Gender Coordination Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

In Cameroon, UN Women is implementing its New Strategic Note for the period 2022-2026, which focuses on four impact areas (Governance and Participation in Public Life; Economic Empowerment and Resilience; Ending Violence Against Women and Girls; Peace and Security, Humanitarian Action and Disaster Risk Reduction). This Strategic Note is operationalized through Biennial work plans

Under the supervision of the UN Women Resident Representative or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Gender Coordination Assistant will:

1. Support to UN Women on its UN coordination mandate on GEWE: • Assist in the strategic coordination of Cameroon's priorities and commitments for gender equality and women's empowerment (GEWE); • Support identification of UN joint programming opportunities for UN Women and partner agencies to deliver on the UNSDCF's GEWE commitments, including support to the development of joint programmes on GEWE; • Provide substantive technical inputs if needed on behalf of the office where UN Women’s feedback is required – particularly inter-agency frameworks and other documents; • Support production of policy notes, briefs and other documents as required to support UN Women’s coordination efforts; • Support Gender analysis initiatives related to the joint UN programming on GEWE • Support the coordination of the GEWE in UNSDCF Outcome Results Groups and ensure gender equality and women’s rights are mainstreamed in processes and documents; • Support documentation and advocacy on best practices and lessons learnt for UN System-wide coordination; • Contribute to exchanges and knowledge sharing with UN Women regional and HQ offices related to UN Women's coordination mandate; • Contribute to joint UN and donor advocacy efforts for GEWE.

2. Support to UN Women on GEWE related inter-governmental processes: Support the coordination of relevant government, UN and civil society stakeholders in preparation for GEWE related inter-governmental processes; • Support provision of technical inputs to or draft reports and documents related to inter-governmental processes that require UN Women’s feedback; • Review, analyze and draft summaries of reports and policy documents, and of intergovernmental outcomes, from a gender equality perspective; and draft documents (i.e. concept notes, briefing notes and presentations); • Contribute to the knowledge management and information flow on UN Coordination on GEWE and inter-governmental processes within the UN Women office; • Support initiating briefings and training for relevant government and other stakeholders on relevant processes and mechanisms, as well as key messages, lessons learnt and good practice.

3. Support the Coordination of the UN Gender Thematic Group : • Support coordination and provide secretarial functions for the UN Gender Theme Group, • Support the development and roll-out of a strategy and Annual Work Plans for the UN GTG, in line with the UNSDCF; • Support the organization of series of training on Gender mainstreaming; • Provide substantive technical inputs to reports, documents, briefing notes, policy briefs on specific thematic issues; • Coordinate, consolidate and finalize inputs from GTG members for country and HQ level reports as needed; • Support to strengthening strategic partnerships and coordination for GEWE within the UN System and with external partners, including government and development partners; • Support knowledge management and information flow among GTG members, including creating a repository.

Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs:

• Strengthened coordination and engagement with UN agencies to promote GEWE; • Improved functioning of the UN GTG -- measurably documented through implementation and monitoring of AWP and other Action Plans. • Reflection of gender perspectives in UN joint programming and sectoral areas linked to the UNSDCF; • Strengthened capacities of relevant government, UN and other stakeholders in relation to gender mainstreaming and/or inter-governmental processes. • Strengthened capacity of the UN Women office in relation to its normative and coordination mandate. • As an UN Women team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UN Women and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• Professionalism • Integrity • respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication: • Flexibility:

in gender equality at the national and/or international level, women’s empowerment and human rights with a background on strategic management and coordinating GEWE (Gender Equality and Women Empowerment) within the UN, with government, civil society and other stakeholders or other relevant programmes;

• Working experience in the UN or other international development organization; Experience in capacity building and training UN, government or stakeholders on gender-mainstreaming; • Familiarity and experience in the areas of GEWE related inter-governmental processes; • Experience in providing substantive technical inputs on GEWE; • Familiarity with results-based management and rights-based programming is an asset; • Familiarity with UN system and UN Women’s GEWE coordination mandate is an asset • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Cameroon country has a relatively good infrastructure, running water, electricity, sanitation and housing. Given the humanitarian and security context, it is imperative that all UN Volunteers familiarize themselves with the security guidelines and the situation upon arrival in the country. Yaoundé is the political capital of Cameroon and the second most populated city in the country after Douala. It is the headquarters of several international organizations, embassies and UN agencies. The climate in Yaoundé is tropical, humid and dry with constant temperatures throughout the year ranging from 22 to 29°C. Yaoundé also has a long-wet season covering a period of ten months between February and November. However, there is a significant decrease in rainfall during the wet season, during the months of July and August. The official languages of Cameroon are English and French. For entry into Cameroon, Visa+ passport and international yellow fever vaccination card are required. Other vaccines are strongly recommended

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.