UN Women Gender Equality Research and Policy Consultant – Beirut, Lebanon
UN Women Gender Equality Research and Policy Consultant – Beirut, Lebanon. The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) is recruiting a Gender Equality Research and Policy Specialist Consultant for its office in Beirut, Lebanon. The consultancy offers an opportunity for an experienced researcher and policy professional to contribute to evidence-based policymaking, gender equality research and programmes promoting women’s rights.
The consultant will support research, policy analysis and knowledge production across several areas, including women’s political participation, women’s economic empowerment, women, peace and security, violence against women and girls, humanitarian action and legal reform.
This is an office-based national consultancy intended for an experienced professional with a strong background in gender research, policy analysis and social research. Applicants must have excellent Arabic and English language skills.
Applications open
Consultancy opportunity
Application deadline: 12 November 2026, according to the vacancy listing. The official UN Women careers portal should be checked for the precise closing time and any updates before submission. Office-Based+2
🔎 Quick overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | UN Women |
| Position | Gender Equality Research and Policy Specialist Consultant |
| Contract category | National Consultant |
| Location | Beirut, Lebanon |
| Work arrangement | Office-based |
| Opportunity type | Individual consultancy |
| Education | Master’s degree or equivalent |
| Minimum experience | 5 years |
| Required languages | Arabic and English |
| Main focus | Gender equality research and policy analysis |
| Application deadline | 12 November 2026 |
| Official application | UN Women Careers |
🏛️ About UN Women
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Established in July 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly, UN Women works to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, promote women’s empowerment and advance equality between women and men.
The organisation supports governments, civil society organisations, women’s rights groups, development partners and other stakeholders to translate commitments to gender equality into practical action.
Its work covers women’s leadership and political participation, economic empowerment, ending violence against women and girls, women’s rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.
Through research, policy engagement, advocacy and programme implementation, UN Women works to ensure that women and girls can exercise their rights and participate fully in social, political and economic life.
🌍 About the consultancy
The UN Women Lebanon Country Office is seeking a Gender Equality Research and Policy Specialist Consultant to strengthen its research and analytical capacity.
The position focuses on generating credible, relevant and policy-oriented evidence about the different ways political, economic, social, humanitarian and security developments affect women and girls in Lebanon.
The consultant will help transform research findings and data into practical recommendations that can inform:
- UN Women programmes and strategic planning.
- Policy dialogue and advocacy.
- Partnerships with government and civil society.
- Resource mobilisation and donor engagement.
- United Nations planning and coordination processes.
- Gender-responsive humanitarian and recovery initiatives.
The consultant will report to the Country Representative and work closely with Programme Managers, technical specialists and colleagues responsible for monitoring, reporting and communications.
Specific research assignments will be agreed through an approved workplan. Office-Based+1
💼 Key responsibilities
The selected consultant will lead and support research, policy analysis, data quality and knowledge production across UN Women’s areas of work in Lebanon.
1. Support the research and analytical agenda
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting the development and implementation of a country-office research calendar.
- Identifying evidence gaps and developing research questions.
- Coordinating quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research.
- Conducting desk reviews and secondary data analysis.
- Supporting surveys, key-informant interviews and focus-group discussions.
- Leading or supporting rapid gender analyses during humanitarian, conflict or recovery situations.
- Ensuring that research follows gender-responsive, rights-based and ethical standards.
2. Produce research and policy publications
The consultant will prepare analytical reports, research papers, policy briefs, briefing notes, background papers and evidence summaries.
Research topics may include:
- Women’s political participation, representation and leadership.
- Women’s participation in governance and public institutions.
- Women, peace and security.
- Conflict prevention, peacebuilding and recovery.
- Women’s economic empowerment and employment.
- Entrepreneurship and access to finance.
- Violence against women and girls.
- Access to protection, justice and referral services.
- Discriminatory laws and policies affecting women’s rights.
- Social protection and the care economy.
The research should also consider the experiences of women and girls facing intersecting forms of discrimination, including women with disabilities, refugees, displaced women, migrant women, older women and young women.
3. Strengthen research methodology and data quality
The consultant will help ensure that research is reliable, accurate and relevant to policy and programme decisions.
Specific tasks include:
- Designing and reviewing research methodologies.
- Developing questionnaires and interview guides.
- Reviewing sampling approaches and data-collection tools.
- Cleaning, analysing and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data.
- Identifying data gaps affecting gender equality monitoring.
- Supporting the use of sex-disaggregated and intersectional data.
- Reviewing research reports and methodologies produced by external consultants.
- Preparing accessible tables, charts and evidence summaries.
4. Translate research into policy recommendations
Research findings must be converted into practical information that can guide decision-making.
The consultant will:
- Develop recommendations for UN Women programmes and advocacy.
- Provide evidence for strategic planning and programme design.
- Contribute gender analysis to United Nations assessments and cooperation frameworks.
- Support humanitarian and recovery planning.
- Prepare briefing materials for senior-level engagements.
- Provide evidence to support donor engagement and resource mobilisation.
5. Build research partnerships
The consultant will engage with relevant institutions and organisations to strengthen research collaboration and the use of evidence.
These may include:
- Government ministries and national institutions.
- Civil society organisations.
- Women’s rights and women-led organisations.
- Universities and academic institutions.
- Research organisations.
- United Nations agencies.
- Development partners and donors.
The consultant may also facilitate consultations, validation meetings, roundtables and technical discussions to review findings and encourage their use in policymaking. Office-Based+1
📊 Indicative research areas
The consultancy covers a broad range of gender equality and women’s rights issues in Lebanon.
| Research area | Potential focus |
|---|---|
| Women’s political participation | Leadership, representation, elections and governance |
| Women, peace and security | Peacebuilding, conflict prevention, protection and recovery |
| Women’s economic empowerment | Employment, entrepreneurship, decent work and access to finance |
| Violence against women and girls | Prevention, protection, justice and referral systems |
| Humanitarian action | Displacement, recovery, reconstruction and resilience |
| Legal and policy reform | Discriminatory laws and barriers to equal rights |
| Social inclusion | Disability inclusion, gender norms and unpaid care |
| Gender data | Sex-disaggregated statistics and indicators for measuring progress |
These research areas are indicative. Specific assignments will depend on the approved workplan and UN Women Lebanon’s priorities.
📄 Expected deliverables
UN Women Gender Equality Research and Policy Consultant – Beirut, Lebanon
The consultant will be expected to produce practical research outputs and knowledge products during the consultancy.
These include:
- Research workplan: An updated and prioritised research calendar aligned with the Country Office’s priorities.
- Research methodologies: Research protocols, methodologies and data-collection tools for approved studies and assessments.
- Analytical reports: Research papers, policy briefs, rapid gender analyses and other knowledge products.
- Research datasets: Clean analytical datasets, coding frameworks and evidence matrices where relevant and consistent with data-protection requirements.
- Briefing materials: Presentations, briefing notes and evidence summaries for programme, policy, donor and inter-agency audiences.
- Quality assurance: Technical reviews and comments on research products commissioned or produced by the Country Office.
- Consultation documentation: Records of consultations, validation processes and recommendations for research uptake.
The final outputs and their timing will be determined through the approved consultancy workplan. Office-Based+1
🎓 Eligibility requirements
The opportunity is intended for an experienced research and policy professional with a strong understanding of gender equality, women’s rights and applied research.
1. Educational qualifications
Applicants must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in one of the following fields:
- Gender studies.
- Human rights.
- Political science.
- Economics.
- Sociology.
- Public policy.
- International relations.
- International development.
- Statistics.
- Social research.
- Another relevant social science discipline.
A first-level university degree may be accepted in combination with two additional years of qualifying professional experience, in lieu of the advanced university degree.
2. Professional experience
Candidates must have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in applied research, policy analysis, gender analysis or a closely related field.
Applicants must also demonstrate:
- Experience designing and conducting research on gender equality, women’s rights or social policy.
- Experience using qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
- Experience producing high-quality analytical reports and policy briefs.
- Ability to translate research findings into recommendations for policy and programme audiences.
3. Additional desirable experience
The following experience will be an advantage:
- Survey design and implementation.
- Data cleaning and statistical analysis.
- Qualitative coding and mixed-methods research.
- Research on women’s political participation and governance.
- Women, peace and security.
- Women’s economic empowerment.
- Violence against women and girls.
- Humanitarian action and social protection.
- Legal reform and intersectional inclusion.
- Working with government institutions, civil society and women’s rights organisations.
- Working with United Nations agencies or other international organisations.
- Professional experience in Lebanon or the Middle East and North Africa region.
4. Computer and research skills
Applicants should be comfortable using standard office software and research tools.
Familiarity with statistical analysis software and qualitative research analysis tools is desirable.
5. Language requirements
Both languages required
Candidates must demonstrate fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English.
This is an important requirement because the consultant will conduct research, prepare reports, communicate with stakeholders and contribute to policy discussions in the Lebanese context. Office-Based+2
🌍 Where is the consultancy based?
UN Women Gender Equality Research and Policy Consultant – Beirut, Lebanon
The position is based at the UN Women Country Office in Beirut, Lebanon.
It is an office-based consultancy rather than a fully remote opportunity.
Travel within Lebanon may also be required depending on the approved research workplan. Any official travel will be subject to UN Women rules, security conditions and prior authorisation.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to work from Beirut and undertake authorised travel within the country when necessary. Office-Based+1
🇱🇧 Who can apply?
The vacancy is advertised as a National Consultant position in Beirut, Lebanon.
This is an important distinction for international applicants. It is not advertised as an international or home-based consultancy.
The published vacancy information identifies the position as a national consultancy but the accessible description does not provide a sufficiently clear, separate nationality clause. Applicants should therefore check the official application page and complete terms of reference to confirm the applicable nationality, residency and work-authorisation conditions before applying.
For candidates outside Lebanon, including applicants from Zimbabwe and other African countries, it would be unwise to assume that international applications are accepted simply because the vacancy is publicly accessible.
💰 Remuneration and consultancy benefits
The vacancy describes an individual consultancy but the accessible announcement does not specify:
- The consultancy fee or daily rate.
- The total contract value.
- The exact contract duration.
- Accommodation or relocation support.
- International travel or visa assistance.
Applicants should not interpret the position as a salaried staff appointment or assume that it includes a standard UN employee benefits package.
The financial terms, deliverables, payment arrangements and duration should be confirmed through the official terms of reference and consultancy agreement.
📅 Application deadline
The vacancy was posted on 29 October 2026.
The deadline is reported as 12 November 2026, Eastern Time by one vacancy listing. Another listing gives 13 November at 04:59 UTC, which corresponds to the same closing moment. Applicants should rely on the closing time displayed in the official UN Women recruitment system. Office-Based+2
📝 How to apply
Applications should be submitted through the official UN Women recruitment platform.
Step 1: Visit the UN Women careers portal
Open the official recruitment website.
Step 2: Search for the position
Search using the title:
Gender Equality Research and Policy Specialist Consultant, Beirut, Lebanon – National Consultant – Office-Based.
Step 3: Review the full vacancy announcement
Read the complete terms of reference, including the qualifications, professional experience, language requirements, consultancy conditions and application instructions.
Step 4: Prepare your application
Ensure that your application clearly demonstrates your experience in gender equality research, policy analysis, data interpretation and preparation of research publications.
Step 5: Complete the online application form
Enter your education and employment history accurately. UN Women specifically instructs applicants to complete all sections of the application form, including education and employment history. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Step 6: Submit before the deadline
Review the information and supporting documents before submitting through the official recruitment platform.
Only use the official UN Women recruitment website to submit your application. Office-Based+1
📋 Application preparation checklist
UN Women Gender Equality Research and Policy Consultant – Beirut, Lebanon
Before applying, candidates should make sure they have:
- A relevant Master’s degree or qualifying first-level university degree.
- At least five years of relevant professional experience.
- Experience conducting gender equality or women’s rights research.
- Experience preparing analytical reports and policy briefs.
- Strong qualitative and/or quantitative research skills.
- Excellent written and spoken Arabic.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Relevant experience in policy analysis and stakeholder engagement.
- A complete education and employment history in the application form.
- Confirmed eligibility for the national consultancy.
🎯 Tips for a competitive application
The position requires more than general interest in women’s rights. It calls for someone who can independently conduct research, evaluate evidence and translate findings into practical policy recommendations.
Consider the following suggestions:
1. Demonstrate research leadership
Highlight research projects you have designed, coordinated or conducted. Explain the methods used and the results achieved.
2. Showcase published work
Include relevant reports, research papers, policy briefs or other knowledge products you have prepared, where appropriate and permitted.
3. Highlight gender expertise
Provide concrete examples of your work on gender equality, women’s rights, women’s empowerment or social policy.
4. Demonstrate mixed-methods capabilities
Explain your experience with interviews, focus groups, surveys, statistical analysis, qualitative coding and other research methods.
5. Show policy impact
Describe how your research has informed programme design, advocacy, institutional decisions or policy recommendations.
6. Highlight experience in Lebanon or the MENA region
Regional experience is desirable. Applicants who have worked with local institutions, civil society organisations or development partners should clearly explain this experience.
7. Demonstrate strong language abilities
Since Arabic and English fluency are required, applicants should ensure their application reflects their professional communication capabilities in both languages.
⚠️ Important things to know
UN Women Gender Equality Research and Policy Consultant – Beirut, Lebanon
- This is a national consultancy, not an international staff appointment.
- The position is office-based in Beirut.
- At least five years of relevant professional experience is required.
- A Master’s degree is required, although a first-level degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted.
- Fluency in both Arabic and English is mandatory.
- Travel within Lebanon may be required.
- The consultancy fee and duration are not specified in the accessible vacancy description.
- Applicants must complete all sections of the UN Women application form.
- Selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks, including verification of academic qualifications and employment history.
UN Women also has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. Successful candidates are expected to comply with the organisation’s policies and standards of conduct. Office-Based+1
❓ Frequently asked questions
UN Women Gender Equality Research and Policy Consultant – Beirut, Lebanon
1. What is the UN Women Gender Equality Research and Policy Specialist consultancy?
It is a national consultancy based in Beirut, Lebanon, focused on research, policy analysis and knowledge production relating to gender equality and women’s rights.
2. Where is the position located?
The consultancy is office-based in Beirut, Lebanon.
3. How much professional experience is required?
At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in applied research, policy analysis, gender analysis or a closely related field.
4. What qualifications are required?
A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted instead.
5. Are Arabic and English required?
Yes. Fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English is required.
6. Can applicants from Zimbabwe apply?
The opportunity is classified as a national consultancy in Lebanon. Applicants from Zimbabwe should verify the nationality and residency requirements with UN Women before proceeding. The vacancy should not be treated as an international consultancy open to applicants worldwide.
7. Is the consultancy remote?
No. It is office-based in Beirut. Travel within Lebanon may also be required depending on the approved workplan.
8. What areas will the consultant research?
Research may cover women’s political participation, women, peace and security, women’s economic empowerment, violence against women and girls, humanitarian action, legal reform, social protection and gender data.
9. Is the consultancy paid?
The opportunity is an individual consultancy, but the accessible vacancy announcement does not state the consultancy fee or payment rate. Candidates should consult the full terms of reference for financial details.
10. When is the application deadline?
The advertised deadline is 12 November 2026, Eastern Time. Applicants should confirm the precise closing time on the official recruitment portal.
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🚀 Final thoughts
UN Women Gender Equality Research and Policy Consultant – Beirut, Lebanon
UN Women Gender Equality Research and Policy Consultant – Beirut, Lebanon. The UN Women Gender Equality Research and Policy Specialist Consultant opportunity is suited to experienced researchers and policy professionals who want to contribute to gender equality and women’s rights in Lebanon.
The consultancy offers an opportunity to work across important policy areas, including women’s leadership, economic empowerment, peace and security, humanitarian action and the prevention of violence against women and girls.
The strongest candidates will combine relevant postgraduate education, at least five years of professional experience, excellent research and analytical skills, and fluency in Arabic and English.
Because this is a national, office-based consultancy, candidates should carefully verify the nationality and residency requirements before applying.
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