GEA Coordination/Liaison Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established to promote gender equality and empower women, operates under the vision of equality as outlined in the UN Charter. The organization focuses on eliminating discrimination against women and girls, enhancing women's empowerment, and achieving gender equality in various sectors including development, human rights, and humanitarian action. UN Women collaborates with a wide range of partners, including government authorities, civil society organizations, and other UN agencies, to implement its mission. The organization is guided by strategic plans that aim to improve women's access to rights and services, combat gender stereotypes, and address violence against women. UN Women is committed to the principle of 'Leaving No One Behind', ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable groups of women can access their rights and become agents of change. The organization operates in multiple countries and has a significant number of employees dedicated to advancing gender equality.

Job Overview:
The GEA Coordination/Liaison Officer will play a crucial role in the UN Joint Programme 'Gender Equality Accelerator' (GEA), which aims to promote women's full, equal, and meaningful participation in political and public life in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This position involves coordinating activities under the GEA, ensuring alignment with the Agency for Gender Equality's mandate and the Gender Action Plan of BiH. The officer will serve as the primary operational link between the GEA and the Agency, facilitating coherent programmatic and institutional workstreams. The role requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society, and international partners, to address systemic challenges such as gender-based violence, economic inequality, and underrepresentation in governance. The officer will also be responsible for providing technical advisory support on thematic areas related to gender equality, ensuring that all activities are implemented effectively and in accordance with established standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary coordination focal point between the GEA JP and the Steering Board of the Gender Action Plan of BiH, ensuring alignment of GEA interventions with the Agency’s mandate and annual workplans.
• Coordinate inputs from the GAP BiH Steering Board into GEA planning, implementation, and reporting processes, ensuring institutional coherence across all programme pillars.
• Prepare substantive briefing materials, technical notes, and background analyses for the Agency’s participation in various GEA meetings.
• Follow up on action points from technical meetings, track implementation progress, and flag risks or delays to stakeholders.
• Provide ongoing technical advisory support to the Agency on thematic areas under the GEA JP, including violence against women, women’s economic empowerment, and women’s leadership.
• Contribute to technical discussions by providing policy and programmatic inputs related to gender equality standards and international obligations.
• Review draft programme deliverables and documents from a gender equality perspective.
• Coordinate the planning and implementation of GEA activities in partnership with the Agency, ensuring timely delivery and quality assurance.
• Liaise with implementing partners and UN agencies to ensure alignment with Agency priorities. 1
• Contribute to the Agency’s planning and reporting requirements as requested by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong understanding of gender equality issues, particularly in the context of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Candidates should possess excellent coordination and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders. A background in gender studies, social sciences, or a related field is essential. Familiarity with international gender equality standards and frameworks, such as CEDAW and the Istanbul Convention, is highly desirable. Candidates should also demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to produce high-quality written materials.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically a degree in gender studies, social sciences, international relations, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for candidates with extensive experience in gender equality programming or policy development.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in gender equality, women's empowerment, or related fields. Experience working with UN agencies, government institutions, or civil society organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina is highly advantageous. Proven experience in project management, coordination, and stakeholder engagement is essential for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as well as proficiency in the local language (Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian). Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly for candidates working in diverse environments or with international partners.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The position may require flexibility in working hours and the ability to travel within Bosnia and Herzegovina as needed. The UN Volunteer will receive a range of entitlements and benefits, which can be reviewed on the UNV website.