National Programme Specialist - Strategic Planning and Gender Coordination

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. The organization merges the resources and mandates of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing on eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between women and men. UN Women operates in 22 countries across the Eastern and Southern Africa region, providing support to UN Country Teams and managing programming in countries where it has a presence. The organization is committed to addressing deeply embedded discriminatory social norms and practices, and it works in various areas including governance, women's economic empowerment, and humanitarian action.

Job Overview:
The National Programme Specialist - Strategic Planning and Gender Coordination will play a crucial role in supporting country-level strategic planning processes on gender issues within the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Madagascar. This position involves providing technical support to build partnerships around women's rights and equality with various stakeholders, including government entities, inter-governmental bodies, and civil society organizations. The specialist will also engage in intergovernmental processes and support the formulation and implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The role requires high-quality technical and policy advisory support to the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT, focusing on gender issues and ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into all aspects of planning and programming.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Programme Specialist will be responsible for leading analyses on gender issues in Madagascar, providing advisory support to the Resident Coordinator and UNCT, drafting policy documents and strategic background papers, coordinating research on women's rights and equality, and providing technical inputs for program development and monitoring. The specialist will also coordinate contributions to key normative processes, support the mainstreaming of gender concerns in the UNSDCF, and foster coherent inter-agency planning and action for women's rights. Additionally, the role involves coordinating advocacy networks, resource mobilization strategies, and providing expert guidance on the implementation of UN frameworks related to gender equality.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Economics, International Development, Gender, Human Rights, or related Social Sciences. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A project/programme management certification such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP® is considered an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to provide policy advice, and experience in gender-related programming and project management.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Economics, International Development, Gender, Human Rights, or other related Social Sciences. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience. A project/programme management certification is a plus, indicating a formal understanding of project management principles and practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in providing policy advice and developing project designs. Candidates should have a strong contextual understanding of gender issues in Madagascar, experience in setting priorities and budgets, and a background in partnership building with various stakeholders. Experience in the UN system and inter-agency coordination is desirable, along with proven leadership skills in team settings.

Languages:
Fluency in English, French, and Malagasy is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is embedded within the Resident Coordinator’s Office in Madagascar and involves dual supervision. The role is full-time and focuses on strategic planning and gender coordination at the country level. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that recruitment and employment practices are free from discrimination. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Candidates are encouraged to provide any necessary accommodations to support their participation in the recruitment process.