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.
This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and only five years until the 2030 deadline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is a pivotal year to celebrate achievements, to acknowledge the persistent and emerging challenges, to demand accountability, and most importantly recommit to accelerating the achievement of gender equality and womenโs empowerment and the SDGs.ย
Based on a comprehensive global stock take of progress conducted in 2024, United Nations Secretary-Generalโs report finds that while there has been progress since 1995, it has been too slow and is fragile. At the same time, the report outlines a bold agenda to achieve the following for all women and girls: 1) A digital revolution; 2) Freedom from poverty; 3) freedom from violence; 4) Full and equal decision-making power; 5) peace and security; and 6) a just transition through climate action.ย
UN-Womenโs flagship report, Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The Gender Snapshot, produced annually in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), highlights gender equality trends, gaps and setbacks across all 17 SDGs. Utilizing the latest available gender data, the report has been highly successful in raising awareness and generating momentum towards achieving gender equality and womenโs empowerment and has emerged as a catalyst for change.ย
The 2025 Gender Snapshot affirms that with the right investments and policies, gender disparities can be addressed, and progress is possible. It makes a compelling case for placing gender equality at the heart of recovery and transformation efforts, especially in a moment when cooperation and collective action are needed more than ever. This builds on the strong focus on bridging the estimated USD 420 billion annual gap in funding needed to achieve gender equality in developing countries during the 4th international conference on financing for development.ย
The 2025 SDGs Gender Snapshot report will be officially launched on 24 September 2025 at a high-level event, organized by UN-Women, in collaboration with DESA. The launch will call global attention to the new data and analysis on gender and SDGs in the report and position UN-Women as the authoritative voice on the subject. The event will take place during the high-level week of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Over 150 in-person participants are expected.
The high-level launch of the 2025 SDGs Gender Snapshot report is designed to generate strategic visibility, high-impact advocacy, and renewed political commitment to gender equality and the 2030 Agenda.ย
The global, in-person event will offer an opportunity to hear from senior leadership of UN-Women and DESA, as well as governments, youth leaders, civil society organizations and public and private agencies. They will discuss the reportโs results and explore ways to accelerate progress, increase accountability and boost investment.ย
Heads of State and Government, United Nations officials, youth, civil society, philanthropy and business leaders will headline the launch event. They will speak about the reportโs findings and discuss steps to advance gender equality and womenโs rights.ย
To prepare for this event UN Women requires the services of a senior level Event Manager who will be responsible for the management and coordination of the eventโs conceptualization, development, planning and implementation.
The consultant will be reporting to the Research and Data Statistics Specialist, and will be supported by the Programme Associate, who will be the point of contact on the contract and payment issues.
Description of Responsibilities /Scope of Work
Manage all event planning, coordination and implementation: Monitor the timeline of key milestones and deadlines, along with who is responsible for what actions/tasks leading up to the event Schedule, create all agendas for and facilitate regular pre-event meetings Work collaboratively to refine and finalize the event agenda and content and to develop speaker lists Coordinate with the core team working on the report to ensure invitations are sent in a timely manner; with appropriate follow-up calls and RSVP tracking Assist in outreach to desired speakers and high-level guests participating in the event and track RSVPs Ensure event content and speaker plans are congruent with the capabilities of the venue and online event platform Orchestrate run-through and pre-briefing sessions for all speakers and moderators Lead communications and follow up with event management company and venue teams to ensure effective end-to-end production Scope, anticipate and ensure all on-site event requirements inclusive of: dietary needs, accessibility needs for attendees with disabilities; specific needs for VIPs and Heads of State; and specific needs (staging, AV, screens, multi-media etc.) for each event session With event vendor, ensure that all on-site testing and run-throughs are planned and executed successfully With event venue, oversee all catering needs for the event Oversee the integration of pre-filmed video content and messages into the event, in the room and online Work with UN security team, with venue and with vendor to ensure appropriate security is in place inclusive of any specific needs of key VIPs and stakeholders Coordinate all on-site logistics on the day with event venue, ensure seamless on-site communication, be a visible presence to ensure the eventโs smooth running and to resolve any issues Work with communications team to ensure necessary accommodations onsite and online for media, photographers, press conferences etc. Work with communications team to develop and ensure consistent look, feel and branding across the event inclusive of virtual and in person signage, agenda, online platform branding and branding for all event materials Ensure robust documentation of the event (recordings, photographs etc.) and pre-establish necessary photographs and methods to orchestrate Develop run of show for the event day and distribute various tasks/responsibilities for the day of the event to support/volunteer teamยKey Performance Indicators
Well-orchestrated plan with all key timings, content speaker and space/ on-site logistics defined by 1 September 2025 Timely and high-quality execution of the in-person event supported by high quality speaker and attendee feedbackConsultantโs Workplace and Official Travel
No travel is expected for this consultancy.ย This is an office-based consultancy.ย
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 visitย this linkย for more information on UN Womenโs Values and Competencies Framework:ย
Functional Competencies:
Excellent project/event management and coordination skills. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Ability to participate effectively in a team-based, information-sharing environment, and to collaborate and cooperate effectively with others. Demonstrated capacity to perform effectively within a multi-cultural work environment, with tact and ability to deal with confidential matters in a discreet manner. Proven negotiation skills. Strong attention to detail. Ability to maintain a calm and professional demeanor during periods of high pressure and demands Proven ability to effectively communicate and work with a variety of partners, including Governments, private sector and civil society, including VIPs and public figures. Knowledge of the UN system and related procurement, financial and other systems. Familiarity with processes at the UN Secretariat. Ability to create, plan and execute production schedules. Ability to respond to real time changes and challenges. Proven experience managing vendors such as event management companies, AV/ tech vendors, photographers/ videographers, and marketing vendors Self-starter with an entrepreneurial and creative spirit, ability to multi-task under pressure, and strong capacity to work in a team as well as independently with minimal supervision to complete tasks.Education and Certification:
Masterโs degree (or equivalent) in communications, public relations, business administration, public administration or relevant 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:
At least 5 years of previous experience in large-scale, high profile event planning and management, including in-person, hybrid and virtual formats, ideally including UN events held at the secretariat. Experience supporting the participation of VIPs and public figures. Experience in working in partnership with diverse stakeholders, including civil society, Governments, and private sector. Experience in effectively managing projects in a deadline driven and high-pressure environment. Experience working in gender equality is an asset. Prior experience working in or with the UN is highly preferred.ยLanguages:
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of any other UN official is an assetStatements :
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,ย and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age,ย ability, national origin,ย 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 toย UN Womenโsย policiesย and proceduresย andย theย standardsย of conduct expected of UN Women personnelย 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.
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