Project Management Specialist - Women’s Economic Empowerment (Agriculture and Food Production)

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women (UNW) is an entity of the United Nations dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Established in 2010, UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve 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. The organization plays a pivotal role in advocating for women's rights and ensuring that gender equality commitments are translated into action. UN Women has been active in the State of Palestine since 1997, focusing on mainstreaming gender in governance, peace and security, supporting women's economic security and rights, and promoting women's rights and protection against violence. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including civil society, to implement its strategic goals effectively.

Job Overview:
The Project Management Specialist will be responsible for leading project management and implementation of Horizon-funded interventions in Gaza, specifically focusing on women's economic empowerment, agriculture, and food production. This role requires a strong technical background in these areas, as well as the ability to coordinate with various stakeholders, including implementing partners, technical service providers, cooperatives, and women-led organizations. The incumbent will ensure that project activities are aligned with approved work plans, budgets, and timelines, while also monitoring and reporting on progress. The position demands a proactive approach to identifying operational issues and implementing corrective measures, as well as promoting climate-responsive and inclusive practices throughout the project lifecycle. The specialist will also engage in data gathering and assessments to enhance women's participation in agriculture and food production, thereby contributing to the overall goal of gender equality and women's empowerment in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Management Specialist will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: leading project planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring, and reporting; ensuring delivery against approved work plans, budgets, indicators, and timelines; coordinating with implementing partners, technical service providers, producer groups, cooperatives, and relevant stakeholders; tracking deliverables, risks, and corrective measures; preparing and maintaining work plans, results frameworks, implementation schedules, budgets, risk logs, and progress reports; conducting field monitoring and quality assurance; validating implementation progress and identifying operational or programmatic issues; ensuring timely and evidence-based reporting and documentation of results; providing technical guidance on women's economic empowerment through agriculture and food production; supporting data gathering and assessments on women's participation in agriculture; building partnerships with women farmers and producers; promoting climate-responsive and inclusive approaches; and performing other related duties as required by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of operations relevant to UN Women, with technical capabilities or knowledge that is transferrable to UN Women procedures and rules. The ideal candidate should demonstrate discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact in dealing with clients, as well as the ability to apply good judgment and liaise with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions. A high degree of autonomy, personal initiative, and resourcefulness is essential, along with the ability to manage information objectively and confidentially. The candidate should also be responsive and client-oriented, demonstrating integrity and ethical standards in daily activities, and a commitment to gender equality and diversity.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a degree in social sciences, development studies, gender studies, or a related field. Advanced degrees are preferred and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding gender issues, economic empowerment, and project management principles.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in project management, particularly in the areas of women's economic empowerment, agriculture, and food production. Experience working with international organizations, particularly within the UN system, is highly desirable. The candidate should also have a proven track record of managing complex projects, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and delivering results in challenging environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both spoken and written. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of project implementation. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, depending on the context of the work.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The contract is for 6 months, with the possibility of extensions based on funding availability, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of 9,417 ILS is provided monthly, which includes a danger and hardship differential payment to cover housing, utilities, and living expenses. The position also includes life, health, and permanent disability insurance, as well as health insurance for up to three dependents and an exit allowance for satisfactory service.