WPS Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is the United Nations Entity for 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 on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women merges and builds on 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 is committed to advancing women's engagement in peace and security, as highlighted by the adoption of various UN Security Council Resolutions, including UNSCR 1325, which emphasizes the critical role of women's equal participation in peace and security efforts. The organization works in multiple countries, focusing on building capacities for inclusive peacebuilding and national dialogue processes, particularly in contexts like Somalia, where significant challenges persist in achieving gender equality and women's empowerment.

Job Overview:
The WPS Consultant will oversee the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda portfolio for UN Women in Somalia, particularly in light of the evolving peace and security context. This role is crucial for strengthening Somalia's implementation of its National Action Plan on WPS (2022–2026). The consultant will be responsible for leading the design and drafting of project proposals, driving coordination, providing strategic guidance, and ensuring high-quality implementation of the WPS agenda. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government ministries, civil society organizations, and UN agencies, to enhance women's participation and influence in peacebuilding and governance processes. The position requires a strong commitment to gender equality and the ability to navigate complex political and social landscapes to promote women's leadership and protection in peacebuilding efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WPS Consultant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Providing strategic guidance in the design and adaptation of WPS programming to align with national peacebuilding priorities and the UN Women Global Strategic Plan.
• Leading or contributing to conflict and gender analyses to inform program design and decision-making.
• Ensuring alignment of WPS interventions with ongoing governance, humanitarian response, and development programming.
• Developing terms of reference and supervising consultants involved in program delivery.
• Coordinating with WPS project staff and focal persons at various levels to ensure smooth implementation.
• Providing technical support to UN, government, and civil society partners on WPS initiatives.
• Participating in project steering committees and evaluation meetings.
• Supporting the onboarding processes of implementing partners and ensuring adherence to ethical standards.
• Building and managing relationships with national partners to support the WPS program. 1
• Identifying and leading the development of new programming and partnership opportunities. 1
• Contributing to the development of resource mobilization strategies and facilitating partnerships with key stakeholders. 1
• Supporting advocacy and communication efforts related to the WPS program. 1
• Strengthening linkages between the WPS agenda and complementary thematic areas such as governance and women's economic empowerment. 1
• Providing technical support for inter-agency coordination and ensuring alignment with broader UN efforts.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree or equivalent in Social Science Research, Statistics, Peace Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Gender, Development, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A project/programme management certification would be an added advantage. Candidates should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in WPS, peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and management, as well as experience working with multi-stakeholder organizations, including governments, civil society organizations, and UN agencies. Knowledge of gender equality and peacebuilding issues in Somalia is desirable, along with strong report writing and resource mobilization skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Social Science Research, Peace Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Gender, Development, or Communications. A first-level university degree may be accepted with additional qualifying experience. A project/programme management certification is considered an advantage.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in areas related to Women, Peace and Security, peacebuilding, conflict analysis, and crisis management. Experience in post-conflict and fragile contexts at the international level is desirable, as well as familiarity with gender equality issues in Somalia. Candidates should demonstrate a proven ability to mobilize resources and facilitate partnerships, particularly with the UN Peacebuilding Commission and other stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of any other UN official language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in diverse contexts and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will be based in Mogadishu, requiring a high level of in-person engagement for effective implementation of the WPS portfolio. The role involves regular coordination with government ministries, civil society partners, and UN agencies, necessitating physical presence for participation in high-level meetings and timely technical support. The position may involve contract duration specifics, seniority level, and full-time engagement, with a focus on international recruitment to ensure a diverse pool of candidates. Compensation and benefits details are typically provided during the hiring process.