About the Organization
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women, established to accelerate progress on meeting the needs of women and girls worldwide. The organization serves as a global champion for the elimination of discrimination, working to ensure that women and men participate as equal partners and beneficiaries in development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security. By merging resources and mandates from four previously distinct parts of the UN system, UN Women provides a powerful, coherent voice for women’s rights on the global stage.
The UN Women Liaison Office to the African Union (AU) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) plays a critical role in continental advocacy. Based in Addis Ababa, this office engages with the AU organs, civil society, and the diplomatic community to provide technical support for the adoption and monitoring of commitments to Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE). A flagship of this engagement is the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), a partnership with the AUC and ITU that empowers young women to lead in the ICT sector.
UN Women fosters an organizational culture built on integrity, professionalism, and a deep respect for diversity. The entity is committed to creating an inclusive environment where individuals from all backgrounds are respected and valued, regardless of race, religion, sex, or orientation. This inclusive approach is reflected in how UN Women builds partnerships across the continent to advance the GEWE agenda through regional coordination mechanisms.
Professional growth at UN Women is facilitated through exposure to high-level international policy frameworks and large-scale continental programs. Consultants and staff are integrated into multicultural teams, gaining experience in program formulation, results-based management, and strategic partnership coordination. The organization emphasizes the development of technical skills in monitoring, reporting, and resource mobilization within the complex landscape of international development.
As an equal opportunity employer, UN Women explicitly encourages women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for its consultancy positions. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, harassment, and discrimination, ensuring a safe and ethical workplace. Joining UN Women means contributing to a transformative vision where every girl and woman has the opportunity to realize her full potential.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Programme Consultant for the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) serves as a vital bridge between continental strategy and national implementation. By managing the day-to-day programmatic and operational needs of the AGCCI, the consultant ensures that young women across eleven African countries gain the coding and ICT skills necessary for the digital future. This role is essential for placing the GEWE agenda at the heart of Africa’s digital transformation.
On a “day-in-the-life” basis, the consultant coordinates with diverse partners, including the African Union Commission and international donors, to align program delivery with strategic results. The work involves developing concept notes, managing logistics for high-level meetings, and providing technical advisory support to implementing countries. This coordination ensures that resources are utilized optimally and that national digital ecosystems are strengthened through stakeholder engagement.
The strategic impact of this role is measured by its contribution to the African Union’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024). By training girls aged 17–20 to become computer programmers and creators, the consultant helps build a pipeline of female leaders in the ICT sector. This work not only addresses immediate skill gaps but also advocates for gender-responsive education systems across the continent.
Career development within this consultancy is robust, offering the chance to manage complex budgets, develop resource mobilization strategies, and lead multi-country program deliveries. The incumbent will gain firsthand experience in UN inter-agency coordination and partnership management with major global donors like the Government of Belgium and Siemens. Such exposure is foundational for a career in international development and gender-focused technical advisory.
Ultimately, the consultant ensures the efficient functioning of the Liaison Office by documenting lessons learned and facilitating knowledge sharing across stakeholders. This ensures that the AGCCI program remains evidence-based and adaptive to the changing technological landscape. Through these efforts, the consultant plays a direct role in empowering the next generation of African women innovators.
Job Positions and Requirements
Programme Consultant (AGCCI)
Educational Qualification: Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, human rights, gender/women’s studies, international development, or a related field. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2) is an added advantage.
Work Experience: Minimum of 2 years of work experience or demonstrated interest in administrative and operational management of GEWE, human rights, or partnership-related projects.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Office-based with potential travel).
Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale.
No. Required: 1.
Employment Type and Compensation
This role is an Individual Consultancy with an initial contract duration of 6 months. As an office-based position, it requires a full-time commitment in Addis Ababa, with the possibility of assigned travel to other duty stations as required by the supervisor. The consultancy category is designed for specialized technical support within the UN Women Liaison Office.
Compensation is growth-oriented and competitive, following the established UN Women scales for individual consultancies. The package is designed to attract professionals with a background in international development and administrative management. In addition to financial compensation, the role offers high-level networking opportunities within the AU and UN ecosystems.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply through the official UN Women/UNDP application system using the Job Identification number 34011. Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including education and detailed employment history, are fully completed. Incomplete applications may result in immediate disqualification from the selection process.
Please note that scanned certificates or attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. The organization prioritizes the information provided in the digital application form to assess suitability for the role. Physical verification of original documents will be conducted only for shortlisted candidates during the interview or final selection stage.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the recruitment team for the next steps, which may include technical assessments or interviews. Only those who move forward in the process will receive direct communication. UN Women conducts rigorous background and reference checks, including the verification of academic credentials and employment history, for all selected personnel.
The recruitment timeline for this vacancy is approximately one week from the posting date. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications promptly before the closing date to ensure consideration. The application process is designed to be transparent, ensuring that the most qualified and integrated candidates are selected for the mission.
The primary application channel is the online portal. If you require reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your initial application.
Application Deadline
May 16, 2026