National Consultant – Women’s Economic Empowerment (Business Formalization & VSLA)

About the role

The National Consultant will support UN Women’s effort to empower women and youth economically in selected districts of Sierra Leone. The role focuses on business formalisation, strengthening Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), and improving access to formal financial services.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with local councils to facilitate business formalisation and deliver management capacity‑building for women entrepreneurs.
• Establish new VSLAs and reinforce existing ones using gender‑transformative approaches that promote inclusion, leadership and sustainability.
• Link women‑run enterprises and VSLAs to formal financial institutions to enhance financial inclusion.
• Provide evidence‑based recommendations to strengthen institutional capacity and service delivery for inclusive economic development.
• Contribute to monitoring and reporting on Output 2.3 of the programme.

Required profile

• Proven experience in women’s economic empowerment, business formalisation or VSLA programmes.
• Familiarity with gender‑responsive economic strategies and financial inclusion mechanisms.
• Experience working with local government bodies or community organisations in Sierra Leone or similar contexts.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to contribute to gender equality and inclusive growth in Sierra Leone.
• Collaboration with UN Women and local stakeholders.