UN Volunteer Expert in Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was established in 1965 and operates in approximately 170 countries and territories. Its mission is to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through the sustainable development of nations, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) was mandated by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 33/147 in 1978, focusing on improving the economic and social conditions of the Palestinian people. UNDP/PAPP aims to support the Palestinian people in achieving sustainable human development based on self-determination, equality, and freedom, and operates with a vision of a unified, peaceful, and free society for all Palestinians. The organization emphasizes gender equality and women's empowerment as central to its mission, aligning its efforts with global frameworks and strategies to promote gender equality in crisis settings.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer Expert in Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment will play a crucial role in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment within the UNDP/PAPP framework. This position involves active participation in gender-related meetings and initiatives, ensuring that gender considerations are integrated into all aspects of programming and project design. The expert will work closely with various stakeholders, including UN Women and UNFPA, to contribute to assessments and reporting on gender equality. The role requires a commitment to promoting an inclusive organizational culture and enhancing the capacities of staff in gender mainstreaming. The expert will also be responsible for reviewing project proposals and evaluations from a gender perspective, providing technical inputs to ensure that projects are gender-responsive and transformative. This position is vital for ensuring that UNDP/PAPP's efforts align with the broader goals of gender equality and the Women, Peace, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security agenda, particularly in the context of the Palestinian territories.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UN Volunteer Expert include:

• Ensuring active participation and representation of UNDP/PAPP in Gender and PSEAH meetings, including quarterly meetings co-chaired by UN Women and UNFPA.
• Providing timely and quality inputs for assessments and reports related to gender equality and women's empowerment.
• Participating in the oPt PSEA Network/SANAD bi-weekly meetings and contributing to the network's efforts.
• Reviewing concept notes, proposals, and project documents from a gender and PSEA perspective, providing technical inputs to enhance gender mainstreaming.
• Supporting Programme staff in integrating gender considerations into project design and implementation.
• Promoting gender awareness among staff and conducting training sessions on gender transformative approaches.
• Coordinating and submitting PAPP’s inputs to annual reporting and certifications related to gender equality and PSEAH.
• Leading the coordination of the UNDP/PAPP PSEAH Taskforce and organizing awareness sessions for staff and implementing partners.
• Developing materials for PSEAH awareness and ensuring systematic integration of PSEAH capacity assessments in project design.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong understanding of gender equality and women's empowerment issues, particularly in crisis settings. Candidates should possess excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. A demonstrated commitment to gender equality and experience in gender mainstreaming in development programming are essential. The expert should be able to work collaboratively in a team environment and possess strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks effectively. Familiarity with UNDP’s policies and frameworks related to gender equality and women's empowerment is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates should hold a degree in gender studies, social sciences, international development, or a related field. A postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline is preferred. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in gender theory, development practices, and the socio-political context of the Palestinian territories.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 3-5 years of professional experience in gender equality and women's empowerment, particularly in development or humanitarian contexts. Experience working with UN agencies or international organizations is an advantage. The candidate should demonstrate a track record of successfully implementing gender mainstreaming initiatives and engaging with stakeholders at various levels.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of gender programming in the Palestinian context. Additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The position offers a 6-month contract with the possibility of extensions based on funding availability and performance. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of ILS 9,422 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities, and living expenses. The contract includes life, health, and permanent disability insurance, covering up to three dependents, as well as an exit allowance for satisfactory service.