Senior International Gender Adviser

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The organization was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact in gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women merges and builds on the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing exclusively 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 Albania is currently implementing its Strategic Note (SN) for 2022-2026, which aims to ensure that all women and girls enjoy and exercise their human rights in a gender-equal society and contribute meaningfully to Albania's sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development and EU integration. The organization focuses on three main outcomes: equitable investment in people, innovative policy solutions for inclusive development, and gender-responsive governance. UN Women Albania addresses key thematic areas such as ending violence against women, women's economic empowerment, and promoting gender-responsive budgeting and governance, while also engaging new partners to advance gender equality in the country.

Job Overview:
The Senior International Gender Adviser will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the EU4Gender Equality II - Gender Equality Facility in Albania project. This position involves providing technical guidance and expertise in gender mainstreaming across various components of the project. The adviser will work closely with international and national experts, under the leadership of the UN Women Representative and in collaboration with the International Project Manager and National Programme Officer. The role requires the adviser to provide strategic advice, expert recommendations, and support for gender-responsive actions in alignment with EU standards and global norms on gender equality. The adviser will also be responsible for facilitating stakeholder engagement, supporting policy dialogue on gender equality and EU integration, and ensuring effective communication of relevant EU policies to strategic counterparts. This consultancy is home-based, requiring up to 100 working days, with at least four travels to Albania as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior International Gender Adviser will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing expert advice on priority activities during the project inception phase and the first year of implementation, including adjustments to the project workplan based on recent developments in Albania.
• Supporting the functional assessment and diagnostic of sector governance structures, advising on the development of diagnostic reports and recommendations for alignment with EU standards.
• Advising on the development of a gender-sensitive EU approximation review of key legislation and policy in selected sectors.
• Providing expertise and capacity support to key partners, including the Prime Minister’s Office and State Agency of Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination, on gender mainstreaming and EU accession negotiations.
• Guiding local government units in mainstreaming gender into policies and plans and implementing gender-responsive actions.
• Offering high-level technical advice on the development of gender mainstreaming guidance notes and conducting gender-specific analyses for IPA III priority areas.
• Facilitating stakeholder engagement with key project partners and supporting participation in strategic events.
• Supporting policy dialogue on gender equality and EU integration, ensuring effective communication of EU GAP III and CLIP priorities to counterparts.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a comprehensive set of qualifications, including:

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear content.
• Excellent writing skills in English, with the ability to produce tailored knowledge and information materials.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the capacity to handle conflict and sensitive issues responsibly.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with team members and stakeholders.
• Good monitoring and evaluation skills to assess the impact of deliverables as per the workplan.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced academic degree (minimum Master’s or equivalent) in Gender/Women’s Studies, Development Studies, European Studies, Social Studies, Public Policy, or related fields. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of gender issues and the EU integration process.

Experience:
The position requires at least 15 years of relevant professional experience in designing, providing technical support, and managing gender mainstreaming programs with international organizations. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in implementing international and EU gender equality policy in processes of European Integration and IPA programming. Experience in building and maintaining strategic partnerships with governments, donors, and civil society organizations is also essential. Previous experience in researching and analyzing gender inequalities in EU (pre)accession countries, particularly in the Western Balkans, would be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based for a total of up to 100 working days, with at least four required travels to Albania. The position is designed for a senior-level consultant, emphasizing the importance of extensive experience and expertise in gender equality and EU integration. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment.