UN Women Policy Specialist - Ending Violence Against Women (P4)

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment. It consolidates the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues. The organization operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men. UN Women has a significant presence in various countries, including a regional office in Dakar, Senegal, which serves the West and Central Africa region. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting mutual respect and equality in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The UN Women Policy Specialist for Ending Violence Against Women will play a crucial role in overseeing and providing high-level technical advice and support to UN Women country and regional offices. This position involves capacity building for Country Offices, establishing and strengthening partnerships, and facilitating internal coordination to ensure effective delivery of program results and implementation of policy guidance. The Policy Specialist will also coordinate UN Women WCARO’s engagement in specific initiatives such as the Spotlight initiative, which aims to eliminate violence against women and girls. The role requires a strategic approach to managing programs, advocating for policy changes, and ensuring that the work aligns with broader UN reforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Policy Specialist will manage the development of programs focused on Ending Violence Against Women, ensuring that Country Office teams receive the necessary technical assistance and policy advocacy. Responsibilities include overseeing the development of regional program documents, contextualizing and localizing strategies, and monitoring and reporting on program effectiveness. The incumbent will lead capacity-building initiatives, provide technical policy advice, and establish strategic partnerships with stakeholders and donors. Additionally, the Policy Specialist will manage resource mobilization strategies, contribute to the design of initiatives, and lead knowledge-building efforts to share best practices and lessons learned across the region. The role also involves supervising a team of four personnel, ensuring effective collaboration and performance within the unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in gender studies, human rights, international relations, or other relevant 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. The position requires at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in designing and managing programs related to Ending Violence Against Women, with a strong emphasis on advocacy and policy analysis. Experience in developing countries, working with governments, donors, and civil society organizations is essential, along with familiarity with the UN system and experience in West and Central Africa being desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Master’s degree or equivalent in fields such as gender studies, human rights, international relations, or other relevant social sciences. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender issues and the frameworks necessary for effective policy development and program implementation.

Experience:
The role demands a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of Ending Violence Against Women, particularly in designing and managing relevant programs. Candidates should have a proven track record in policy analysis, strategic planning, and advocacy, ideally within developing countries. Experience in building partnerships with various stakeholders, including governments and civil society organizations, is critical. Familiarity with the UN system and specific experience in West and Central Africa will be advantageous for applicants.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is mandatory for this position, as these are the primary working languages of UN Women in the region. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves supervisory responsibilities over a small team. 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 regarding misconduct and expects all personnel to adhere to its standards of conduct. Background checks will be conducted on selected candidates, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Applicants are advised to complete all sections of the application form to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.