National Post: Gender and GBV Consultant for the Spotlight Initiative

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading UN agency that focuses 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. In Zambia, UNFPA collaborates with the government and various partners to implement programs aimed at promoting gender equality and women's empowerment, particularly through initiatives like the Spotlight Initiative, which seeks to eliminate gender-based violence and harmful practices.

Job Overview:
The Gender and GBV Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, a UN Joint Programme aimed at promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in Zambia. This position involves coordinating activities with government entities, UN agencies, and civil society organizations to maximize the impact of the program. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring the timely compilation of reports and minutes from various meetings, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness and sustainability of the program. The role requires a proactive approach to liaising with stakeholders and advocating for the program's objectives, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable women and girls are prioritized in all initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key duties, including:

• Supporting liaison and coordination activities with the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), other UN agencies, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to enhance the program's impact.
• Collaborating with the GBV Analyst to provide supervision and technical support to implementing partners and sub-grantees.
• Contributing to the visibility of the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 in inter-agency forums and high-level engagements in Zambia, advocating for the program's objectives.
• Ensuring that monthly Gender Theme Group (GTG) and Cooperating Partners Group (CPG) meetings are held as scheduled, with timely compilation and circulation of minutes.
• Participating in protection sector meetings convened by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) and UNHCR, compiling notes for the record, and providing input into protection sector appeals and resource mobilization initiatives.
• Preparing monthly reports detailing all deliverables and ensuring that capacity-building interventions for service providers are documented and reported effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in Gender, Development Studies, Public Health, Sociology, or any other relevant social science. Additionally, at least three years of professional experience in program/project planning, design, and management in either the public or private sector is required. Experience in the field of gender and gender-based violence, particularly working with government ministries and departments at both national and sub-national levels, is essential. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders are also necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as Gender Studies, Development Studies, Public Health, Sociology, or other social sciences. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender issues and the socio-economic factors that contribute to gender-based violence and inequality.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in program/project planning, design, and management. This experience should ideally be within the context of international development assistance, with a focus on gender and gender-based violence. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of working effectively with government entities and civil society organizations, showcasing their ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and contribute to impactful program outcomes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of major local languages in Zambia is considered an added advantage, as it can enhance communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 11 months, and the work will be conducted in person at the UNFPA Zambia Country Office in Lusaka. All reports, minutes of meetings, and presentations will be submitted in soft copy unless otherwise advised. Monthly reports detailing all tasks accomplished during the month will be required. 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 minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.