Gender and PSEA Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, aiming to build careers while serving children and communities globally.

Job Overview:
The Gender and PSEA Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting management, sector, and operations staff within the Country Office to fulfill their accountabilities for Gender Action Plan (GAP) results and adhere to institutional standards. This position is integral to UNICEF's efforts in addressing gender equality and safeguarding children’s rights, particularly in the context of Zambia's socio-economic challenges. The specialist will be expected to lead substantive programming and research on gender and development, ensuring that interventions are aligned with UNICEF’s strategic priorities. The role requires a deep understanding of gender equality frameworks and the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders to achieve transformative results.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Gender and PSEA Specialist will be responsible for the following duties:

• Support the implementation of the Gender Action Plan by providing technical guidance and support to management and staff.
• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of gender-focused programs and initiatives.
• Conduct research and analysis on gender issues relevant to UNICEF’s work in Zambia.
• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to promote gender equality and child protection initiatives.
• Monitor and report on progress towards gender-related goals and objectives.
• Provide training and capacity-building support to staff and partners on gender equality and safeguarding principles.
• Advocate for the integration of gender considerations into all aspects of UNICEF’s programming and operations.
• Ensure compliance with UNICEF’s policies and standards related to gender and child safeguarding.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or higher) in social sciences, public health, public policy, international development, or a related field. Academic credentials in gender studies are considered a strong asset. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in gender and development programming, with a demonstrated track record of leading substantive research and initiatives in this area. Knowledge of UNICEF’s organizational approaches and sectoral priorities is essential, along with strong leadership and collaboration skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or higher) in one of the following fields is required: sociology, demography, psychology, political science, social policy, economics, public health, public policy, public administration, international development, or a related area relevant to UNICEF’s work. Academic credentials in gender studies are highly desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in gender and development, with a proven ability to lead programming and research initiatives. Experience in designing, implementing, and managing results-based programs, particularly in emergency response contexts, is an asset. Relevant experience at the country level, especially in fragile settings and humanitarian contexts, is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Fluency in another UN language is considered an asset, and knowledge of the local working language of the duty station is also beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This position is assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes, requiring additional vetting and assessment, including potential criminal background checks. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must be nationals of Zambia or possess a valid work permit in Zambia. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.