Programme Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment globally. The organization merges the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues. UN Women operates in multiple countries, including Ukraine, where it is actively involved in addressing the challenges faced by women and girls, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict. The organization is committed to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering them, and achieving equality between genders. UN Women has a significant presence in Ukraine, focusing on strategic priorities that include governance, women's peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, women's economic empowerment, and humanitarian actions. The organization aims to mobilize urgent and sustained action to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, especially in regions severely affected by conflict, such as Eastern Ukraine.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist position at UN Women in Dnipro is crucial for supporting the implementation of the UN Women Strategic Note 2025-2029 priorities in Eastern Ukraine. The role involves leading engagements with Regional Military Administrations, managing partnerships, and overseeing programming and operational activities in the region. The Programme Specialist will be responsible for designing, managing, and implementing interventions that address the needs of women and girls affected by the ongoing conflict. This includes drafting program proposals, managing budgets, and ensuring effective communication and coordination among various stakeholders. The position requires a strong focus on results-based management and the ability to synthesize program performance data to inform strategic decision-making. The Programme Specialist will also represent UN Women at the sub-national level, developing strategic partnerships and engaging with civil society to support the implementation of programs aimed at gender equality and women's empowerment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Specialist include designing and implementing UN Women interventions in Eastern Ukraine, formulating program proposals, managing the annual work plan and budget, ensuring effective internal communication, and providing guidance on results-based management. The role also involves representing UN Women at the sub-national level, coordinating relationships with national partners, managing technical assistance and capacity development for program partners, overseeing program monitoring and reporting, managing financial resources, and developing resource mobilization strategies. The Programme Specialist will supervise a team of personnel, mentor staff, and conduct performance assessments. Additionally, the role requires identifying programming and advocacy opportunities, monitoring the perception of UN Women, and developing knowledge management strategies related to interventions in Eastern Ukraine.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Programme Specialist position must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, international development, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A project/programme management certification is considered an advantage. The position requires at least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience at the national or international level in the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects, with a strong emphasis on gender equality and women's empowerment. Experience in leading and coaching staff in international settings, as well as proficiency in office software and web-based management systems, is essential. Familiarity with the UN system and the Ukrainian context is desirable, along with experience in using modern web-based ERP systems, preferably Oracle Cloud.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Programme Specialist position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, or international development. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. A project/programme management certification would enhance a candidate's profile and is viewed favorably by the hiring organization.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the national or international context, specifically in the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects. Candidates should have technical experience in gender equality and women's empowerment, as well as experience in leading and coaching staff in international settings. Proficiency in using computers and office software packages, as well as experience with web-based management systems, is necessary. Experience coordinating with government agencies and donors is desirable, along with familiarity with the UN system and the Ukrainian context.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Programme Specialist position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is desirable. Additionally, knowledge of the Ukrainian language is considered an asset, as it would facilitate communication and engagement with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The Programme Specialist position is based in Dnipro, Ukraine, and involves full-time engagement with a focus on gender equality and women's empowerment in the context of ongoing humanitarian challenges. The role includes supervisory responsibilities for a team of four personnel, emphasizing the importance of leadership and mentorship. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that recruitment and employment practices are free from discrimination based on race, religion, gender identity, or other factors. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that contradicts its aims and objectives, including sexual exploitation and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.