Result of Service

To this end, ESCAP's Social Development Division is hiring an individual contractor, under the overall supervision of the Chief of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Section, to undertake the following tasks: Support the finalization of the publication “The Future is Care: Visioning Inclusive and Resilient Care Systems in Asia and the Pacific”, including incorporating and addressing feedback from peer reviewers, management and the editor and designer (launching October 2026) Support preparation for a session at the 12th Asia Pacific Futures Network Conference (3-4 September 2026), including conducting background research on potential speakers, drafting talking points and presentations, and providing logistical and communications support as needed. Materials to be submitted in electronic format by 04 September 2026. Prepare substantive materials and provide logistical and communications support for a national workshop on the occasion of the 50 year anniversary of National Women’s Day (4 November 2026) in Timor-Leste, including development of a concept note, draft programme, invitation letters, and presentations and talking points Support the conceptualization of a national framework for action on the care economy in Timor-Leste. Prepare a think piece on care entrepreneurship in Asia and the Pacific, examining emerging models, opportunities and enabling conditions, and their potential contribution to sustainable care systems, women’s economic empowerment and decent work. Support preparations for ESCAP participation in 16th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women, including researching stakeholders, drafting talking points, preparing presentations, etc. (conference taking place from 5 to 9 April 2027). Conduct comparative research and policy analysis to inform the possible development of a regional framework for action on the care economy Prepare substantive written contributions and communications materials, including speeches, talking points, blog posts, press releases, and social media content, on care and other gender equality topics (ongoing). Amendment: Support strengthening data visualization for gender equality related outputs, including the Asia-Pacific Gender Portal, presentations, reports and other outputs, through development of visual products, preparation of infographics and dashboards, and review of data presentation approaches (ongoing). Support implementation of a partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC) on energy and gender equality, including background research, stakeholder mapping, preparation of concept notes and briefing materials, coordination with partners, logistical preparations for consultations, documentation of outcomes, and follow-up actions arising from discussions. Further support the preparation of high-level overview and context-setting presentations on regional trends and comparative perspectives across subregions, and leveraging partnerships with SPC and governments to strengthen regional and national engagement and knowledge exchange (ongoing). Conduct research and analysis on gender-related language used in intergovernmental resolutions and regional agreements, prepare briefing notes and comparative assessments, and support drafting of inputs for the 71st Commission on the Status of Women Regional Preparatory Meeting and other regional policy documents (initial draft due 05 November 2026). Provide any other support as requested in alignment with the overall goals of ESCAP's gender equality, care economy and women’s entrepreneurship initiatives.

Work Location

Bangkok and/or remotely

Expected duration

06/07/26-05/04/27

Duties and Responsibilities

ESCAP recognizes the crucial role of promoting women's economic empowerment to advance gender equality and address the challenges faced by women and girls in Asia and the Pacific. In the region, women and girls shoulder a disproportionate share of unpaid care and domestic work, dedicating an average of four times more time to these responsibilities compared to men. This gendered and unequal distribution of care responsibilities restricts the opportunities available to women and girls, hindering their access to quality education, decent work and participation in public life. Policies that recognize, reduce, and redistribute unpaid care and domestic work are critical to free up women's and girls' time and provide them with greater opportunities, including access to education, employment, and the ability to contribute to the economy. In this context, ESCAP collaborates with governments in Asia and the Pacific to value and invest in the care economy. This includes supporting efforts to harmonize existing legislation toward the reduction and redistribution of unpaid care work, establishing national care systems that include affordable support services for children, older persons and family members with disabilities, and introducing the systematic use of gender-responsive budget initiatives. In addition, ESCAP promotes women’s entrepreneurship as a key pathway to economic empowerment across sectors, including the digital, green, and care economies. This includes supporting the development of gender-responsive policies, strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, and enhancing women’s access to finance, skills development, technology, and business networks. Through multi-stakeholder partnerships and regional knowledge-sharing, ESCAP advances innovative and scalable business models that create sustainable livelihoods and expand women’s participation in economic development.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree in development, social sciences or related field. At least one year of experience in undertaking research and analysis on socioeconomic issues is required. Previous experience with UN entities working on gender equality issues is desirable. Experience in the Asia-Pacific region is desirable. Strong research and drafting skills are necessary.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of one of the other official languages of ESCAP is desired.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Individual contractor on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion