Programme Expert

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is the United Nations entity dedicated to 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 in the area of gender equality. 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 creating a diverse and inclusive environment and has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination.

Job Overview:
The Programme Expert will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Multi-Country Programme 'Challenging Harmful Attitudes and Norms for Gender Equality' (CHANGE), funded by the European Union. This Programme aims to address gender-based violence (GBV) as a structural and systemic issue, sustained by unequal power relations and discriminatory gender norms. The Programme is designed to run from 2026 to 2028 and will be implemented across five Central Asian countries. The Programme Expert will provide substantive technical and operational support to ensure the effective implementation of the CHANGE Programme, working closely with the Programme Coordinator and various stakeholders, including UNDP, UNFPA, national counterparts, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the private sector. The role involves providing timely and quality technical expertise, ensuring smooth coordination among UN Women Country Offices in Central Asia, and facilitating collaboration with various partners to achieve the Programme's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Expert will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Providing programmatic support to the Programme Coordinator in implementing UN Women’s components of the CHANGE Programme, ensuring alignment with the programme document, annual workplans, and budgets.
• Supporting the implementation of activities related to strengthening the capacity and coordination of CSOs and Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs).
• Contributing to the development of technical guidance notes, concept papers, and background analyses to support evidence-based programming and policy dialogue.
• Ensuring quality assurance of programme outputs by reviewing technical deliverables from consultants and partners.
• Assisting in risk identification and mitigation by monitoring implementation challenges and proposing corrective actions.
• Providing analytical inputs for donor briefings and high-level policy dialogues.
• Supporting the preparation of detailed activity budgets and ensuring alignment between technical outputs and financial allocations.
• Facilitating regular technical exchanges among UN Women Country Offices in Central Asia.
• Ensuring compliance with UN Women and EU requirements, including visibility and documentation. 1
• Contributing to mid-term reviews, evaluations, and management responses. 1
• Supporting the management of small grants to CSOs and WROs, including design, selection, technical guidance, and monitoring. 1
• Assisting in the collection and consolidation of inputs for narrative and financial reports. 1
• Facilitating communication and coordination with various stakeholders, including CSOs, academia, and the private sector. 1
• Supporting the organization of consultations, workshops, and policy dialogues. 1
• Assisting in the preparation of procurement and recruitment documentation. 1
• Drafting communication materials and supporting advocacy campaigns related to GBV.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in law, social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, international development, or a related field. A project/programme management certification is considered an advantage. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in administration or programme management/support, with at least 3 years of experience at the national and international level in the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects. Technical experience in Ending Violence Against Women and Girls and Sexual and Gender-based violence thematic areas is essential. Experience in managing and coordinating development programmes, as well as working with Civil Society Organizations and Women-led Organizations, is also required. Familiarity with UN systems is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as law, social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, or international development. A project/programme management certification would be an added advantage, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in administration or programme management/support. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience at both national and international levels in the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects. Technical experience in the thematic areas of Ending Violence Against Women and Girls and Sexual and Gender-based violence is crucial. Experience in managing, coordinating, and evaluating development programmes, as well as working with Civil Society Organizations and Women-led Organizations, is essential. Familiarity with UN systems and experience coordinating with government agencies and donors is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Russian is required for this position. Knowledge of Kazakh is considered an asset, and familiarity with other UN official working languages is also advantageous.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders across Central Asia. The Programme Expert will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures, including a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The role may involve travel within the region for meetings, workshops, and consultations. Candidates should be prepared for rigorous reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.