International Senior Gender Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to fostering sustainable development and promoting gender equality, particularly in the context of water resources management through its World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP).

Job Overview:
The International Senior Gender Expert will play a crucial role in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment in the context of water resources management. This position is part of the UNESCO WWAP, which has been active since 2014 in developing a comprehensive Water and Gender Component. The expert will be responsible for implementing the WWAP Water and Gender approach in GEF Transboundary Water projects, focusing on capacity development and technical support. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government leaders, water practitioners, and academia, to promote gender-sensitive approaches in water management. The expert will also support the editorial process of WWAP publications, assist in project implementation, and coordinate advocacy efforts related to gender and water.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting the editorial process of WWAP gender and water documents, ensuring that the content reflects the outcomes from GEF Transboundary Water projects.
• Assisting in the execution of project activities related to the WWAP water and gender component, including developing project documents and conducting gender and livelihood analyses.
• Organizing training activities and developing publications and project reports for stakeholders.
• Coordinating and leading Gender Working Group meetings to promote awareness of gender issues in water and sanitation.
• Developing and guiding regional webinars and capacity development activities to support countries in implementing the IMI-SDG 6 gender contextualization process.
• Engaging with diverse stakeholders, including governmental parties, to ensure effective project implementation and advocacy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (MSc or above) in a relevant field such as environment, water, or social sciences. They should have at least 10 years of professional experience in development, particularly at the intersection of natural resources, social sciences, and gender. Proven experience in implementing gender-focused projects, community mobilization, and stakeholder engagement is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience in designing and executing qualitative and quantitative social studies, including gender analyses, as well as developing training programs.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field is required, such as environment, water, or social sciences. A Master's degree or higher is preferred, indicating a strong academic background in areas pertinent to the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience, ideally in development contexts that intersect with natural resources and gender issues. Field experience in implementing gender, education, and capacity development projects is highly desirable, along with a proven track record of interacting with diverse stakeholders, particularly in governmental settings. Experience in Asia and Africa is also beneficial.

Languages:
A strong command of English, both written and oral, is mandatory, particularly with expertise in editorial processes. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultant role with a contract duration of 11 months. It is open to external candidates and is fully remote. The application process requires candidates to submit a letter of intention, a technical proposal, a competitive fee quote in USD, and an updated CV. The selection process may include video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, to apply. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and ensures confidentiality in the hiring process.