National Gender Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a prominent international organization that focuses on security, human rights, and cooperation among its member states. Established in 1975, the OSCE has grown to include 57 participating states across Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The OSCE Mission to Skopje is the longest-serving field operation of the organization, dedicated to fostering social cohesion, fundamental rights, gender equality, rule of law, good governance, integrity, anti-corruption, and reform in criminal justice and policing. The mission operates with a commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region, working closely with local authorities and communities to implement OSCE commitments and enhance security measures.

Job Overview:
The National Gender Specialist position is a critical role within the OSCE Mission to Skopje, specifically situated in the Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PPMEU). The primary responsibility of this role is to oversee the gender portfolio of the Mission, which involves providing comprehensive analysis and strategic recommendations aimed at integrating gender considerations into both policy and programmatic frameworks. The National Gender Specialist will spearhead the Mission's gender advocacy initiatives at both national and local levels, engaging with relevant ministries and the Parliament of North Macedonia. This position requires a proactive approach to advising senior leadership on gender mainstreaming and identifying opportunities for enhancing the Mission's engagement in gender equality initiatives. The role is pivotal in ensuring that gender perspectives are embedded in all aspects of the Mission's work, thereby contributing to the overarching goals of the OSCE.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The selected candidate will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Providing policy advice to the Head of Mission and senior management on integrating gender considerations into the Mission’s activities, ensuring alignment with OSCE gender commitments.
• Identifying strategic areas for engagement on gender mainstreaming and advising on advocacy efforts with local and international stakeholders.
• Conducting thorough analyses of public policies, legislation, and government practices through a gender lens, focusing on critical issues such as legislative review, violence against women, and women's participation in public life.
• Utilizing developed tools to assess the level of gender equality mainstreaming and identifying areas for improvement based on media content and legislative analysis.
• Facilitating knowledge sharing on gender issues, providing regular updates on developments within the OSCE and beyond, and acting as a resource for capacity-building initiatives.
• Drafting comprehensive reports, analyses, and updates related to the implementation of OSCE gender commitments, in accordance with the Mission’s Gender Action Plan.
• Monitoring and revising the Gender Action Plan as necessary, while supporting the development of gender-sensitive working standards and recruitment policies.
• Advising on the establishment of strategic partnerships to promote gender equality and women's representation, and delivering training materials for stakeholders in Parliament and other institutions.
• Leading the Mission’s Gender Equality Task Force and overseeing day-to-day gender-related activities, including project reviews from a gender perspective. 1
• Performing additional duties as assigned by the Chief of Policy Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Unit and the Deputy Head of Mission.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess citizenship or permanent residency in the Republic of North Macedonia. A first-level university degree in gender studies, law, international human rights law, social or political sciences, or a related field is required. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of four years of professional experience in gender mainstreaming and women's empowerment, with international fieldwork experience in the OSCE region being highly desirable. A solid understanding of the OSCE system and methodologies for promoting gender equality is essential, along with strong communication and problem-solving skills. Practical experience in developing and delivering gender equality training and capacity-building activities is also necessary, as is the ability to facilitate complex learning exercises and engage in advocacy.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a first-level university degree, which can be in gender studies, law, international human rights law, social or political sciences, or another related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender issues and the legal frameworks surrounding them, as well as for effectively contributing to the Mission's objectives related to gender equality.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of professional experience specifically in the area of gender mainstreaming and women's empowerment. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on gender equality issues, ideally within the context of international organizations or field operations. Experience in the OSCE region is particularly valuable, as it provides insight into the specific challenges and opportunities related to gender issues in this context.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in local languages is required, with knowledge of Albanian or other local languages being considered an asset. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and for the successful implementation of gender initiatives.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time contracted role under a local contract with a fixed-term status. The monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 2,617.75, subject to social security deductions. Social benefits include participation in Cigna medical insurance and a Provident Fund. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, cancel recruitment, or offer an appointment at a lower grade based on the candidate's qualifications. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The mandatory retirement age for contracted positions is 65 years, and candidates should be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance. The organization does not reimburse expenses related to the application process.