Programme Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment globally. The organization merges the resources and mandates of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates in multiple countries, including Afghanistan, where it has been active for two decades, addressing the unique vulnerabilities faced by Afghan women and girls amidst ongoing crises. The organization is committed to supporting Afghan women and girls, ensuring their voices are central to the development of their country, and protecting their rights in the face of gender inequality interwoven with conflict dynamics and humanitarian needs.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist at UN Women is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing research and analysis initiatives within the Women, Peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (WPS) portfolio. This role involves collaborating closely with various stakeholders, including government officials, donors, and civil society, to ensure effective program implementation. The Programme Specialist will oversee the financial management of projects, supervise a team, and contribute to inter-agency coordination on gender equality. The position requires a strong focus on advancing women's rights and gender equality through research, advocacy, and knowledge dissemination, ensuring that Afghan women's needs and perspectives are prioritized in all initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and develop research and analysis initiatives related to WPS and women's rights/gender equality, including formulating project proposals and managing knowledge products.
• Manage the program and financial aspects of the WPS programme, ensuring effective implementation and synergy with other teams.
• Oversee monitoring and reporting of research-related projects, utilizing results-based management tools.
• Manage the people and financial resources of the WPS programme, including supervising staff and conducting performance assessments.
• Contribute to inter-agency coordination efforts, providing technical support and ensuring alignment with other partners.
• Lead advocacy and communication efforts, developing strategies and representing UN Women in relevant meetings and dialogues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, international development, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A project/programme management certification is considered an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate strong program formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation skills, along with knowledge of Results Based Management and WPS.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, international development, research, statistics, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A project/programme management certification would be beneficial.

Experience:
At least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience at the national or international level in the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects related to gender inequality is required. Candidates should have technical experience in crisis contexts related to gender equality and women's rights, experience using statistical software and qualitative analysis tools, and experience in leading or managing a team. Experience working within the UN System is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. A working knowledge of another official UN language is desirable, and knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves managing a team of four, including direct reports and affiliate personnel. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that recruitment and employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment.