Policy Paper on Empowering Women Entrepreneurs through Digital Transformation and Strengthening Investment Partnerships, National Consultant, Homebased, Local post for the Nationals of Iraq

The consultant will lead the research, analysis, and drafting of a policy paper on empowering women entrepreneurs through digital transformation and strengthening investment partnerships in Iraq. The role involves situational analysis, stakeholder engagement, mapping investment mechanisms, and supporting validation workshops under the supervision of UN Women Iraq Country Office. Responsibilities Develop an inception note presenting the proposed methodology, analytical framework, and detailed workplan with milestones. Compile and synthesize evidence on women's entrepreneurship landscape in Iraq including participation in digital sectors and access to financing. Analyze regulatory and market constraints specific to women entrepreneurs in the digital economy. Analyze how the regional crisis context since early 2026 is affecting investments and entrepreneurship. Map existing and emerging investment and financing mechanisms relevant to women’s economic empowerment. Identify entry points for incorporating investment principles that advance gender equality into existing mechanisms and recommend partnership models. Conduct structured consultations with government ministries, private sector actors, and UN agencies. Prepare meeting notes, summaries, and follow-up actions from consultations. Lead the drafting of the full policy paper with actionable and targeted policy and programme recommendations. Ensure alignment with national strategies and UN Women global strategies. Develop a policy brief summarizing key findings and recommendations. Support the organization and facilitation of a validation workshop including preparation of presentation materials and workshop report. Requirements Master’s degree in economics, public policy, development studies, women equality studies, digital economy, or a related field is required. First-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. At least 5 years of relevant experience in economic analysis, policy research, or development programming focused on women’s economic empowerment, digital economy, or investment and financing mechanisms is required. Experience working with or producing deliverables for government institutions in Iraq is required. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) is required. Experience working in Women empowerment programming, donor-funded development programmes is desirable. Experience working with UN system is desirable. Experience working with SWEI, MoP engagement, or NDIW is desirable. Fluency in Arabic and English is required. Skills Economic Analysis Policy Research Development Programs Women's Economic Empowerment Digital Economy Investment Mechanisms Stakeholder Engagement Situation Analysis Policy Paper Writing Government Relations Office Applications MS Word Excel Languages Arabic, English