Deputy Director of Advocacy

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance the impact of gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives. The organization merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates globally, advocating for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between women and men. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, employing a workforce that reflects the diversity of the world.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Advocacy at UN Women plays a crucial role in leading the organization's global advocacy agenda. This position involves providing strategic direction and leadership for advocacy initiatives that align with UN Women's Strategic Plan and corporate priorities. The incumbent will manage relationships with various stakeholders, including governments, private sector actors, and civil society, to promote gender equality and women's empowerment. The role requires a strong focus on developing and implementing advocacy strategies that are evidence-based and politically informed, ensuring coherence across advocacy efforts at different levels. The Deputy Director will also oversee the integration of gender equality in humanitarian action and lead high-impact global campaigns and events, such as International Women’s Day and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This position demands a proactive approach to mobilizing resources and building partnerships to enhance UN Women's advocacy impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of UN Women’s global advocacy strategies, ensuring alignment with the Strategic Plan.
• Manage institutional relationships with program and policy leads to ensure advocacy strategies are evidence-based and results-oriented.
• Direct coordination of advocacy efforts across DCA teams, Regional and Country Offices, and National Committees.
• Lead UN Women’s humanitarian advocacy agenda, ensuring integration of gender equality in humanitarian action.
• Provide strategic leadership for flagship campaigns and global advocacy moments, overseeing the planning and execution of high-profile events.
• Direct and oversee the engagement of Goodwill Ambassadors and influencers to amplify advocacy reach.
• Lead the implementation of UN Women’s brand strategy, ensuring coherence in advocacy content and public-facing products.
• Build and sustain strategic alliances with key advocacy stakeholders and partners to mobilize resources for advocacy initiatives.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree in international relations, political science, public policy, communications, international development, gender studies, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of advocacy strategies, campaigning, and partnerships, with a proven track record in developing and implementing global advocacy strategies with measurable outcomes. Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization is also essential, along with the ability to lead and manage personnel in diverse settings.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as international relations, political science, public policy, communications, international development, or gender studies. A first-level university degree may be accepted with additional qualifying experience.

Experience:
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in advocacy, with a focus on advocacy strategies, campaigning, and partnerships. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in leading large-scale global campaigns and high-visibility advocacy initiatives, as well as substantial experience working with Goodwill Ambassadors and high-profile influencers. Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization is required, along with experience in managing personnel in international and multicultural settings.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in New York and involves leading a small team of 2-3 staff members plus temporary consultants. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.