Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is dedicated to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment (GEWE) within agrifood systems across the region. The organization recognizes the vital role that rural women play in agricultural production, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, climate resilience, and rural development. Established with a mission to enhance food security and improve nutrition, the FAO operates in numerous countries, providing technical and policy support to various stakeholders. The FAO's Gender Team is instrumental in integrating gender considerations into its work, aligning with the FAO Policy on Gender Equality 2020–2030 and other corporate frameworks. The organization aims to create a regional roster of specialists to address gender issues effectively, ensuring that gender equality is both a priority and a cross-cutting theme in its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Specialist position is designed to provide technical expertise in gender equality and women's empowerment within agrifood systems and rural development. The role involves supporting the integration of gender considerations into policies, programs, and projects, as well as conducting gender analyses and assessments to strengthen the evidence base for gender-responsive programming. The specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing gender-responsive interventions, capacity development activities, and technical guidance materials. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including FAO personnel, government counterparts, and implementing partners, to promote gender equality and women's empowerment effectively. The successful candidate will be included in a roster for potential consultancy assignments, which may vary in duration and location, depending on program needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Specialist include providing technical advice on gender equality and women's empowerment in agrifood systems, conducting gender analyses and assessments, supporting the design and implementation of gender-responsive programs, and developing capacity-building activities. The specialist will also prepare technical and policy products, engage in policy dialogue, and disseminate best practices related to gender equality. Additional responsibilities include monitoring and reporting on gender mainstreaming efforts, facilitating consultations and workshops, and contributing to communication and advocacy initiatives. The role may require travel within Europe and Central Asia and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to achieve program objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in gender studies, social sciences, development studies, economics, agricultural or rural development, human rights, international relations, public policy, or a related field. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of five years of professional experience in gender equality, gender mainstreaming, rural development, or related areas is required. Candidates should demonstrate a working knowledge of English and possess strong analytical, research, and report-writing skills. Familiarity with FAO's mandate and gender equality issues in agrifood systems is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in relevant fields such as gender studies, social sciences, or agricultural development. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of gender issues within agrifood systems and rural development contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in areas such as gender equality, gender mainstreaming, rural development, and agrifood systems. Candidates should have experience in conducting gender analyses and integrating gender considerations into program design and implementation. Previous experience working with governments, civil society organizations, and international organizations is highly valued, as is familiarity with FAO's policies and approaches to gender equality.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of one or more languages spoken in Europe and Central Asia is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is part of a regional roster for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Specialists, and inclusion in the roster does not guarantee an assignment. Specific assignments will be defined based on program needs and the selected candidate's expertise. The role may involve home-based work or require travel to FAO offices, depending on the nature of the assignments. Candidates will be assessed based on their technical expertise, professional experience, language skills, and availability for consultancy assignments.