National Consultant - Humanitarian Specialist

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, focusing on eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between genders. The organization operates in over 14 countries across the Pacific region, including Fiji, and collaborates with more than 20 other UN agencies. UN Women aims to address critical issues such as women's governance, economic empowerment, and the impact of climate change on women and girls, particularly in humanitarian contexts.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant - Humanitarian Specialist will play a crucial role in managing and developing humanitarian programs within the UN Women Pacific Multi-Country Office. This position involves providing capacity building to Country Offices, establishing partnerships, and developing knowledge products related to gender, protection, and humanitarian response. The consultant will report directly to the Deputy Representative and will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of humanitarian action work plans, monitoring and reporting on humanitarian activities, and ensuring that gender-responsive strategies are integrated into disaster preparedness and response efforts. The role also emphasizes the importance of advocacy and communication in promoting gender equality during humanitarian crises, as well as knowledge sharing and capacity building among staff and partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the humanitarian action program by leading the development of project proposals, coordinating the implementation of work plan activities, and ensuring proper monitoring and reporting in collaboration with program teams.
• Provide capacity building support to Country Office teams and partners by offering technical and policy guidance, implementing capacity building initiatives, and ensuring the effective implementation of gender-responsive humanitarian actions.
• Strengthen strategic partnerships with stakeholders and development partners by maintaining alliances, liaising with donors, and contributing to updates on regional and country development situations.
• Contribute to the resource mobilization strategy by participating in its implementation and providing technical support to field-based presences in mobilizing resources.
• Manage advocacy efforts through inter-agency coordination by advising national bodies, participating in humanitarian cluster meetings, and advocating for local organizations' engagement in humanitarian coordination.
• Develop and implement communication and advocacy messages during emergencies, and create informational materials related to gender and protection concerns.
• Identify and disseminate lessons learned and best practices in humanitarian action, ensuring knowledge sharing within the Fiji MCO and Country Offices.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: A Master’s degree or equivalent in Human Rights, Gender, International Relations, International Development, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, or other Social Science fields is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A project/programme management certification (such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP®) is an added advantage.
• Experience: At least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience in designing and managing humanitarian programs, particularly focusing on gender and protection in emergencies. Technical experience in inter-agency coordination, preferably in protection cluster coordination, is essential. Experience in policy analysis, strategic planning, and building partnerships with governments, donors, and civil society organizations is also required. Familiarity with the UN system and experience in the Pacific region are assets.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of current policies and practices in gender equality, protection, and humanitarian action, along with excellent networking skills and the ability to perform qualitative and quantitative policy research. Strong analytical skills and the ability to write policy papers and briefings are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Human Rights, Gender, International Relations, International Development, International Law, or other Social Science disciplines. 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 at least 5 years of relevant experience if they hold a Master’s degree, or a minimum of 7 years if they possess a Bachelor’s degree. This experience should include designing and managing humanitarian programs with a focus on gender and protection in emergencies, as well as technical experience in inter-agency coordination and policy analysis.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English is mandatory. Knowledge of Pacific languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication and engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
The assignment duration is up to 60 working days over a 3-month period, with an anticipated start date from September 25, 2026, or as soon as possible. The position is based in Suva, Fiji, with potential travel to other countries under the MCO portfolio as required. All travel must be pre-approved by UN Women, and the consultant's performance will be evaluated based on various criteria including timeliness and quality of deliverables. Payments will be made monthly upon approval of deliverables and timesheets.