Apply to be the UK nominee for the UN CEDAW committee
The UK government is looking for applicants to be nominated for election to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
1. Overview
The UK government is seeking applications from prospective candidates to be nominated for election to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (‘the CEDAW Committee’) for the 2029 to 2032 term. This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional, high-profile, international advocate to shape global standards on gender equality and uphold the rights of women and girls worldwide.
As part of the UK’s commitment to championing the rights of all women and girls around the world, we require a candidate who combines relevant expertise with the conviction and strategic leadership needed to advance human rights on the world stage.
2. Purpose of the role
The CEDAW Committee is a body of independent experts that monitors the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (‘the CEDAW Convention’).
If elected by the UN Meeting of States Parties, the expert will join 22 other international experts in Geneva to:
- monitor compliance with the CEDAW Convention
- formulate General Recommendations
- adjudicate communications under the Optional Protocol
- lead global dialogues on emerging threats to women’s rights
CEDAW members serve an elected term of 4 years. They must commit to attending 3 sessions in Geneva every year, with each session lasting 3 to 4 weeks. There is also some remote working.
3. Main responsibilities
3.1 Global advocacy and strategic leadership
Champion the rights of women and girls, driving forward progressive implementation of the CEDAW framework and demonstrating UK leadership in multilateral human rights forums.
3.2 Country reviews and constructive dialogues
Lead rigorous reviews of State Party reports as Country Rapporteur or task force lead, holding governments to account while building constructive avenues for progress.
3.3 Setting global standards
Drive the development of General Recommendations to address critical global challenges (for example, tech-facilitated gender-based violence, conflict-related sexual violence, climate impact on women, and economic inequality).
3.4 Jurisprudence and adjudication
Examine individual communications and participate in official inquiry proceedings under the Optional Protocol with absolute independence and legal rigour.
4. Eligibility and person specification
4.1 Statutory requirements
Citizenship
Must be a UK citizen.
Independence
Must serve strictly in a personal capacity. Committee members cannot hold executive, legislative, or senior policy-making roles within the UK government or public bodies that create an operational or political conflict of interest.
High moral standing and probity
Unblemished professional, financial, and personal integrity appropriate for representing the UK on a UN body.
4.2 Essential leadership and technical criteria
Strategic leadership and conviction
Proven ability to lead international conversations, defend fundamental rights against global pushback, and act as a courageous, persuasive advocate for systemic reform.
Demonstrated UK and global stature
Recognised national or international authority in human rights, gender equality, or law, capable of projecting the UK’s historic and ongoing leadership in women’s rights.
Expertise in the CEDAW framework
Deep command of international human rights law, CEDAW jurisprudence, its Optional Protocol, and broader multilateral mechanisms.
Multilateral negotiation and influence
Exceptional diplomacy and consensus-building skills in complex, multi-jurisdictional, or politically delicate settings.
Communication and public advocacy
Powerful written and spoken communication skills in English, capable of robust cross-examination, media engagement, and complex drafting.
Availability
Able to undertake a diplomatic campaign working alongside the UK’s global diplomatic network, requiring frequent international travel from March 2027 to June 2028. You must also be available between January and March 2027 for campaign preparation.
Full capacity and employer support (where applicable) to commit 10 to 12 weeks a year to Geneva sessions.
4.3 Desirable criteria
UN language capability
Fluency or working knowledge of a second UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is a distinct advantage in UN election campaigns.
Cross-regional appeal
Existing recognition within global civil society, international legal bodies, or academic networks that resonates across diverse UN voting blocs.
5. Before you start
You cannot save your application once you have started it. Make sure you have prepared all your documents and statements before you start your application.
You will need to submit the following information and documents as part of your application:
- personal information including your name, address, phone number, email address and where you are a citizen of
- professional information including your main area of expertise, your current job, and your publications and academic contributions related to women’s rights, international human rights law and gender equality
- information about your professional conduct and disciplinary record including details of any professional disciplinary proceedings, financial proceedings, and criminal or legal proceedings
- information about your online presence, including your public social media handles, professional profiles, personal blogs and other media platforms
- your CV (mandatory) and other supporting documentation (optional)
- a personal statement (up to 1,200 words)
Personal statement
You also need to write a personal statement as part of your application. This should cover the following areas, with no more than 300 words for each area (1,200 words in total).
Your expertise in women’s rights and the CEDAW framework: Describe your professional experience, research, or legal or other relevant expertise related to the CEDAW Convention and international human rights standards. Outline how you have applied or advocated for these in your career.
Your motivation and strategic priorities: Why are you seeking nomination for the Committee, and what is your core vision for your tenure? Outline your personal motivation, the specific thematic priorities you intend to champion, and how you hope to advance the Committee’s mandate on the global stage.
Your ability to engage international partners to support outcomes: CEDAW members operate within a consensus-driven international body. Provide an example where you successfully navigated complex cultural, legal, or political sensitivities in a multilateral, international, or high-stakes environment.
Your electability and strategic contribution: What unique perspective or specialised expertise (for example, technology-facilitated gender violence, climate change and gender, economic rights) would you bring to the Committee, and how would your international profile support your candidature?
6. How to apply
Apply online
Other ways to apply
You can also download the application form in the following formats:
You must send the completed form back to cedaw@cabinetoffice.gov.uk by the deadline.
Deadline
5pm on Monday 23 November 2026.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the application process, email cedaw@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
7. Next steps
Upon review of the applications, the UK government may decide to nominate one candidate for election. The UK government also reserves the right not to nominate any candidate for election. Officials from the Office for Equality and Opportunity may contact applicants for an informal discussion before a decision is made.