Job Description
Position(s): Gender Digital Gap Consultant
Organization: UN Women
Location: All Around Globe
Deadline: Ongoing
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.
The digital gender gap remains a significant challenge in Africa, limiting women’s access to digital technologies, digital skills, and opportunities in the digital economy. Addressing gender disparities in digital and technological sectors is one of the most relevant issues to the mandates of both UN Women and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Africa. This initiative aligns with global trends towards digital transformation and innovation while ensuring that women and girls are not left behind, as supported by the following considerations:
Data and Research: Conducting research and gathering data on the digital gender gap in Africa can provide evidence to guide policies and interventions. This includes understanding bar
Digital Gender Divide: There is a significant gender gap in access to and use of digital technologies in Africa. Women are less likely to have access to internet services, digital skills training, and digital devices compared to men. Addressing this gap is essential for ensuring women can fully participate in the digital economy.
Economic Empowerment: Closing the digital gender divide can contribute to women’s economic empowerment. Digital skills are increasingly essential for employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. By equipping women with digital skills, UN Women and ECA can enhance their ability to access better jobs, start businesses, and participate more actively in economic activities.
Innovation and Development: Investing in women’s digital literacy and entrepreneurship in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can drive innovation and contribute to sustainable development in Africa. Women’s perspectives and participation in technology and innovation are crucial for creating solutions that address local challenges and contribute to inclusive growth.
Policy Advocacy and Capacity Building: UN Women and ECA can work with governments and stakeholders to advocate for policies that promote gender equality in digital access, education, and entrepreneurship.
About UN Women
Established in 2010, UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women worldwide. Through its various initiatives, UN Women seeks to achieve a world where every woman and girl can thrive, free from discrimination and violence. Their work spans various areas, including economic empowerment, leadership and political participation, ending violence against women, and advancing gender equality in social protection and public services. With the increasing reliance on digital platforms, UN Women recognizes the importance of addressing the gender digital divide to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities.
The Gender Digital Divide
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of digital access in our daily lives, affecting education, employment, and social interaction. Unfortunately, millions of women and girls remain on the wrong side of the digital divide, lacking not only access to technology but also the skills and confidence to use it effectively. This divide is influenced by various factors, including social norms, lack of infrastructure, and economic barriers. Tackling this issue requires a nuanced approach that understands the specific needs and experiences of women in diverse contexts.
Role of Gender Digital Gap Consultant
The Gender Digital Gap Consultant positions at UN Women involve strategic planning, research, and implementation of initiatives aimed at closing the gender digital divide. Consultants will work closely with governments, civil society, and private sector stakeholders to develop policies and programs that promote digital inclusivity. Some key responsibilities include:
- Research and Analysis: Conducting thorough research to gather data on the digital experiences of women, identifying barriers to access, and exploring effective interventions.
- Strategy Development: Collaborating with UN Women teams to develop targeted strategies that promote digital equality and enhance women’s digital literacy.
- Capacity Building: Designing and implementing training programs that empower women and girls with the necessary digital skills and tools to navigate the online world effectively.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Building partnerships with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector, to foster collaborative efforts in addressing the gender digital gap.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing frameworks to monitor progress and evaluate the impact of interventions aimed at bridging the digital divide.
Why Apply?
Impactful Work: By joining UN Women as a Gender Digital Gap Consultant, you will be part of a larger mission to promote gender equality and empower women globally. Your contributions will directly impact policies and programs that can transform the lives of countless women and girls.
Remote Work Flexibility: The positions are fully remote, offering you the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world. This not only allows for a better work-life balance but also provides an opportunity to collaborate with a diverse and global team of experts.
Professional Development: UN Women is committed to the professional growth of its staff. As a consultant, you will have access to training, resources, and networking opportunities that can enhance your skills and career prospects in the field of gender equality and digital inclusion.
Diversity and Inclusion: UN Women values diversity and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment. The organization actively seeks candidates from all backgrounds, especially those who have firsthand experience with the challenges faced by women and marginalized communities in the digital space.
Description of Responsibilities/ Scope of Work
- Conduct a literature review and desk research on existing studies, reports, and data related to the digital gender gap in Africa.
- Develop a methodology for primary data collection, including surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders (government officials, NGOs, private sector representatives, women entrepreneurs, etc.).
- Collect quantitative and qualitative data to assess the digital gender gap, focusing on access to digital technologies, digital literacy levels, and barriers faced by women.
- Analyze collected data to identify key trends, challenges, and opportunities related to gender and digital inclusion in Africa.
- Identify and document case studies of successful initiatives that have effectively addressed the digital gender gap in the region.
- Develop evidence-based recommendations for policies, programs, and interventions to bridge the digital gender gap and promote gender equality in the digital economy.
Ideal Candidates
UN Women is looking for candidates with a passion for gender equality and extensive knowledge of the digital landscape. Ideal applicants will have:
- A background in gender studies, international development, digital policy, or a related field.
- Proven experience in research, policy analysis, and program implementation, particularly concerning digital inclusion or gender equality.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- An innovative mindset and the ability to think strategically about addressing complex social issues.
How to Apply
If you are excited about the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of women and girls globally, we encourage you to apply for the Gender Digital Gap Consultant positions at UN Women. Applications can be submitted online through their official website, where you will find detailed job descriptions and application guidelines.
Apply here on Official Website
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Conclusion
In today’s digital age, closing the gender digital divide is essential for achieving sustainable development and gender equality. UN Women’s remote opportunities as Gender Digital Gap Consultants offer a unique chance to contribute to this vital cause. If you are passionate about using your skills to empower women and promote digital inclusion, consider applying today and be part of a global movement towards equality and empowerment. Together, we can bridge the digital gap and create a world where every woman and girl has the tools and opportunities to succeed.
