UN Women is recruiting a National Consultant/Expert on Care Economy in North Macedonia to develop a policy paper on transforming care systems and financing models. Apply before 27 February 2026.
Overview
UN Women has opened applications for a National Consultant/Expert on Care Economy: Research and Policy Paper in North Macedonia.
This consultancy is part of UN Women’s regional initiative on Transforming Care Systems and the Care Economy across the Western Balkans and Ukraine. The selected expert will conduct research and develop a policy paper proposing gender-responsive models for transforming care systems in North Macedonia.
Application Deadline: 27 February 2026
Contract Duration: 1 month
Working Days: 20 working days
Work Mode: Home-based (intermittent presence in Skopje if required)
Important Clarification on Salary
The vacancy announcement does not specify a fixed salary range. Compensation for UN Women consultancies is typically determined based on:
- Level of expertise
- Scope of work
- National consultancy rates
- Financial proposal submitted by the applicant
Applicants are generally required to submit a financial proposal indicating their expected professional fees.
About the Assignment
UN Women North Macedonia is seeking a national expert to:
- Strengthen the evidence base on care economy reforms
- Analyze care financing models
- Develop gender-responsive policy recommendations
- Support care system transformation to advance women’s economic empowerment
The consultancy contributes to broader goals including:
- Redistribution of unpaid care work
- Expansion of care services and infrastructure
- Gender-responsive budgeting
- Sustainable financing models
Key Responsibilities
The consultant will:
1️⃣ Conduct Research
- Review national policies and legal frameworks related to care systems
- Map care needs and service gaps for specific target groups
- Analyze intersectional and gender dimensions
2️⃣ Analyze Financing Models
- Assess public financing mechanisms
- Examine social protection systems
- Review mixed and innovative financing approaches
- Compare international and regional models
3️⃣ Develop a Policy Paper
- Propose models for transforming care systems
- Integrate gender-transformative and feminist economics perspectives
- Provide actionable recommendations aligned with governance and budgeting frameworks
4️⃣ Revise and Finalize Deliverables
- Incorporate UN Women feedback
- Ensure clarity, policy relevance, and analytical rigor
Deliverables
- Inception Note (methodology + workplan)
- Draft Policy Paper
- Final Policy Paper with financing options and recommendations
Required Qualifications
Education
- Master’s degree (or higher) in economics, public policy, gender studies, social policy, development studies, or related fields
Experience
- Minimum 5 years in research and policy analysis
- Expertise in:
- Care economy
- Social protection
- Labour markets
- Gender equality
- Experience producing policy-oriented publications
- Previous work with government institutions
Languages
- Fluency in Macedonian and English (required)
- Albanian is an asset
Core Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Awareness of gender issues
- Strong analytical thinking
- Accountability and professionalism
- Effective communication
- Stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to work independently
Work Conditions
- Home-based consultancy
- No expected travel outside Skopje
- If travel is required, UN Women will cover transport and DSA
How to Apply
Applicants must submit:
- Personal CV or UN Women P11 Form
- Cover letter (maximum 1 page)
- Additional materials (if requested), such as publications or reports
Applications must be submitted before 27 February 2026 through the official UN Women recruitment platform.
Who Should Apply?
This consultancy is ideal for professionals who:
- Specialize in care economy research
- Work on gender-responsive budgeting
- Engage in public policy reform
- Have experience advising governments on social systems
If you are a national expert in North Macedonia with a strong research background and interest in care system transformation, this opportunity offers direct policy impact at national level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this role remote?
Yes, it is home-based with limited in-person coordination in Skopje if required.
Is it open to international applicants?
No. This is a National Consultant position for North Macedonia.
How long is the assignment?
20 working days within a 1-month contract.
Is the salary fixed?
No fixed salary is listed. Applicants must submit a financial proposal.
Final Thoughts
This UN Women consultancy offers a high-impact opportunity to influence care economy reforms in North Macedonia. By strengthening evidence-based policy and financing models, the selected consultant will directly contribute to advancing women’s economic empowerment and gender equality.
If your expertise aligns with care systems, social protection, and gender-responsive public policy, consider applying before the deadline.
Keywords
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