Moderator for High-Level Annual Conference on Gender and Elections

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 is dedicated to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving gender equality in all aspects of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women operates globally, coordinating efforts across various UN entities to ensure that commitments to gender equality translate into actionable outcomes. The organization focuses on leadership and decision-making, particularly in the East and Southern Africa region, where it collaborates with civil society, electoral bodies, political parties, and women's movements to strengthen accountability for gender equality commitments. UN Women’s Leadership and Decision-Making portfolio is a key area under its Strategic Plan 2026–2029, emphasizing the importance of women's representation in political processes and decision-making roles.

Job Overview:
The Moderator/Facilitator for the High-Level Annual Conference on Gender and Elections in Africa (COGE) will play a crucial role in guiding the proceedings of the conference, which aims to amplify women's leadership in electoral processes across the continent. The conference, scheduled for 28 to 29 October 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, seeks to address the underrepresentation of women in political offices and create a platform for discussing solutions to enhance women's participation in elections. The Moderator will be responsible for ensuring a smooth flow of the program, maintaining an engaging atmosphere, and upholding the conference's objectives. This role requires a strong commitment to gender equality and the ability to facilitate discussions that are inclusive, dignified, and focused on actionable outcomes. The Moderator will work closely with the Regional Policy Specialist and other stakeholders to prepare for the conference and ensure that all sessions align with the overarching theme of #TryWomen!

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Moderator will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: Pre-Conference Tasks: Familiarizing themselves with the conference agenda, speaker bios, and session objectives; attending preparatory meetings with partners; developing session transitions and contingency announcements; coordinating with speakers to confirm details; and understanding protocol and cultural sensitivities. During the Conference: Welcoming delegates, managing protocol duties, facilitating sessions, maintaining thematic focus on #TryWomen, encouraging participant engagement, managing transitions, and representing the conference's values. Post-Conference: Participating in a debrief with the Secretariat and submitting a final report with insights for future editions of COGE.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of gender equality and women's empowerment issues, particularly in the African context. They should demonstrate excellent communication skills, stage presence, and the ability to manage time effectively. The ideal candidate will have experience in diplomacy and handling sensitive situations, as well as a commitment to upholding UN Women’s values. They should also have the ability to work collaboratively and foster partnerships, while respecting cultural diversity.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in International Development, Human Rights, Law, Gender and Governance, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A project/programme management certification is considered an asset.

Experience:
At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience in facilitating or moderating high-level multi-stakeholder conferences is required. Experience in facilitating workshops and policy dialogues with Member States, as well as familiarity with the African political context, is highly desirable. Proven experience in participatory methods for data collection and analysis, along with field experience in Africa, is also an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of any other UN official language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The assignment will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and will involve a contract for the duration of the conference, including pre-conference preparation and post-conference debriefing. The position is expected to be full-time during the conference days, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel and engagement with high-level dignitaries. UN Women promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct.