Senior Policy Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address their development challenges. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, sustainable development, and resilience to crises. UNDP's Hub on LGBTI+ and Key Populations has been instrumental in implementing significant multi-country and regional initiatives in Africa, particularly concerning human rights and inclusive governance for marginalized groups.

Job Overview:
The Senior Policy Advisor will play a pivotal role in providing technical leadership for the IGI and YKP projects under the #WeBelongAfrica initiative. This position requires a strategic thinker who can lead the design and implementation of multisectoral actions aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of LGBTI+ and key populations across several African nations. The advisor will be responsible for advising on national policy inclusion, facilitating workshops, and engaging in advocacy efforts to influence public health and human rights intersections. The role also involves overseeing project implementation, ensuring quality assurance, and supporting resource mobilization efforts to sustain project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic technical direction and leadership related to LGBTI+ key populations and human rights, including the design and implementation of multisectoral actions by state actors at national and regional levels in Africa.
• Advise on the design and implementation of country-level activities focused on LGBTI+ and key populations in national policy and human rights protection mechanisms.
• Promote and support the development and dissemination of knowledge products for government policymakers and allies.
• Organize and deliver virtual learning exchanges and peer learning sessions.
• Lead targeted coaching sessions on governance, advocacy, and institutional development.
• Provide technical oversight for the IGI and YKP projects, working closely with UNDP country offices.
• Strengthen south-south learning by identifying tools and resources from project work.
• Lead knowledge management and capacity building efforts, including the development of a capacity development plan.
• Produce materials documenting lessons learned and best practices for organizational sharing. 1
• Provide technical guidance for knowledge product development and advocate for national capacity strengthening in development programming.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Law, Public Health, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be considered. A PhD in Law or human rights is an asset.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in Africa related to LGBTI+ and/or key populations with a master’s degree, or 17 years with a bachelor’s degree.
• At least 10 years of experience facilitating with senior government officials in Africa.
• Experience working with civil society organizations led by LGBTI+ and/or key populations.
• Proven record of strong writing skills demonstrated by multiple relevant publications.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Law, Public Health, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in the stated areas combined with two additional years of qualifying experience will be considered. A PhD in Law and/or human rights is advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience in Africa related to LGBTI+ and/or key populations, with at least 10 years of strong experience in facilitation with senior government officials. Experience with civil society organizations and the United Nations system is also required, along with a proven record of strong writing skills.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Pretoria, South Africa, and involves significant interaction with various stakeholders across multiple countries in Africa. The role is expected to be full-time and may involve travel to various project sites. UNDP is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process.