Senior Research Consultant Mapping Narratives contributing to Discriminatory Social Norms Job Chicago area,Illinois USA

Position: Senior Research Consultant for Mapping Narratives contributing to Discriminatory Social Norms ([...]

Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security.

UN Women East & Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) maintains a large presence covering 25 countries, with 12 Country Offices and a Programme Presence in Somalia. The remaining 12 countries are supported remotely as Non-Physical Presence (NPP) countries. In accordance with the UN Women Strategic Note 2026‑2029 and in support of global and regional commitments for advancing gender equality, UN Women supports member states and partners in advancing and safeguarding gender equality norms while supporting their translation into gender‑responsive laws, policies, accountability systems, and services.

To enable regional and national institutions in ESAR to be accountable to all women and girls through financing, data, and practices that support gender equality, UN Women seeks to transform discriminatory social norms and strengthen gender‑responsive financing, data, and practices, contributing to improved implementation of commitments, institutional performance, and reporting. Additionally, strengthening the capacities, resources, and agency of women’s rights organisations and civil society is a key focus.

Responsibilities

Inception Report – co‑design a mixed‑method regional research methodology for mapping discriminatory narratives and their contribution to discriminatory norms. Review background documentation, prepare a workplan, propose a research methodology (considering decolonial research principles, participatory approaches, ethical and digital safety practices), and define a Research Reference Group. Include protocols for informed consent, confidentiality, data protection, and safeguarding of participants, particularly women human rights defenders and groups experiencing heightened risks.

Propose 3‑5 case studies and potential stakeholders for engagement.

Desk Review – review existing programme documentation, published and grey literature on discriminatory norms and counter‑narratives with a focus on East and Southern Africa. Examine evidence on how discriminatory social norms affect women’s leadership, political participation, economic empowerment, and decision‑making. Prepare a summary report (10‑15 pages) on findings.

Data Collection and Analysis – in collaboration with UN Women personnel, plan, guide, and coordinate data collection via virtual surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. Conduct a pilot exercise for adjustments and explore how women leaders, women’s rights organisations, and institutional actors experience and respond to narratives that constrain women’s voice, legitimacy, safety, and influence. Facilitate sessions to co‑analyse data and consolidate findings.

Report and Presentation of Findings and Recommendations – present initial findings and recommendations to the Reference Group. Prepare a draft report (no more than 35 pages, excluding annexes). Identify entry points for shifting narratives and strengthening counter‑narratives for advancing gender equality, including recommendations on indicators, methodologies, data sources, and monitoring approaches.

Finalise Report and Annexes – incorporate feedback from UN Women and the Reference Group, prepare a final report, and accompany it with a presentation for key stakeholders.

Deliverables

Inception Report – proposed methodology, workplan, desk review, data collection tools, Reference Group input, and baseline evidence approach.

Desk Review Report – summary of findings (10‑15 pages).

Initial Analysis from Data Collection – stakeholders engaged, initial findings, lessons learned, and adjustments required.

Final Report and Presentation – no longer than 35 pages plus annexes, including an indicator matrix and recommendations.

Work Schedule

Deliverables and timelines are summarized below.

Submission of Inception Report (25%) – 10 August 2026
Submission of Report of Desk Review (15%) – 28 August 2026
Submission of…