Programme Manager, Gender Partnerships and Institutional Support

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 resources and mandates of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM, to create a more impactful entity focused exclusively on gender issues. UN Women operates in multiple countries, working towards the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between genders as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization is committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with gender equality and women's empowerment as central themes. UN Women has a diverse workforce and promotes an inclusive environment, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs.

Job Overview:
The Programme Manager, Gender Partnerships and Institutional Support, will play a crucial role in advancing Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE) in Ghana. This position requires a seasoned expert who will act as a strategic linchpin, ensuring that the momentum for gender equality initiatives is sustained and translated into concrete programs and systemic changes. The incumbent will report to both the Resident Coordinator and the UN Women Country Representative, overseeing the planning, implementation, and management of UN Women interventions under the Gender Equality portfolio. The role involves close collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials, multi and bilateral donors, civil society, and the UN Country Team (UNCT). The Programme Manager will provide strategic advisory services, facilitate partnerships, and coordinate inter-agency efforts to ensure that gender equality priorities are integrated into national development frameworks and initiatives.

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

• Providing program development advisory services and strategic institutional support in the area of GEWE.
• Serving as a senior advisor to the Resident Coordinator and UNCT, offering technical guidance to integrate GEWE throughout the UNSDCF cycle.
• Overseeing the design and formulation of program proposals and initiatives, identifying areas for support within the GEWE thematic area.
• Finalizing country strategy documents, program/project proposals, and policy dialogue documents related to GEWE.
• Facilitating high-level advocacy engagements and organizing consultations with key stakeholders.
• Managing the implementation of the GEWE program, including finalizing annual workplans and budgets.
• Providing technical assistance and capacity development to project/program partners.
• Managing the monitoring and reporting of the program/project, ensuring effective use of results-based management tools.
• Overseeing financial resources of the GEWE program and managing the program budget. 1
• Building partnerships and supporting resource mobilization strategies for the Ghana GEWE portfolio. 1
• Coordinating inter-agency efforts to achieve a coherent presence for GEWE in Ghana. 1
• Leading advocacy, knowledge building, and communication efforts related to GEWE.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in Gender Studies, International Development, Public Policy, Law, Social Sciences, 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 (such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP®) is considered an added advantage. Candidates should demonstrate excellent program formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation skills, as well as the ability to develop detailed operational plans and budgets. Strong knowledge of Results Based Management and the ability to synthesize program performance data for strategic decision-making are essential. Candidates should also possess exemplary skills in high-level representation, negotiation, and consensus-building, along with proven ability to identify and manage strategic alliances across diverse sectors.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Gender Studies, International Development, Public Policy, Law, or Social Sciences. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A project/programme management certification is a plus, indicating a formal recognition of the candidate's expertise in managing projects effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible work experience in gender equality, strategic policy advisory, and multi-stakeholder partnership building at both national and international levels. Proven expertise in providing high-level institutional support to government entities and familiarity with UNSDCF processes and UN coordination mechanisms are required. Technical experience in Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE) is essential, along with a demonstrable track record in resource mobilization, program design, and joint advocacy initiatives. Experience in leading and guiding personnel in an international setting is also necessary, as well as proficiency in using computers and office software packages.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is desirable and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. The selected candidate will be expected to adhere to UN Women's policies and procedures, including a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims of the United Nations. The role may require the incumbent to undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Candidates must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.