National Consultant for AWLN-Kenya’s Advancing Women’s Leadership and Empowerment: Building a Unified Women’s Movement in Kenya

UN Women seeks a National Consultant to facilitate AWLN-Kenya’s 2026 programme “Advancing Women’s Leadership and Empowerment: Building a Unified Women’s Movement in Kenya.”

Background: Launched in 2020, the African Women Leaders Network Kenya Chapter (AWLN-K) has strengthened women’s voices through a unified platform. In 2026, AWLN-K is implementing a programme with USD 10,000 funding to:

• Strengthen governance and institutional sustainability within AWLN-K
• Strengthen leadership development pathways for young women through mentorship and intergenerational learning
• Increase visibility and influence of women leaders in governance and decision-making processes

Assigned Activities (November–December 2026):

• Activity #1: National Virtual Meeting on Women’s Governance and Institutional Reforms (100 AWLN-K members) to assess women’s leadership in Kenya, discuss emerging political and governance issues, and reflect on preparation for the 2027 General Elections
• Activity #2: Intergenerational peer-learning exchange (50 participants) promoting knowledge sharing, mentorship and leadership development between young and senior women leaders
• Activity #3: Multi-stakeholder forum (50 participants) including women aspirants, political parties, state and non-state actors to discuss women and youth agenda, nation-building, good governance, and opportunities to strengthen participation ahead of the 2027 General Elections

Expected Outcomes:

• Women leaders better informed about developments affecting their participation and leadership ahead of 2027 General Elections
• Young women have meaningful opportunities to engage with experienced women leaders and access leadership knowledge and mentorship
• Opportunities for continued intergenerational mentorship and leadership development are identified
• Practical actions, partnerships and collaboration opportunities identified among women and young leaders, political parties, government institutions, civil society and other stakeholders

Responsibilities:

• Review relevant programme documents, background materials and objectives provided by AWLN-K
• Facilitate assigned engagement using appropriate participatory methods
• Draw out experiences and perspectives from different counties, sectors and generations
• Guide discussions towards practical recommendations, commitments and action points
• Submit report outlining key outcomes, recommendations, commitments and action points emerging from engagement

Deliverables:

1. Comprehensive preparation completed (due 15 Nov 2026) – 30% payment
2. Assigned activity successfully facilitated (due 15 Dec 2026) – 50% payment
3. Activity report submitted (due 20 Dec 2026) – 20% payment

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

Functional Competencies:

• Excellent facilitation and written skills, including conveying complex concepts and recommendations
• Ability to interact independently or as part of a team
• Demonstrated ability to multitask under pressure and to meet strict deadlines
• Strong knowledge of Democratic Governance
• Ability to identify and analyze trends, opportunities, and threats and develop strategies

Required Qualifications:

Education and Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in gender, human rights, social science, or a related field

Experience:

• At least 2 years of progressively responsible work experience in democracy, governance and gender equality, women’s political participation, leadership and decision-making
• Good understanding of Kenya’s political and electoral environment and women’s political participation, leadership and decision making required
• Experience working with young women and facilitating mentorship, leadership development and intergenerational learning programmes required
• Ability to work effectively with women leaders, young people, government institutions, political actors, civil society, academia, business, community leaders and other stakeholders required
• Excellent facilitation, communication, analytical and writing skills required

Languages:

• Fluency in English required
• Knowledge of any other UN official language is an asset

Workplace: Home-based consultancy

UN Women Values and Diversity: UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. Recruitment, employment, training, compensation, and promotion are 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. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with UN aims and objectives, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.