Policy Advisor, Women’s Political Participation (WPP)

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Position Title: Policy Advisor, Women’s Political Participation (WPP)
Location: Dakar
Country: Senegal
Deadline Date:

Job Details

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. The organization merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender issues, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. UN Women operates globally, with a particular focus on regions such as West and Central Africa, where it coordinates efforts across 10 country offices and provides support to additional countries in the region. The organization is dedicated to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving gender equality in various sectors including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and competence, and adheres to a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct.

Job Overview:
The Policy Advisor for Women’s Political Participation (WPP) will play a crucial role in overseeing the development and implementation of WPP programs in the West and Central Africa region. This position involves providing capacity building to Country Offices, establishing partnerships, and developing knowledge products related to women's political participation. The advisor will report to the Deputy Regional Director and work closely with the Women Political Participation Global Advisor at Headquarters. The role emphasizes the importance of women's equal participation in politics as a means to strengthen democratic processes and promote inclusive societies. The advisor will be responsible for managing the development of a regional WPP strategy, ensuring that it aligns with UN Women’s Strategic Plan and addresses the specific needs of the region. This includes supporting legal and policy reforms, enhancing the capacities of women to engage in political life, and promoting gender-responsive governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the development of a WPP strategy for the region, managing the delivery of technical assistance, policy advocacy, and program support.
• Lead capacity building initiatives for Country Office teams and partners, providing substantive support to implement corporate guidance on WPP.
• Support the coordination mandate of WCARO on Women’s Political Participation, providing support to UN entities in mainstreaming gender into joint programs.
• Manage the resource mobilization strategy for WPP, researching donor opportunities and providing technical support for resource mobilization efforts.
• Lead the design of WPP initiatives and the development of knowledge products, providing policy recommendations and thematic support for high-level advocacy efforts.
• Manage knowledge building and sharing for WPP, ensuring lessons learned and good practices are disseminated.
• Lead and manage personnel under supervision, providing guidance and performance feedback.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree or equivalent in political science, gender studies, law, human rights, international relations, or other 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. Candidates must have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in designing and managing programs focused on women's political empowerment, with experience in developing countries being ideal. Experience in program and policy analysis, strategic planning, and building partnerships with governments, donors, and civil society organizations is essential. Familiarity with the UN system and experience in the West and Central Africa region are considered assets.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as political science, gender studies, law, human rights, or international relations. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. The educational background should provide a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of women's political participation and the socio-political landscape of the region.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of women's political empowerment, particularly in designing and managing relevant programs. Candidates should have experience in policy analysis, strategic planning, and building partnerships with various stakeholders, including governments and civil society organizations. Experience working with the UN system is advantageous, as is familiarity with the West and Central Africa region, which will enhance the advisor's ability to navigate the local context effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with knowledge of French. Proficiency in another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is desirable, as it would enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves significant travel within the West and Central Africa region. The incumbent will manage a team of three personnel, providing leadership and guidance to ensure effective performance. UN Women emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and candidates are expected to adhere to the organization's policies and standards of conduct. The role may involve engaging with various inter-agency task forces and supporting high-level advocacy efforts related to women's political participation.