Programme Specialist, Gender and Human Rights

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and human rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to achieving transformative results that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, advocating for the rights of women and girls, and addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on these populations.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist, Gender and Human Rights will oversee the formulation and evaluation of gender and human rights projects, lead a dedicated programme team, and collaborate with operations and administrative support staff within the Country Office. Reporting to the Deputy Representative, the specialist will ensure that UNFPA's activities align with the Ghana Country Programme Document (CPD) 2023-2027, which aims to reduce preventable maternal deaths, address unmet needs for family planning, and combat gender-based violence and harmful practices. The role requires a strategic approach to managing gender and human rights initiatives, fostering collaboration with government entities, donor agencies, and civil society, and influencing stakeholders to achieve UNFPA's mandate. The specialist will also contribute to policy-making and strategies that integrate gender and human rights into national development agendas, ensuring that the needs and rights of vulnerable populations are prioritized.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Policy Dialogue and Technical Leadership: Oversee UNFPA's positioning on gender equality and women's rights within national development agendas. Engage in policy dialogue with government and development partners to incorporate women's needs into national policies. Promote awareness of the ICPD Programme of Action in high-level forums. Analyze policy developments affecting gender equality and prepare recommendations. Conduct gender and human rights analyses to identify trends and risks. Represent UNFPA in technical forums and provide leadership on gender equality issues, particularly in addressing gender-based violence (GBV).
• Advocacy and Resource Mobilization: Advocate for increased budgetary allocations for gender equality initiatives. Collect and analyze data to support advocacy efforts. Develop communication materials to promote UNFPA's work on gender issues. Identify funding opportunities and develop innovative proposals. Maintain partnerships with donors and keep them informed about project implementation.
• Programme Management and Coordination: Lead the formulation of gender and human rights components in UNFPA-supported programmes. Provide strategic guidance for programme implementation and monitoring. Collaborate with government and NGO partners to design effective interventions. Ensure results-based monitoring and reporting. Support capacity development for UNFPA staff and partners.
• Knowledge Management: Facilitate the documentation of lessons learned and best practices in gender equality initiatives. Participate in communities of practice and share new approaches with staff and partners. Support the integration of gender and human rights into all programme interventions, including emergency preparedness.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Human Rights, Law, Public Policy, Development Studies, or related fields. They should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in managing gender and/or human rights programmes at an advisory or managerial level. Demonstrable technical expertise in gender equality, knowledge of gender-based violence, and experience in policy formulation and implementation are essential. Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to communicate complex issues clearly, and experience in networking within the development sector. Familiarity with UN systems and experience using management software are advantageous.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Gender Studies, Human Rights, Law, Public Policy, or Development Studies is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively manage gender and human rights programmes.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in managing gender and/or human rights programmes. Candidates should have experience at the advisory or managerial level, demonstrating their ability to lead teams and coordinate with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and UN agencies. Field experience is considered an asset, as is prior experience within the UN system.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable and can enhance a candidate's profile, particularly in a multicultural work environment.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a competitive remuneration package, including a net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. The role is based in Accra, Ghana, and is part of UNFPA's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. UNFPA does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process, and candidates are encouraged to report any fraudulent notices or offers.