Senior Technical Consultant - Policy Development in Crafts Sector (Local Post for Indian Nationals and Applicants with Valid Work Permit)

Job Code Title:          Senior Technical Consultant - Policy Development in Crafts Sector

Organization:             UN WOMEN

Project:                      Women Artisans of Change (Innovation Fund)

Direct supervisor:       Programme Analyst WEE

Duty Station:              Home Based/New Delhi, India

Type of Contract:        SSA 

No. of positions:         1

Duration:                     December 2024 (1 Month – Deliverables based)                                 

*Open to Indian nationals only


Background:

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. 

UN Women’s Country Office, based in New Delhi, India, works to accelerate the advancement of gender equality and the empowerment of women through the strengthening of strategic partnerships, technical and policy advisory services and advocacy with governmental, inter-governmental and civil society partners. In addition, UN Women CO is also leading and coordinating the UN system’s work on gender equality, including through ensuring accountability for results.

Numerous challenges have impeded the growth of women's entrepreneurship in India, perpetuating their economic marginalization for decades. Traditional mindsets, gender biases, limited economic opportunities, and a lack of capital and resources have all contributed to their struggles. Despite these obstacles, there is an increasingly acknowledged importance in promoting women as entrepreneurs, recognizing their potential to significantly contribute to empowerment and well-being. 

Handicrafts have traditionally offered an alternative source of employment in rural India, alongside agriculture, particularly for women. Among these crafts, textiles and handblock printing have stood out as enduring traditions, with roots dating back to the 12th century. The intricate process of block printing involves transferring designs from handcrafted wooden blocks onto fabric, each piece carrying a unique story and cultural heritage. 

Various regions across India have developed their distinctive styles within hand block printing, reflecting their rich cultural diversity. For instance, Rajasthan is renowned for its vibrant Dabu, Sanganeri, and Bagru prints, featuring an array of floral, geometric, and animal motifs. Gujarat boasts intricate Ajrakh prints in indigo blue, red, black, and white, while Madhya Pradesh showcases the intricate Bagh prints inspired by nature and local folk art. Uttar Pradesh is celebrated for its stylized Pilakuan and Farukhabad prints, while Andhra Pradesh's Kalamkari art unfolds stories of epic tales like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

UN Women initiated a project, Women Artisans of Change (WeACe) to empower women artisans engaged in block printing by fostering collaboration with design students, enhancing traditional practices, and providing market access. The project will collaborate with design schools to train students in eco-friendly block printing techniques. These students will then mentor women artisans, imparting skills in sustainable production methods, new designs, and entrepreneurial development. Introduce eco-friendly techniques of block printing that require less water and utilize natural organic dyes and sustainable fabrics. Promote environmentally responsible textile production to reduce ecological impact and ensure socially responsible manufacturing. Showcase products developed through the project at a fashion show organized at the UN House or in partnership with existing fashion weeks. Leverage UN Women's networks to attract buyers from the EU and other countries, facilitating export linkages for women artisans. Partner with platforms like Amazon and the Government's ONDC to market and sell products, expanding market reach beyond traditional avenues. Collaborate with government agencies such as the Ministry of Export and Import, Ministry of Textiles, and Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises to provide access to existing government schemes and financial capital. Facilitate continued livelihood support and market opportunities for women artisans through strategic partnerships. 

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the activities of WeACe project. Under the direct supervision under the Programme Analyst (WEE) the consultant will support UN Women in reviewing existing sustainable and innovative practices in the crafts sector. S/he will also develop policy/strategy documents on the status of women artisans in the crafts sector and Also undertake the groundwork for a policy level seminar on sustainability and water saving techniques in Hand Bloc