Programme Specialist, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, aiming to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly for women, adolescents, and marginalized populations. UNFPA's mission is to promote gender equality and empower women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in addressing gender-based violence and harmful practices globally, with a strategic plan that emphasizes sustainable development and evidence-based policies.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) is a key member of the UNFPA South Africa Country Office, specifically within the programmes team. This position is pivotal in providing strategic technical and programmatic leadership for UNFPA's initiatives aimed at ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. The incumbent will be responsible for the design, management, and implementation of impactful GBVF programmes, ensuring alignment with national strategies and fostering partnerships to achieve UNFPA's transformative goals. The role requires a strong focus on innovation, knowledge sharing, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to enhance South Africa's national response to GBVF. The Programme Specialist will work closely with government entities, civil society, and the private sector to co-create sustainable solutions and advocate for evidence-based policies that address GBV and harmful practices effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Specialist will undertake a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Policy and Technical Support: Serve as the lead technical expert on GBVF, conducting policy analysis and advocacy to identify strategic areas for UNFPA intervention. Provide high-quality technical guidance and capacity development support to government counterparts and implementing partners. Lead knowledge management efforts by collecting and disseminating evidence and best practices related to GBVF programming. Ensure the integration of GBVF approaches across all Country Programme components.
• Programme and Resources Management: Oversee the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of UNFPA-supported GBVF programmes, ensuring adherence to annual work plans and donor agreements. Manage programme budgets and financial transactions, ensuring compliance with UNFPA regulations. Prepare high-quality progress and annual reports for stakeholders, providing substantive analysis and recommendations.
• Partnership and Resource Mobilization: Actively participate in national and UN inter-agency coordination mechanisms on GBVF. Build strategic partnerships with government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners to advance the GBVF agenda. Lead resource mobilization efforts by developing innovative strategies and proposals for funding.
• General Support: Provide support to other Programme team members as needed and carry out additional duties as required by UNFPA leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Public Health, Human Rights Law, International Development, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in gender equality and GBV prevention and response is required, with a strong emphasis on programme management. Substantive knowledge and practical experience in GBVF programming within the South African context are highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate experience in policy analysis and technical support to government or large-scale institutions, as well as the ability to manage complex programme budgets and reporting requirements. Familiarity with UN systems or international development organizations is an asset, along with proficiency in office software applications and corporate IT systems.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Public Health, Human Rights Law, or International Development. This advanced education is essential to equip the candidate with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively address issues related to gender-based violence and harmful practices.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of gender equality and the prevention and response to GBV. This experience should include a strong focus on programme management and a demonstrated ability to navigate the complexities of GBVF programming, particularly within the South African context. Experience in policy analysis, dialogue, and providing technical support to government or large-scale institutions is crucial. Additionally, prior experience working within the UN system or an international development organization is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Furthermore, professional working knowledge of one or more official South African languages is advantageous, as it enhances communication with local stakeholders. A working knowledge of another UN Official Language is also considered an asset, reflecting the international nature of the organization and its operations.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA is committed to providing a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.