WPS 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. It merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender issues. UN Women operates globally, advocating for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, promoting women's empowerment, and ensuring equality between women and men in various sectors including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including sexual exploitation and abuse.

Job Overview:
The WPS Specialist is responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Program interventions. This role involves providing technical support and strategic guidance to ensure that the WPS programming aligns with national peacebuilding priorities and the UN Women Global Strategic Plan. The specialist will lead conflict and gender analyses to inform design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and decision-making, ensuring that interventions are coherent with ongoing governance, humanitarian response, and development efforts. The position requires close collaboration with various stakeholders including UN partners, government officials, and civil society to enhance women's participation and influence in peacebuilding processes. The WPS Specialist will also oversee the administration of the project, develop work plans, and manage the monitoring and reporting of program activities, ensuring adherence to results-based management principles.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WPS Specialist will manage the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security program, providing strategic guidance and ensuring alignment with national priorities. Key responsibilities include developing annual work plans, supervising consultants, coordinating with project staff and partners, providing technical advice, preparing financial reports, and participating in project review meetings. The specialist will also oversee the monitoring of project implementation, analyze progress against the Results and Resources Framework, and ensure compliance with donor requirements. Additionally, the role involves building partnerships, developing resource mobilization strategies, and organizing consultations with stakeholders to advance WPS priorities. The incumbent will also manage advocacy and communication efforts, develop knowledge management strategies, and ensure that all interventions adhere to the 'Do No Harm' principles.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates 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 role requires strong program formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation skills, as well as the ability to develop operational plans and budgets. Knowledge of Results Based Management and Women Peace and Security is essential, along with strong networking and negotiation skills.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, international development, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A project/programme management certification would be beneficial.

Experience:
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 is required. Technical experience in Women Peace and Security in a post-conflict setting is essential. Experience in coordinating with government agencies and donors is an asset, as is experience working within the UN System and in leading or managing a team.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable, which can enhance communication and collaboration in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
The position involves leading a team of 7, including 1 direct report and 6 affiliate personnel. The role is full-time and may require travel to various project locations within the Federal Member States on a quarterly basis. The incumbent is expected to uphold UN Women’s standards on safeguarding, accountability, and ethical conduct, and will undergo rigorous reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.