UN Women - Consultant Financial Tool Adaptation Expert, Home-based.

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.

In the context of promoting economic resilience and gender equality in the Caribbean, there is a growing imperative to identify and mobilize innovative financing mechanisms that are inclusive and responsive to the specific needs of women and underserved populations. Financial Institutions (FIs) in the OECS region play a pivotal role in enabling access to finance. However, many still lack the tools, capacity, or technical know-how to systematically integrate gender considerations into the design of financial products, service delivery, and outreach strategies. 

UN Women’s regional strategy recognizes the private sector—where 80% of global employment is concentrated—as a crucial lever for driving transformative actions that empower women. While gender lens investing (GLI) and gender-responsive finance are gaining global momentum, many financial institutions are still at an early stage and unsure of how to begin or what specific needs women entrepreneurs, especially those in the informal sector have. Key barriers for women-led Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) include the high cost of finance, lack of access to adequate financial products, and systemic issues such as self-exclusion, risk aversion, and lack of documentation or formal systems. Recent studies conducted in OECS countries, including needs assessments and feasibility studies, consistently highlight these barriers. 

In response to these challenges, UN Women developed a technical tool titled “Guía para el uso técnico de la Herramienta de Análisis de Inclusión de las Mujeres en la Provisión de Productos y Servicios Financieros” in English “Technical Guide for the Analysis of Women’s Inclusion in the Design of Financial Products Tool ”. This tool has been translated to English and is designed to help both regulated and non-regulated financial service providers assess their level of gender inclusivity and identify opportunities to tailor their products and services for women. By entering relevant institutional data, providers can generate practical insights that support the development of profitable, inclusive, and responsive financial services. 

This analysis is also part of the project implemented by the Caribbean Multi-Country office: “Build Back Equal project” (BBE). The Build Back Equal project, funded by the Government of Canada, is a comprehensive initiative aimed at advancing economic and social equality for women and girls in the Caribbean. It focuses on four Eastern Caribbean countries: Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The project addresses challenges to gender equality exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis, particularly in women's economic empowerment, gender-responsive social protection, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. Key activities include providing technical assistance to governments for legislation and policies on unpaid care work, offering business skills training for women-owned enterprises, implementing public assistance programs for women with children, and integrating social protection services into pathways for sexual and gender-based violence. The project aims to strengthen women's economic opportunities, improve gender-responsive social protection systems, and enhance the quality and accessibility of sexual and reproductive health services. This consultancy is framed within project. 

This consultancy will contribute to ongoing regional efforts to adapt and pilot this tool in the OECS specific context and countries. The consultant will be responsible for localizing the tool for English-speaking Caribbean institutions and facilitating its use among selected financial stakeholders. This includes working directly with institutions to assess readiness, identify constraints and opportunities, and support the design of a roadmap for gender-responsive financial strategies. 

Additionally, the consultant will support the organization and delivery of a regional knowledge-sharing event, where the adapted tool will be presented and discussed among stakeholders to encourage adoption and scale-up. 

This consultancy will contribute to regional efforts to foster innovative financing with a gender lens by: 

Mapping and analysing the landscape of financial service provider institutions (FSPIs) across four OECS countries: Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines., with a focus on their products, systems, practices, and levels of gender integration. 

• Preparation: Engaging institutions through interviews and focus groups to understand operational realities, barriers, and opportunities for designing or adapting gender-inclusive financial mechanisms. 
• Supporting four (4) selected Financial Service Providers and Institutions (FSPIs)—one (1) per each BBE focus country (Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines) to apply UN Women’s Inclusion Analysis Tool to assess institutional strengths, identify gaps, and explore opportunities to advance gender-responsive financial services. This support will be delivered through a targeted webinar series and technical guidance sessions tailored to prospective financial institutions. 
• Facilitating a regional knowledge-sharing event to present the adapted financial tool, highlight diagnostic results, and encourage the uptake of gender-responsive approaches. 
• Producing evidence-based recommendations and strategic insights to inform follow-up programming, institutional capacity-building and the eventual piloting of gender-responsive financial products. 

Objective of the Consultancy 

• Strengthen UN Women’s strategic engagement with financial institutions around the development and adoption of gender-responsive financial solutions for MSMEs, particularly women-owned MSMEs. 
• Equip interested financial institutions with the knowledge, tools and technical support needed to integrate gender analysis into their financial products, systems and service delivery. 
• Support women-owned enterprises by improving their access to relevant, inclusive and gender-responsive financial products, and by leveraging insights generated through the diagnostic tool. 
• Ultimately, the consultancy will contribute to improved access to finance for women-owned MSMEs and enhanced institutional capacity among FSPIs to offer gender-responsive financial instruments. 

The consultant will report to the UN Women MCO Caribbean Planning and Coordination Specialist. The consultant will also work in close coordination with the Communications and Advocacy Analyst at the UN Women Caribbean MCO (BRB).

Description of Responsibilities/Scope of Work 

The consultant will be responsible for mapping the financial landscape, engaging directly with institutions to identify opportunities and challenges, and adapting a practical tool developed by UN Women to help financial institutions assess and improve their services from a gender equality perspective. The tool, originally developed in Spanish, will be contextualized for English-speaking OECS countries and presented in a regional knowledge-sharing event. 

1. Desk Review and Institutional Mapping 

a) Conduct a desk review of financial institutions in 4 OECS Countries: Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. 
b) Develop a preliminary database categorising FSPIs by type (banks, MFIs, credit unions, fintechs) and by their position along the gender integration continuum (gender blind → gender transformative). 
c) Prepare institutional profiles including relevant financial products, outreach approaches and existing gender-responsive practices. 
d) Submit a summary report and database in Excel and Word format with suggested selected financial institutions to be discussed with the UN Women BBE Programme Manager 

e) The selection will be confirmed by the UN Women BBE Programme Manager 

2. Stakeholder Engagement and Data Collection 

a) Design a structured interview and/or focus group guide tailored for diverse FSPIs. 
b) Coordinate, schedule and conduct interviews/focus groups with 5–8 representative institutions across the four OECS countries. 
c) Collect qualitative data from the interview on: institutional needs, gender practices, operational challenges, and opportunities for adapting or introducing inclusive financial mechanisms. 

 3. Analysis and Synthesis of Findings 

a) Analyse stakeholder insights to identify key gaps, challenges and opportunities related to gender-responsive finance. 
b) Produce a concise analytical report summarizing needs, barriers and potential strategies for FSPIs to strengthen inclusive  finance practices. 

4. Adaptation of the Financial Inclusion Tool 

          a) Review the original UN Women Inclusion Analysis Tool and assess its applicability to the OECS context. 
          b) Translate, adapt and test the tool for English-speaking financial institutions in the Caribbean. 
          c) Integrate global best practices and feedback from FSPIs to ensure practical usability and relevance.

          d) Adapted UN Women Inclusion Analysis Tool for the OECS context, including a user guidance note and summary of key adaptations based on stakeholder feedback                   and applicability to Caribbean financial institutions.

 5. Knowledge-Sharing and Online Webinar Series 

a) Prepare presentation materials incorporating methodology, case examples and Caribbean-specific guidance. 
b) Support coordination and logistics for the regional event (virtual or hybrid), including a technical run-through and event summary. 
c) Facilitate the session, introduce the adapted tool, and present findings and recommendations. 
d) Collect participant feedback and integrate into final deliverables. 

6. Final Reporting 

           a) Submit a comprehensive final report documenting the results and outcomes of the consultancy. The report should synthesize the evidence generated                                        through the mapping, stakeholder engagement and tool adaptation process, and clearly outline the main findings, lessons learned and strategic                                                  opportunities to advance gender-responsive finance within the OECS context. 

The final report should specifically include: 

• An overview of the financial landscape in the four OECS countries and the level of engagement of Financial Service Providers and Institutions (FSPIs) in gender-responsive finance. 
• Key gaps, institutional barriers and opportunities identified through consultations with financial institutions. 
• Practical insights on how financial institutions can strengthen gender-responsive financial services for women-led MSMEs. 
• Documentation of the adaptation process of the UN Women Inclusion Analysis Tool and its applicability to the OECS context. 
• Key outcomes and feedback from the webinar series and knowledge-sharing activities. 
• Strategic recommendations for UN Women and partners on potential next steps, including opportunities for scaling up engagement with financial institutions in the region. 

The final deliverables should also include supporting materials and knowledge products, such as: 

• The updated database of financial institutions. 
• The adapted Financial Inclusion Analysis Tool for use in English-speaking Caribbean contexts. 
• Interview or focus group guides and summary notes. 
• Webinar presentation materials. 
• Communication products: A communication approach will be integrated to position gender-responsive finance as a business opportunity for financial institutions, highlighting women-led MSMEs as a viable and underserved client segment, while showcasing the practical value of the tool in supporting product design and institutional transformation. (e.g., infographics or summary briefs, case studies) to facilitate dissemination of key findings including the value of the tool itself. 
• The business case for providing finance to women-led MSMEs (economic contribution, resilience, untapped market potential)  
• The value and adaptability of the UN Women Financial Inclusion Analysis Tool for designing gender-responsive and gender-transformative financial products  
• Case studies (e.g., WEPs examples) showcasing financial institutions already advancing gender-responsive approaches 

Final Deliverables (Summary)

• Final Report (Word file) including: 
  • Overview of the financial landscape in the 4 OECS countries and FSPI engagement in gender-responsive finance 
  • Key gaps, barriers and opportunities identified through consultations 
  • Practical insights to strengthen gender-responsive financial services for women-led MSMEs 
  • Documentation of the adaptation and applicability of the UN Women Financial Inclusion Analysis Tool 
  • Outcomes and feedback from webinars and knowledge-sharing activities 
  • Strategic recommendations for UN Women and partners, including scaling-up opportunities 
• Updated Database (Excel file) of all financial institutions 
• Adapted Financial Inclusion Analysis Tool tailored to the English-speaking Caribbean 
• Research & Consultation Materials: 
  • Interview/focus group guides and summary notes 
• Knowledge-Sharing & Communication Materials: 
  • Webinar presentations 
  • Communication products (infographics, briefs, case studies) positioning gender-responsive finance as a business opportunity 
• Analytical Products: 
  • Business case for financing women-led MSMEs 
  • Demonstration of the value and adaptability of the UN Women Financial Inclusion Analysis Tool for gender-responsive and transformative finance

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel

This is a home-based consultancy.  As part of this assignment, the consultant may undertake up to four (4) missions, covering the following countries: Grenada, Dominica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Competencies :

Core Values:

• Integrity;
• Professionalism;
• Respect for Diversity.

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
• Accountability;
• Creative Problem Solving;
• Effective Communication;
• Inclusive Collaboration;
• Stakeholder Engagement;
• Leading by Example.

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework: 

Functional Competencies:

• Strong problem-solving skills 
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills 
• Good planning, goal setting and prioritization 
• Ability to multi-task and address competing priorities 
• Ability to work with different actors, including through remote contact 
• Demonstrate consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UN Women in actions and decisions
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment and handle logistical details 
• Strong sense of responsibility, confidentiality and accountability 
• Good Communicator

Required Qualifications:

Education and Certification:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Economics, Finance, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Business Administration, or a 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:

• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in sustainable financing for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) is required. 
• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience working on gender-responsive finance and inclusive MSME development is required. 
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in designing and delivering capacity-building initiatives, training, or technical assistance related to financial inclusion is required. 
• Proven experience in conducting institutional assessments, landscape mapping, and stakeholder consultations within the financial sector is required. 
• Familiarity with the Caribbean regional context, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), is a strong asset.
• Established networks with financial institutions and business support organizations in the OECS region, will be considered a strong asset. 
• Previous engagement with the United Nations system, government entities, or international development agencies is an asset. 

Languages:

• Fluency in written and oral English is required.
• Knowledge of Spanish is an asset.

Statements :

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Diversity and inclusion:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)

Note: Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including the sections on education and employment history, are completed. If all sections are not completed the application may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process.