultancy offering flexible work arrangements.
- Opportunity to shape regional care-economy policy ahead of CSW72.
- Strategic role influencing ECOWAS integration and gender-responsive economic planning.
- Regional travel to ECOWAS Headquarters (Abuja) and EGDC (Dakar).
- Direct engagement with high-level institutions and regional policymakers.
- Contribution to long-term systems change for women’s economic empowerment.
How to Apply
Follow the application instructions on the UN Women careers portal:
- Visit the job posting for Job ID 30339.
- Complete all required sections of the application form.
- Upload:
- Detailed CV
- Motivation letter
- Copies of relevant certifications
- Any additional documents requested
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Application Deadline: 10 December 2025 (06:59 AM)
Note: Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | UN Women – West & Central Africa Regional Office |
| Role | International Consultant (ECOWAS – Care Economy) |
| Location | Home-based with missions to Abuja and Dakar |
| Contract Duration | 40 days (5 Jan – 27 Apr 2026) |
| Application Deadline | 10 December 2025 |
| Required Experience | 7+ years in gender-responsive public policy & care economy |
| Required Languages | English and French |
| Travel | Abuja and Dakar |
| Deliverables | Mapping, institutional case, action plan, reports, workshop presentation |
Conclusion
The UN Women International Consultant role for ECOWAS offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of care-economy integration across West Africa. Ideal for seasoned gender-policy experts with regional experience, the consultancy provides high-level influence, meaningful impact, and a strategic platform ahead of major global dialogues such as CSW72. Eligible experts are encouraged to submit a strong, complete application before the deadline.
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