Programme Specialist - Women's Leadership and Civic Engagement

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 globally. The organization is dedicated to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women operates in multiple countries, including Afghanistan, where it has been active for two decades, focusing on the unique vulnerabilities faced by Afghan women and girls amidst ongoing humanitarian crises. The organization employs a diverse team and collaborates with various stakeholders to implement its programs effectively.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist for Women's Leadership and Civic Engagement is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing UN Women interventions under the Policy & Research portfolio. This role involves leading partnerships with civil society organizations, designing monitoring and evaluation systems, and building the capacity of partners to ensure effective program implementation. The Programme Specialist will work closely with various teams, including operations, government officials, and donors, to ensure the successful execution of UN Women programs. The position requires a strategic approach to developing program strategies, managing budgets, and overseeing technical assistance initiatives, all aimed at promoting women's leadership and civic engagement in Afghanistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and develop program strategies focused on Women's Leadership and Civic Engagement.
• Formulate project proposals and draft inputs for country strategy documents.
• Manage the implementation of the Women's Leadership and Civic Engagement portfolio, including finalizing work plans and budgets.
• Provide guidance on Results Based Management tools and performance indicators.
• Organize project review meetings and oversee the submission of financial and narrative reports from implementing partners.
• Manage technical assistance and capacity development for project partners, identifying their needs and coordinating training initiatives.
• Monitor program implementation and finances, writing quarterly and donor reports.
• Manage the program budget and supervise Programme Analysts and Technical Specialists.
• Develop resource mobilization strategies and analyze donor opportunities. 1
• Coordinate inter-agency efforts related to Women's Leadership and Civic Engagement. 1
• Represent UN Women in meetings and develop advocacy strategies to promote women's rights and leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, international development, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A project/programme management certification is an added advantage. Candidates should have strong program formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation skills, as well as knowledge of Results Based Management and women's human rights issues.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, or international development is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. A project/programme management certification would enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
At least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience at the national or international level in the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects is required. Experience within the UN System and with Women Human Rights Defenders is essential, along with technical expertise in Women, Peace and Security. Experience in partnership-related work in Afghanistan and gender-responsive approaches to Climate, Peace, and Security is desirable. Leadership experience in managing teams is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is desirable, enhancing communication and collaboration in diverse environments.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The role involves full-time commitment and may require international collaboration. UN Women emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices, ensuring equal opportunities regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history, to uphold the organization's standards of conduct.