National consultant for disability-inclusive value chain in China

Result of ServiceThe national consultant is also expected to deliver the following outputs: • A bilingual (Chinese-English) know-how guide to build the confidence and capacities of OPDs in engaging businesses for disability inclusion, accompanied by a localization toolkit that outlines key considerations for potential adaptation of the guide for use in other countries. • 15-20 OPDs in China trained on how to effectively engage with businesses and involved in co-creation of the abovementioned OPD know-how guide. • A nationwide OPD Working Group on Business Engagement formed to promote disability-inclusive business, provide networking support and monitor progress of disability inclusion in the business sector in China. Work LocationRemotely Expected duration01/09/25-30/06/2026 Duties and ResponsibilitiesPromoting disability-inclusive employment and business is essential for realizing the rights of persons with disabilities and their inclusion. In the Jakarta Declaration on the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2023–2032, member States acknowledge the importance of unleashing the power and potential of the private sector for disability inclusion and call for multi-stakeholder actions to enable and empower persons with disabilities, the business sector and governments to join forces for tangible changes. Despite progress achieved over the previous decades, persons with disabilities in the region still face various barriers to their effective participation in the labour market and the business world. These barriers often include the lack of accessible and inclusive workplaces, the absence of inclusive skills development programmes and employment support services for persons with disabilities, negative stereotypes about the capabilities of diverse disability groups, and limited collaboration and coordination among stakeholders, such as government agencies, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and business associations. Against this background, ESCAP has launched the regional project “Catalysing disability-inclusive employment and business towards effective implementation of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2023–2032” with the aim of building an enabling ecosystem for disability-inclusive employment and business in the region by supporting the development and/or strengthening of policies, programmes and multi-stakeholder mechanisms among governments, OPDs and business sector actors. From 2024 to 2027, the project will carry out technical cooperation with government and other stakeholders in three target countries including Thailand, Viet Nam and China, and facilitate engagement and learning at the regional level. Specifically, the project aims to: (a) improve capacities of governments, OPDs and employment service providers in the three target countries to support and empower persons with disabilities in the labour market, applying a strong gender lens; (b) strengthen capacities of business associations and other business sector actors in target countries to support and empower businesses to meaningfully engage women and men with disabilities in their value chains; and (c) enhance regional knowledge and collaboration on disability-inclusive business. To provide quality and effective technical support under this project, ESCAP is seeking a qualified national consultant in China who has strong networks with key stakeholders (e.g., the private sector, OPDs and government offices responsible for disability issues) and has rich experience advising business sector engagement for disability inclusion in the China context. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree in disability studies, social science, political science or related field. At least 10 years of experience in the field of business advisory for corporate strategies on (disability) inclusion, with a good knowledge of the policy and business sector landscape related to disability inclusion in China. Established relationship with key actors involved, with a track record of working closely with business sector actors (including tech and digital sectors), local governments and OPDs/CSOs in China on disability inclusion and equity issues. Familiarity with employment, entrepreneurship, business sourcing and other policies/practices concerning persons with disabilities in China. Strong networks with and experiences of providing advisory services to relevant key stakeholders in the local government, the business sector and the civil society in China. Proven experiences of providing guidance and training to OPDs and CSOs on engaging the business sector for disability inclusion actions. Existing working relationship with business networks committed to disability inclusion, such as the ILO Global Business and Disability Network, in the Chinese context. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to convey messages targeting policy makers and business leaders in concise and convincing ways. Proven track records of writing and working with disability-inclusive languages and strong sensitivity to disability inclusion in China. Strong gender and diversity perspectives is considered a strong asset. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, especially with stakeholders potentially with different mindsets. Strong understanding and experience of conveying disability inclusion messages in languages and cultures of the business world in China is considered a strong asset. Access to OPD networks and experts on disability-inclusive employment and business in Southeast Asian countries such as Viet Nam, Thailand and Cambodia is also considered an asset. LanguagesFluency in both oral and written English and Chinese is required for this assignment. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.