Gender and Human Rights Adviser

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Gender and Human Rights Adviser
Location: Dakar
Country: Senegal
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as fundamental human rights and essential for sustainable development. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 aims to end preventable maternal deaths, meet the unmet need for family planning, and eliminate gender-based violence and harmful practices. The organization is committed to addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to health services and rights, and it seeks principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The Gender and Human Rights Adviser position is critical for providing integrated policy, technical, and programmatic support to the UNFPA West Africa Regional Office (WCARO). The adviser will work under the leadership of the Regional Director and the Deputy Regional Director, serving as the principal adviser on gender and human rights issues at the regional level. This role involves collaborating closely with regional thematic advisers and technical staff to strengthen protection systems for advancing human rights and promoting sexual and reproductive rights. The adviser will analyze regional trends, contribute to strategic actions, and ensure that gender and human rights are integrated into regional and national development frameworks. The position requires a strong commitment to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment, as well as the ability to work within an interdisciplinary team to provide comprehensive support to country offices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Gender and Human Rights Adviser include providing strategic advice and oversight on gender equality and human rights, ensuring effective implementation of UNFPA policies and programs. The adviser will lead capacity development initiatives, provide technical support to country offices, and engage in advocacy and partnership development. Specific tasks include analyzing trends related to gender equality, overseeing flagship programs, supporting the integration of gender and human rights in national development plans, and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance UNFPA's role in the region. The adviser will also be responsible for knowledge management, including documenting best practices and facilitating the sharing of technical skills across countries. Additionally, the adviser will represent UNFPA in policy dialogues and advocate for gender and human rights at various forums.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree or equivalent in fields such as gender studies, public health, sociology, human rights, or international development. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in gender-based violence programming, gender mainstreaming, and rights-based programming is required, with at least 7 years at the international level. Candidates should have a strong understanding of human rights-based approaches, experience in policy advocacy, and a proven track record of technical leadership. Familiarity with UN systems and procedures, as well as field experience, is highly desirable. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to network within the academic and development community and have experience in capacity building initiatives.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as gender studies, anthropology, feminist studies, public health, sociology, human rights, law, cultural studies, or international development. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of gender equality and human rights issues and for effectively contributing to UNFPA's mission.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in gender-based violence programming, gender mainstreaming, and rights-based programming. This experience should include a minimum of 7 years at the international level, demonstrating a strong understanding of human rights-based approaches and extensive experience in gender mainstreaming and programming for women's development. The ability to lead capacity-building initiatives and engage in evidence-informed policy advocacy is also crucial for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for effective communication, while proficiency in French is desirable to facilitate interactions with French-speaking country coordination groups and local organizations in the West and Central Africa region. This bilingual capability is essential for the adviser to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and ensure comprehensive support across different contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including women, LGBTQIA+ community members, and persons with disabilities. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and equal opportunities in recruitment and selection processes. Additionally, candidates should be aware that selection and appointment may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements.