Strategic Planning Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The organization was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact in the area of gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women merges and builds upon the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. The organization operates globally, advocating for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving 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 creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need.

Job Overview:
The Strategic Planning Specialist will play a crucial role in the Strategic Planning, Results and Effectiveness Division (SPRED) of UN Women. This position involves contributing to the development and implementation of UN Women’s Strategic Plans, as well as supporting the creation of Strategic Notes and workplans for both Headquarters and Regional Offices. The Specialist will work closely with various divisions and regional offices to ensure that strategic planning processes are coherent, evidence-based, and aligned with the organization’s Strategic Plan. The role requires a strong focus on Results-Based Management (RBM), strategic foresight, and data transparency, as well as the ability to manage and oversee the corporate results management system, PRISM, and the Transparency Portal. The Specialist will also be responsible for preparing materials for consultations with the Executive Board and ensuring effective communication of the Strategic Plan throughout the organization and with external stakeholders. This position demands a high level of analytical skills, strategic vision, and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Strategic Planning Specialist will manage the development and implementation of UN Women Strategic Plans, leading the preparation for internal and external consultations related to these plans. This includes coordinating the drafting, revision, and finalization of key documents such as the Strategic Plan narrative, Mid-Term Review report, and director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director's Annual Report. The Specialist will analyze findings from audits and evaluations to inform the preparation of Strategic Plans and monitor the implementation of Executive Board decisions. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with the Strategic Partnerships Division to communicate with member states and funding partners, as well as strengthening communication of the Strategic Plan within UN Women. The Specialist will also manage corporate resources on Strategic Foresight, oversee the PMR policy and procedures, and ensure that the corporate results management system is effectively utilized. Furthermore, the Specialist will lead and manage personnel under their supervision, providing guidance and performance feedback.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in development-related disciplines such as Social Sciences, Political Science, Development Studies, Public Administration, Gender, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires at least 7 years of progressively responsible development experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in development cooperation, international relations, or public administration. Additionally, candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in gender equality and women’s empowerment within the UN System, as well as experience in coordinating consultation processes for strategic planning documents. Proficiency in using results management systems for strategic planning processes is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as development-related disciplines, Social Sciences, Political Science, Development Studies, Public Administration, or Gender studies. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree if accompanied by additional qualifying experience.

Experience:
The Strategic Planning Specialist should have a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in development, with a focus on strategic and managerial leadership. This includes at least 3 years of experience specifically in gender equality and women’s empowerment within the UN System. Candidates should also have experience in coordinating and managing consultation processes for the development of strategic planning documents, as well as experience in using results management systems for strategic planning.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
The job posting does not specify a deadline for applications. It is important for applicants to ensure that all sections of the application form are completed, as incomplete applications may be disqualified. The position may involve managing personnel and providing performance feedback, and candidates should be aware of UN Women’s workplace relations policies. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment.