It is a very niche, complex area of work, and one in which women are very much the minority (around 5% women).
Candidate A:
Female. Over 20 years relevant experience. Currently working on all of the issues and could hit the ground running. Has worked in the organisation before (in a different but related role) and has huge and relevant contact list from this time. Has a good reputation in this field. Seen by former colleagues in the organisation as a shoo in and very good news. Is bilingual in language that would be useful to have for this job, but not essential. Undergraduate degree, but not in subject relevant to the job.
Candidate B:
Male. No relevant experience at all in this field and no knowledge of the issues. Good track record in what he does, but there is no read across from that to this job at all. Has never worked in the organisation, but his wife works there. Agreement from colleagues that if he got the job it would be a really steep learning curve. PhD from Cambridge in irrelevant subject.