National Consultant - Women, Peace and Security, Humanitarian Action and Disaster Risk Reduction

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact in promoting gender equality. UN Women merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. The organization operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women Kenya's Strategic Note for 2023-2026 emphasizes gender relations that empower both women and men, ensuring equal access to quality services and resources in a secure and inclusive nation. The organization prioritizes four key impact areas: women's leadership in decision-making, women's economic empowerment, ending violence against women and girls, and women, peace, and security. The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) program in Kenya is aligned with national priorities and international frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS), Humanitarian Action (HA), and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) program in the UN Women Kenya Country Office. This position involves collaborating closely with the WPS, HA, and DRR teams to design and develop program strategies that align with the country’s Strategic Note. The consultant will be responsible for managing the implementation of the WPSHA program, ensuring that it meets its objectives and adheres to the established workplan and budget. The consultant will also draft inputs for country strategy documents and policy dialogues, manage technical assistance and capacity development for partners, and oversee monitoring and reporting of program activities. The role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize program performance data to inform strategic decision-making. The consultant will also be involved in advocacy efforts, knowledge building, and communication strategies related to the WPSHA portfolio, representing UN Women in relevant meetings and policy dialogues.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and develop program strategies in Women Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action.
• Formulate program/project proposals and initiatives; draft inputs to country strategy documents and policy dialogues.
• Manage the implementation of the WPSHA program in line with the country Strategic Note, including finalizing the annual workplan and budget.
• Oversee technical implementation, ensuring synergies with other teams, and manage the submission of financial and narrative reports from implementing partners.
• Provide guidance on Results Based Management tools and performance indicators.
• Organize Project Steering Committee and project review meetings as needed.
• Manage technical assistance and capacity development initiatives for project/programme partners.
• Monitor program/project implementation and finances using results-based management tools, overseeing field missions and writing quarterly and donor reports.
• Manage the program budget and draft financial reports. 1
• Develop and implement partnerships and resource mobilization strategies for the WPSHA portfolio. 1
• Provide technical support for inter-agency coordination on WPSHA activities, ensuring alignment with other in-country efforts. 1
• Develop advocacy strategies and oversee their implementation, identifying best practices for program improvement. 1
• Provide capacity building and coordination support to the Country Office on WPSHA initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, Conflict Studies, Political Sciences, Policy, Humanitarian Action, Gender/Women's studies, International Development, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in program/project implementation, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, donor reporting, and capacity building.
• Technical experience in social inclusion in humanitarian action and women, peace and security is essential.
• Proven track record in managing projects and teams in complex contexts involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience working on gender equality and women’s rights issues, particularly with civil society organizations in Kenya, is required.
• Experience in the UN System is an asset.
• A project/programme management certification would be an added advantage.
• Excellent analytical skills with a strong drive for results and the capacity to work independently.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social sciences, Conflict Studies, Political Sciences, Policy, Humanitarian Action, Gender/Women's studies, International Development, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
The candidate must have a minimum of 2 years of experience in program/project implementation, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, donor reporting, and capacity building. Technical experience in social inclusion in humanitarian action and women, peace and security is crucial. A proven track record in managing projects and teams in complex and diverse contexts involving multiple stakeholders is required. Experience working on gender equality and women’s rights issues, particularly with civil society organizations in Kenya, is essential. Familiarity with the UN System is considered an asset, and a project/programme management certification would enhance the candidate's profile.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Swahili (both written and oral) is required for this position. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable and would be considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is office-based, and travel may be required as per assignment needs. The position emphasizes core values such as integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. Candidates are expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures, including a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.