Programme Specialist, Gender and Youth Empowerment

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and young people. The organization works to end preventable maternal deaths, fulfill unmet needs for family planning, and eliminate gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA is committed to ensuring that its workforce reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, promoting gender parity and inclusivity across all levels of the organization.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist, Gender and Youth Empowerment position is a pivotal role within the UNFPA Tanzania Country Office. This position is responsible for leading efforts to advance gender equality and the economic empowerment of women and young people. The specialist will address discriminatory gender and social norms that hinder access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services, perpetuate gender-based violence (GBV), and prevent the realization of bodily autonomy, particularly among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). The role involves supporting the effective functioning of Adolescent and Youth Groups/organizations to promote meaningful youth participation, leadership, and engagement on issues related to SRHR, GBV prevention, and peace-responsive efforts. The specialist will provide functional leadership in programming, stakeholder relations, knowledge management, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) efforts to deliver the Country Programme and accelerate the attainment of UNFPA's transformative results.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Specialist, Gender and Youth Empowerment will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties including:

• Policy Dialogue and Technical Support: Providing technical oversight for women, adolescent girls, and youth empowerment programming, including areas such as adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH), GBV prevention, female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage prevention, and women's economic empowerment. Supporting the development and implementation of laws, policies, and strategies that advance gender equality and SRH. Leading initiatives that empower adolescent girls and young women to access quality SRH information and services.
• Partnerships, Coordination, and Resource Mobilization: Engaging in UN inter-agency coordination mechanisms and advocating for gender equality and youth empowerment. Strengthening the capacity of youth-led and women-led organizations to influence policy formulation and programming. Developing innovative financing proposals to mobilize resources for gender equality and youth empowerment initiatives.
• Knowledge Generation and Dissemination: Providing technical leadership to strengthen the evidence base on ASRH, youth engagement, and GBV prevention. Documenting good practices and synthesizing research findings to inform policy development.
• Programme Management and Coordination: Leading the design, implementation, and monitoring of programs to advance gender equality and youth empowerment. Overseeing budget planning and ensuring effective utilization of resources.
• Supervision and Performance Management: Leading the Gender and Youth Empowerment team, mentoring team members, and ensuring effective management of staff.
• General Support: Standing in for other team members as required and carrying out additional duties as assigned by UNFPA leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, Public Health, Development Studies, Public Policy, or related disciplines. An advanced degree in Law and Human Rights is also acceptable. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of experience in gender equality, women's empowerment, and SRHR programs, with demonstrable technical expertise in adolescent and youth development, civic engagement, and gender-based violence. Experience working collaboratively with government, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector is essential. A strong understanding of reproductive rights and gender equality in policy and program formulation is required, along with a proven track record in advocacy and multi-stakeholder engagement.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Gender Studies, Sociology, Public Health, Development Studies, Public Policy, or Development Management. An advanced degree in Law and Human Rights is also acceptable. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender issues, youth empowerment, and reproductive health rights.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in gender equality, women's empowerment, and SRHR programs. This experience should include demonstrable technical expertise in adolescent and youth development, civic engagement, and gender-based violence. Experience in collaboration with government entities, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector is essential. A strong understanding of reproductive rights and gender equality dimensions in policy and program formulation, implementation, and monitoring is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in oral and written Kiswahili and/or another official UN language is desired. Proficiency in these languages is important for effective communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and encourages women and individuals from underrepresented groups, including the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities, to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.