Consultant to Develop a Study on Sustainable Jobs in the Blue Economy for Women at UN Women

Duties and Responsibilities:

The consultant will:

• Prepare an inception report detailing a situational analysis and regional trends of blue economy in East and Southern Africa. 
• Define the blue economy, the scope of the world of work in the blue economy, mapping on the key sectors, data on women’s engagement in the sectors. Secondary data analysis from labour force participation surveys, agriculture surveys, among others will be used to analyse employment and entrepreneurship trends and blue economy sectors in the region.
• Barriers affecting their full participation including how gender dynamics, social norms and cultural influences contribute to women’s engagement in blue economy. 
• Review literature on gender responsive legal and policy frameworks in the blue economy in place for women’s employment and entrepreneurship in ESA region. 
• Review literature on investments in innovative small – scale infrastructure and public and private sector financing for women-led blue economy employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
• Collect data from relevant key stakeholders; conduct a maximum of 10 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) from relevant stakeholders at different levels within the blue economy sectors in the region. 
• Draft a report identifying opportunities for women’s employment and entrepreneurship in the blue economy sector, based on information gathered. The report draft will draw on best practices from case studies from the region (including from UN Women projects) 
• Prepare recommendations (policy and programmatic, targeting public and private sector stakeholders) and ways in which the enabling environment can be tailored to create and support opportunities for women’s employment and entrepreneurship in the blue economy sector.

Methodology

The study will focus on East and Southern Africa, drawing from the ocean region that covers the East and Southern Africa countries, including inland water (lakes, rivers and artificial basins). The methodology will adopt a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative analysis, (secondary data analysis from labour force participation surveys, agriculture surveys, among others and qualitative methods (interviews with no more than 10 KII) to analyse employment and entrepreneurship trends, blue economy sectors analyses in the region. The analysis will apply a gender-responsive, intersectional, and participatory lens. The proposed methodology will be detailed in the inception report and will be refined in consultation with UN Women during the inception phase.

The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Regional Policy Specialist at the UN Women East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO). Regular coordination meetings will be held to discuss progress, challenges, and next steps. The consultant is expected to work closely with focal points from relevant UN Women Country Offices and liaise with key stakeholders as required.

Deliverables 

• An inception report on the situational analysis and regional trends of blue economy in East and Southern Africa - include methodology and action plan;
• A draft report on the literature review on gender responsive legal and policy frameworks in the blue economy, small scale infrastructure investments and public and private sector financing opportunities for women’s employment and entrepreneurship in the blue economy and best practices in ESA region
• A draft report identifying opportunities for women’s employment and entrepreneurship in the blue economy sector, based on information gathered, drawing on best practices and case studies.
• Final report and a policy brief that includes recommendations (policy and programmatic, targeting public and private sector stakeholders) incorporating inputs from UN Women. A presentation slide deck will be included as part of the package for the final report and brief.

Education and Certification:

• A master’s degree in development studies, environmental sciences, economics, marine policy and governance, economics, gender and development, policy and data analysis, social science or another related field 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.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in gender equality and blue economy, marine policy, environmental governance and related experience.
• Demonstrated experience in understanding the linkages between gender and the blue economy, environmental protection, working in the review/development of blue economy and environmental policies and programmes, gender equality policies and programmes as well as a solid understanding of key stakeholder groups within the blue economy sector in the East and Southern Africa region.
• Demonstrated experience in carrying out gender and blue economy programmes, research and/or projects in Africa.
• Strong ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and structure tasks proactively.
• Experience in Africa is desirable.