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. The organization works closely with governments, civil society, and other partners to promote gender equality and empower women and girls. UNFPA Zambia has developed the Ninth Country Programme for the period 2023-2027, which aims to enhance the integration of sexual and reproductive health and rights into policies and plans, strengthen capacities of systems and institutions, and improve data systems to inform development policies.

Job Overview:
The Gender and GBV Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 UN Joint Programme aimed at promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in Zambia. This position involves coordinating activities with government agencies, UN entities, 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 for Gender Theme Group (GTG) and Cooperating Partners Group (CPG) meetings. The role requires a commitment to enhancing gender inclusion and participation across various sectors, informed by empirical data and emerging trends. The consultant will contribute to the visibility of the Spotlight Initiative and advocate for its objectives in high-level engagements.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support liaison and coordination activities with the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), other UN Agencies, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to maximize the impact of the Spotlight Initiative 2.
• Provide supervision and technical support to implementing partners and sub-grantees in collaboration with the GBV Analyst.
• Contribute to the visibility of the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 in inter-agency forums and advocate for the program's objectives.
• Facilitate GTG and CPG meetings, ensuring they are held as scheduled and that minutes are compiled and circulated in a timely manner.
• Participate in protection sector meetings convened by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) and UNHCR, ensuring that notes for the record are compiled.
• Provide input into protection sector appeals and resource mobilization initiatives.
• Compile monthly reports of all deliverables and ensure timely and quality planning, implementation, and reporting on Spotlight 2.0 program activities.
• Conduct capacity-building interventions for service providers, including police, medical practitioners, social workers, and faith leaders, and compile capacity-building reports.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s Degree in Gender, Development Studies, Public Health, Sociology, or any other relevant social science.
• At least three (3) years of professional experience in program/project planning, design, and management in the public or private sector, including international development assistance.
• Previous experience in the field of gender and gender-based violence, particularly working with government ministries and departments at both national and sub-national levels.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in teams and manage relationships effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as Gender Studies, Development Studies, Public Health, Sociology, or other social sciences. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of gender issues and the socio-economic factors that influence gender-based violence and women's empowerment.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in program/project planning, design, and management. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in international development assistance, particularly in areas related to gender and gender-based violence. Experience working with government ministries and departments at both national and sub-national levels is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required 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 will be required for all tasks accomplished during the month. 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.