Chief, Political Analysis and Programme Development Unit (PAPDU)

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 resources and mandates of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM, which focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates globally, with a mission 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 employs a diverse workforce and is committed to creating an inclusive environment that respects diversity.

Job Overview:
The Chief of the Political Analysis and Programme Development Unit (PAPDU) is responsible for leading the development of gender-responsive political analysis and strategic advice to inform UN Women’s strategic foresight, programming, and global policy engagement. This position involves providing high-quality analytical and strategic support to executive leadership, facilitating strategic liaison with Member States, and ensuring that UN Women’s contributions to intergovernmental processes are effectively communicated. The Chief will oversee a team of specialists who provide regional insights and support to strengthen UN Women’s policy and programmatic work, ensuring alignment with the UN Women Strategic Plan and promoting cross-regional knowledge sharing. The role requires a deep understanding of political trends and the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights for decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of gender-responsive political analysis and strategic advice, providing insights on key issues and trends to support executive leadership and decision-making processes.
• Build and maintain partnerships with Member States, ensuring regular communication and dissemination of UN Women’s initiatives and key gender equality concerns.
• Facilitate cross-regional collaboration and knowledge management, collecting and sharing best practices on programming at regional and country levels.
• Manage a team of specialists, ensuring high-quality performance reviews, compliance with training requirements, and timely completion of work plans and budget allocations.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in development-related disciplines, political science, economics, public policy, or other social science fields. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A project/programme management certification is an added advantage. Candidates should have at least 10 years of extensive development programme experience, particularly in gender equality and women’s rights at the international level, preferably within the UN system. Technical expertise in thematic areas covered by the UN Women Strategic Plan is required, along with experience in inter-agency processes and political analysis.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant fields such as development, political science, economics, public policy, or social sciences is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted with additional qualifying experience. A project/programme management certification is considered an advantage.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of extensive experience in development programmes, specifically in gender equality and women’s rights at the international level. Experience within the UN system, particularly in developing countries, is preferred. Technical expertise in thematic areas covered by the UN Women Strategic Plan is essential, along with experience in inter-agency processes and political analysis.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language (French, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in diverse international contexts.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves leading a team of five, including four direct reports and one affiliate personnel. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are 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, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.