Senior Policy Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and communities to address pressing challenges. The organization focuses on various areas, including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and sustainable development. UNDP's Hub on LGBTI+ and Key Populations has been instrumental in implementing significant initiatives across Africa, particularly concerning human rights and inclusive governance for marginalized communities.

Job Overview:
The Senior Policy Advisor will play a crucial role in providing technical leadership for the #WeBelongAfrica initiative, which encompasses multiple projects aimed at addressing the needs of LGBTI+ and key populations in Africa. This position requires a deep understanding of law and human rights issues affecting these communities, particularly in the context of HIV prevention and advocacy. The advisor will oversee the implementation of the Power of Prevention (PoP), Inclusive Governance Initiative (IGI), and Young Key Population (YKP) projects, ensuring that they align with UNDP's strategic objectives. The role involves engaging with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government bodies, and international partners, to promote inclusive policies and practices. The advisor will also be responsible for capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy efforts to enhance the effectiveness of these initiatives across the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Policy Advisor will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing overall technical leadership for the #WeBelongAfrica initiative, focusing on law and human rights for LGBTI+ and key populations.
• Monitoring litigation and jurisprudence related to LGBTI+ issues in Africa and facilitating support for judiciary members.
• Advising on country-level activities related to law and human rights, and promoting knowledge sharing among judiciary members.
• Overseeing the implementation of IGI and YKP projects in Eswatini and Zambia, including technical leadership and resource mobilization.
• Supporting advocacy efforts for the Power of Prevention project in South Africa, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, including capacity building for key population-led organizations.
• Leading knowledge capture and sharing initiatives, documenting lessons learned and best practices.
• Providing technical guidance for the development of knowledge products and advocating for national capacity strengthening in development programming.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Law or Public Health. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience will be considered. A master's degree in Law is viewed as an asset. The position requires a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience (or 17 years with a bachelor's degree) in law and human rights, particularly related to LGBTI+, HIV, and key populations in Africa. Strong facilitation skills with senior officials and experience working with civil society organizations led by LGBTI+ individuals are essential. Familiarity with the United Nations system and a proven record of strong writing skills are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Law or Public Health is required for this position. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the relevant fields, combined with additional qualifying experience, may also be considered. A master's degree in Law is particularly advantageous and will be viewed favorably during the selection process.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in law and human rights, particularly concerning LGBTI+ issues, HIV, and key populations in Africa. Candidates with a bachelor's degree should have at least 17 years of experience. The role requires at least 10 years of strong facilitation experience with senior officials in Africa, as well as experience working with civil society organizations led by LGBTI+ and key populations. Familiarity with the United Nations system and/or the Global Fund is also necessary, along with a proven record of strong writing skills demonstrated through relevant publications.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of the regions where the projects are implemented, such as local languages in Eswatini, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under Tier 1, which includes UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent and fixed-term appointments. The Senior Policy Advisor will report primarily to the Manager of the Hub on LGBTI+ and Key Populations based in Pretoria, with a secondary reporting line to the Director of HIV & Health based in New York. The role may involve travel to various countries within the region to support project implementation and stakeholder engagement. UNDP is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.