Gender and Human Rights Adviser

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

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and human rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with 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 the importance of gender equality and women's empowerment as fundamental human rights and essential for sustainable development. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 aims to end preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence, aligning with the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Gender and Human Rights Adviser position is pivotal within the UNFPA West Africa Regional Office (WCARO), providing integrated policy, technical, and programmatic advice on gender and human rights to countries in the region. The adviser will work closely with regional thematic advisers and technical staff to strengthen protection systems for advancing human rights, promoting sexual and reproductive rights, and enhancing gender equality and women's empowerment. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of regional trends and the ability to contribute to strategic actions that address gender and human rights within national development frameworks and programs. The adviser will also engage in interdisciplinary teamwork, ensuring that gender and human rights considerations are integrated into all aspects of UNFPA's work in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Gender and Human Rights Adviser will be responsible for providing strategic advice and oversight in gender equality and human rights, including managing flagship programs like the Spotlight Initiative and the global program on child marriage. The adviser will analyze trends affecting gender equality and human rights, support the integration of strategic actions to engage men and boys, and contribute to the development of policies and frameworks that address region-specific gender and human rights agendas. Additionally, the adviser will provide technical support and capacity development to country offices, ensuring the proper application of UNFPA policies and strategies. This includes organizing regional capacity development activities, supporting civil society networks, and monitoring the quality of technical support received at the country level. The adviser will also play a key role in evidence and knowledge management, coordinating regional knowledge platforms and disseminating best practices. Furthermore, the adviser will represent UNFPA in various policy dialogues and advocate for gender and human rights at international and regional levels.

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 (GBV) 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 evidence-informed policy advocacy, and demonstrated ability to lead capacity-building initiatives. Familiarity with UN systems and procedures, as well as field experience, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree or equivalent in gender studies, anthropology, feminist studies, public health, medicine, sociology, human rights, law, cultural studies, international development, or other related fields is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the adviser has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to address complex issues related to gender equality and human rights effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in GBV programming, gender mainstreaming, and rights-based programming, with a minimum of 7 years at the international level. This experience should include a strong track record of technical leadership, the ability to produce demonstrable results, and familiarity with social protection and civil society involvement in related security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and protection issues. Field experience is strongly desirable, as it provides practical insights into the challenges and opportunities in implementing gender and human rights initiatives.

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 crucial for the adviser to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and ensure comprehensive program implementation.

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, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. UNFPA is committed to ensuring gender parity and equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates.