Country Representative

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. It merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender issues. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men. The organization works in various countries, including Sierra Leone, where it contributes to national development plans and frameworks aimed at promoting gender equality and women's rights.

Job Overview:
The Country Representative for UN Women in Sierra Leone is responsible for leading and managing the Country Office portfolio, translating the UN Women's Strategic Plan into development initiatives aligned with regional and national priorities. This role involves developing, implementing, and managing programs and projects that promote gender equality and women's empowerment. The Country Representative will work closely with government counterparts, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and donors to foster partnerships and mobilize resources. The position requires a strategic approach to program development, oversight of country programs, and active participation in UN inter-agency coordination to ensure gender issues are integrated into broader development agendas.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage strategic program development and planning by assessing national social development trends and identifying opportunities for advancing UN Women’s goals.
• Oversee the appraisal and approval of UN Women programs, ensuring alignment with corporate guidelines.
• Establish annual work plans for the Country Office, setting objectives and performance measurements.
• Ensure the completion of high-quality, results-based country programs and projects, monitoring progress and implementing timely interventions.
• Lead the preparation of country reports and manage the budget preparation processes.
• Participate actively in UN Country Team meetings to integrate gender equality into UN programming processes.
• Advocate for gender equality in governmental forums and contribute to policy dialogues.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with government, NGOs, and development partners to enhance collaboration and resource mobilization.
• Lead a team of approximately 15 staff members, providing supervision and coaching.

Required Qualifications:

• 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 with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects.
• Experience in establishing inter-relationships among international organizations and national governments.
• Knowledge of gender and human rights issues is an asset.
• Experience in administrative systems and UN norms is beneficial.
• Proven experience in leading a team is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social sciences, human rights, gender/women’s studies, or international development. A first-level university degree may be considered if accompanied by additional qualifying experience.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant experience at the national and/or international level, particularly in the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects. Experience in gender and human rights issues, as well as familiarity with UN administrative systems, is highly desirable. Leadership experience is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of French, another UN official working language, is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves leading a team of approximately 15 individuals. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that recruitment and employment practices are free from discrimination. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Applicants must complete all sections of the application form to avoid disqualification.