Experienced development professionals have an opportunity to work with UN Women on a regional programme advancing women’s economic empowerment across Southern Africa.
UN Women is recruiting an International Project Manager Consultant based in Pretoria, South Africa, for a five-month consultancy supporting programme delivery, donor engagement and strategic partnerships across South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.
The role is particularly relevant to professionals with experience in gender equality, women-led enterprises, resource mobilisation, project management and international development. Candidates should have a relevant postgraduate qualification and at least five years of professional experience, although an eligible bachelor’s degree combined with additional qualifying experience may be accepted.
Application deadline: 17 October 2026.
UN Women International Project Manager Consultant 2026: Opportunity Overview
- Organisation: UN Women
- Position: International Project Manager Consultant
- Job Identification: 37338
- Location: Pretoria, South Africa
- Contract Type: Individual consultancy
- Duration: Five months
- Work Schedule: Full-time
- Required Education: Master’s degree or equivalent, or an eligible first-level degree with additional qualifying experience
- Required Experience: At least five years
- Required Language: English
- Application Deadline: 17 October 2026 at 05:59 AM, as listed in the vacancy
About the Opportunity
UN Women works to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, advance women’s rights and promote gender equality. Its Southern Africa Country Office collaborates with governments, civil society organisations, donors and other stakeholders to translate commitments to women’s empowerment into practical programmes.
The consultant will support the implementation of the EntreprenHER programme across South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. The broader programme aims to strengthen the economic inclusion of women, particularly low-income entrepreneurs operating in the informal sector.
The initiative focuses on improving business and life skills, supporting income security, expanding market access through technology and digital literacy, and strengthening the capacity of implementing partners. It also promotes climate-smart agricultural technologies to help women farmers improve productivity and resilience.
Key Responsibilities
The selected consultant will work closely with UN Women programme and operations teams, government representatives, donors and implementing partners.
Major responsibilities include:
- Programme management: Oversee implementation of EntreprenHER activities across South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.
- Resource mobilisation: Develop fundraising strategies, identify funding opportunities and help attract additional programme resources.
- Donor engagement: Support donor negotiations, funding proposals, concept notes and cost-sharing agreements.
- Results-based management: Monitor programme implementation, financial performance, results and key performance indicators.
- Partner development: Identify capacity-building needs and coordinate technical assistance, mentoring and training for implementing partners.
- Strategic partnerships: Engage governments, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen and expand programme impact.
- Reporting and communications: Contribute to donor reports, annual reporting and programme visibility initiatives.
- Team oversight: Support the EntreprenHER programme team operating across the three countries.
Expected Deliverables
The consultancy includes several important programme milestones. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to:
- Organising the year-end donor Steering Committee meeting by the end of November 2026.
- Coordinating negotiations on the Phase IV proposal through biweekly meetings with the donor’s lead representative.
- Supporting the South-South Learning Exchange and Market Access Expo scheduled for 17–19 November 2026.
- Producing the Phase III project final donor report in collaboration with the Monitoring and Reporting Analyst.
- Incorporating EntreprenHER programme results into the UN Women South Africa Country Annual Report.
These responsibilities require strong organisational skills, stakeholder coordination and the ability to deliver reports and programme outputs within tight timelines.
Eligibility Requirements
Education
Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, including:
- Social sciences
- Human rights
- Business management
- Economics
- Gender or women’s studies
- International development
- A related discipline
A first-level university degree combined with five additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in place of an advanced degree. A project or programme management certification would be an advantage.
Professional experience
Candidates must have at least five years of progressively responsible work experience at national or international level in project design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects.
Relevant experience should include resource mobilisation, communication, advocacy or business development.
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Experience in gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- Experience working with civil society organisations, international institutions and donors.
- Technical knowledge of women’s economic empowerment, particularly in the informal sector across South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.
- Strong programme formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation skills.
- Knowledge of results-based management and performance indicators.
- The ability to analyse programme data and produce reports that inform strategic decisions.
- Strong networking and fundraising skills.
Experience within the United Nations system and experience leading or managing a project team are additional advantages.
Language requirements
Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.
Skills and Competencies
UN Women seeks candidates who demonstrate integrity, professionalism, respect for diversity, accountability and sensitivity to gender equality issues.
The role also requires effective communication, inclusive collaboration, creative problem-solving, stakeholder engagement and the ability to build productive relationships with government representatives and donors.
Strong analytical skills and an understanding of the challenges facing women-led micro-enterprises will be important for successful programme implementation.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the official UN Women recruitment portal.
- Visit the UN Women Careers website.
- Search for International Project Manager Consultant, Pretoria, South Africa.
- Use Job Identification 37338 to locate the vacancy.
- Read the full terms of reference and confirm that the education and experience requirements are met.
- Complete all sections of the online application, including education and employment history, and submit before the deadline.
UN Women warns that incomplete application forms may result in disqualification. Shortlisted candidates should also expect reference and background checks, including verification of academic qualifications and employment history.
Application Deadline
Applications close on 17 October 2026 at 05:59 AM, according to the vacancy listing. Applicants should confirm the applicable time zone and submit their applications early.
This consultancy offers experienced development professionals an opportunity to contribute to women’s economic empowerment and regional programme delivery. Candidates with strong experience in multi-country project management, donor relations, resource mobilisation and gender equality should review the official vacancy and prepare their applications before the closing date.
