Partnership Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010, UN Women works to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization operates globally, supporting United Nations Member States in setting international standards for achieving gender equality and working with governments and civil society to formulate and enforce the necessary laws, policies, programs, and services. UN Women has a mission to ensure that the standards for gender equality are effectively implemented and that they truly benefit women and girls around the world. The UN Women Liaison Office to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (AULO), based in Addis Ababa, serves as the primary interface between UN Women and continental institutions, supporting regional policy development, coordination, advocacy, and partnerships to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment across Africa. The organization is involved in various initiatives, including the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.0, which aims to eliminate violence against women and girls and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights across Africa through strengthened policy frameworks and strategic partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Partnership Specialist position is a UN Volunteer role that plays a crucial part in supporting the establishment, coordination, and operationalization of the Civil Society Regional Reference Group (CSRRG) as part of the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.

• This role involves facilitating engagement with civil society stakeholders, strengthening partnerships, and supporting program coordination and knowledge management processes. The Partnership Specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, women's rights organizations, feminist movements, youth-led organizations, and other key partners involved in the SIARP 2.0 initiative. The position requires a proactive approach to ensure effective collaboration between UN Women, the African Union Commission, Regional Economic Communities, and other stakeholders. The specialist will also be responsible for monitoring progress, preparing reports, and supporting advocacy and visibility efforts related to the program. This role is essential for enhancing the meaningful participation and leadership of civil society in program governance, advocacy, accountability, and implementation, ultimately contributing to the broader goals of gender equality and women's empowerment across Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Partnership Specialist include supporting the coordination and operationalization of the CSRRG, organizing meetings and consultations, coordinating engagement with civil society organizations, and facilitating communication among UN agencies and other stakeholders. The specialist will also support the implementation of civil society engagement activities, monitor progress, prepare reports and documentation, and maintain stakeholder databases. Additionally, the role involves ensuring compliance with UN Women policies, contributing to monitoring and reporting processes, and supporting the development of strategic partnerships related to ending violence against women and girls and advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights. The specialist will play a key role in documenting lessons learned and good practices, enhancing the visibility of SIARP 2.0 achievements, and providing capacity development through coaching and mentoring.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Partnership Specialist position include a strong understanding of gender equality and women's empowerment issues, particularly in the African context. Candidates should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. A demonstrated capacity for strategic thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration is essential. Familiarity with UN Women policies and procedures, as well as experience in program coordination and advocacy, will be highly valued. The ideal candidate should also have a commitment to the principles of volunteerism and a passion for promoting gender equality and women's rights.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Partnership Specialist position should have a relevant educational background, typically a degree in social sciences, international relations, gender studies, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in gender equality, women's rights, or development studies may be advantageous. Educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in the principles and practices related to gender equality and women's empowerment.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of several years of relevant experience in program coordination, advocacy, or partnership development, particularly in the context of gender equality and women's empowerment. Experience working with civil society organizations, women's rights organizations, and international development agencies is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully managing stakeholder engagement processes and facilitating collaboration among diverse groups.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Partnership Specialist position, as it is the primary language of communication within the UN system. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those spoken in Africa, would be considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Partnership Specialist position is a UN Volunteer role based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The living conditions in Ethiopia offer a rewarding work environment with rich cultural diversity and a vibrant international community. The cost of living is moderate, although housing and imported goods may be relatively expensive. The position may involve full-time engagement, and candidates should be prepared to adapt to a multicultural setting. The UN Women Liaison Office is located in a central area of Addis Ababa, providing easy access to major international organizations and government institutions. Candidates are encouraged to review the full benefits and allowances applicable to the duty station using the UVP calculator and to familiarize themselves with the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers.