Programme Specialist - Gender and Social Norms

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, focusing on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues. The organization aims to ensure that every individual has access to sexual and reproductive health services and rights, and it works towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• UNFPA's mission is to promote the rights of women and girls, and it emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women in all its programs. The organization is committed to addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to health services and reproductive rights, and it seeks to recover lost gains while realizing its goals through strategic partnerships and advocacy efforts.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist will serve as the technical adviser on UNFPA’s normative mandate, focusing on project formulation, evaluation, and joint programming initiatives. This role involves leading the programme team in Moldova and the gender team in Ukraine, ensuring effective collaboration between the two Country Offices. The incumbent will report to the UNFPA Representative in Moldova while also having a matrix reporting line to the Resident Representative in Ukraine. The position requires a dynamic individual who can manage cross-border operations effectively, ensuring adherence to UNFPA policies and transparent reporting. The Programme Specialist will oversee the management of UNFPA activities related to gender and social norms, with a strong emphasis on achieving the organization's transformative results, including ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. The role demands a proactive approach to addressing emerging issues and influencing diverse stakeholders to contribute to UNFPA’s mandate.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing the normative content of country programmes in collaboration with government counterparts, NGOs, and other partners. Key responsibilities include advocating for legislative amendments related to gender-based violence (GBV), ensuring the application of appropriate policies, and establishing monitoring mechanisms. The incumbent will analyze the political, social, and economic environment relevant to UNFPA activities, recommending opportunities for assistance and intervention. They will promote positive masculinities through various initiatives and assess the implications of new policy developments on programme execution. The role also involves establishing partnerships with executing agencies and other UN agencies to facilitate timely project delivery. The Programme Specialist will ensure effective knowledge management strategies are implemented, contributing to advocacy and resource mobilization efforts by preparing relevant documentation and participating in public events.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in human rights, communication, population, demography, or a related social science discipline. They should have five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in development, gender, and human rights activities, with at least three years of international experience. Proven experience in programme/project management, including coordinating large multi-sector projects and liaising with relevant partners, is essential. The candidate should have documented results in policy advice and experience in managing a multi-disciplinary team. Field experience is required, and prior experience in the UN system is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in human rights, communication, population, demography, or other related social science disciplines is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender and social norms and for effectively contributing to UNFPA's mission and objectives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in the fields of development, gender, and human rights activities. Out of these, at least three years must be international experience. Candidates should have experience in programme/project management, including coordinating large multi-sector projects and engaging with relevant partners. Proven experience in managing a multi-disciplinary team and field experience is essential, while prior experience in the UN system is advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable, as it enhances communication and collaboration within the UN system and with diverse stakeholders.

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. The selection and appointment process may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.