Gender Programme Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, recognizing that this is essential for realizing the rights of all children. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of belonging and growth among its employees. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender equality through its Gender Action Plan (GAP) 2022-2025, which outlines strategies for promoting gender equality across its programs and workplaces.

Job Overview:
The Gender Programme Specialist role at UNICEF is primarily technical and programmatic, focusing on providing authoritative guidance and operational support throughout all stages of programming to facilitate the management and delivery of results that contribute to gender equality. The Specialist will support the development, implementation, and monitoring of high-quality gender programming/projects across various sectors, aligning with the Gender Action Plan. This position requires collaboration with senior program colleagues and management to advance targeted gender priorities, ensuring coherence and efficiency in resource utilization and delivery of results. The Specialist will also be involved in assessing gender needs for emergency preparedness and response, providing relevant guidance and technical input on emergency programming.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Management and/or advisory support to senior management, including participation in key leadership teams to ensure strategic inclusion of gender in programming.
• Coordination with Regional Gender Advisors and Headquarters Gender Section for planning and reporting on gender thematic funds.
• Support program/project development and planning, including evidence-based planning and integration of gender into country programming phases.
• Program management, monitoring, and delivery of results, including tracking performance related to gender mainstreaming.
• Provide advisory services and technical support to national governments, NGOs, and other partners on gender programming.
• Advocacy, networking, and partnership building to support convergence and develop partnerships in gender programming.
• Innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building to document and share experiences in gender programming.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or higher) in social sciences, public health, public policy, international development, or a related field. Academic credentials in gender are considered a strong asset. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in gender and development programming, with a demonstrated track record in leading substantive programming and research. Experience in emergency response is also an asset. Strong substantive, technical, programmatic, and research skills in gender are required, along with sectoral expertise in areas such as Health, Education, WASH, or Protection.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or higher) in social sciences (sociology, demography, psychology, political science, social policy, or economics), public health, public policy, public administration, international development, or a relevant area related to UNICEF’s work is required. Academic credentials in gender are a strong asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in gender and development programming, with a proven ability to design, implement, manage, and deliver results-based programs/projects. Experience in emergency response is an asset, as is a demonstrated track record of leading substantive programming and research on gender and development.

Languages:
Fluency in French is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, English, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Niamey, Niger, and may involve travel for program implementation and emergency response. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals from underrepresented groups. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment.