Gender Specialist

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

UNDP Thailand works to improve the lives of the people in Thailand through an integrated approach to achieve the SDGs. In Thailand, UNDP works with the Royal Thai Government, civil society, national partners and the private sector to promote an inclusive and integrated approach to achieving the SDGs. Addressing gender equality and social inclusion is a central part of UNDP’s work, and is cross-cutting through all work by the Country Office (CO). UNDP is co-chair of the Inter-Agency Gender Theme Group, thus leading with UN Women a ‘one UN’ approach to promote gender equality in Thailand under the direction of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). Furthermore, UNDP is in 2021-2023 participating in UNDP’s Gender Equality Seal Programme, with the objective to enhance the CO’s capacity to promote gender equality both internally and externally. To strategically and systematically promote gender equality internally and externally, the CO has in 2021 developed a Gender Equality Strategy and Action Plan, which will be implemented during 2022-2026.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Resident Representative or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Gender Specialist will:

• Facilitate the effective implementation of UNDP gender equality strategy, guidelines, and tools in on-going programme and support in development of strategies, evidence-based argument in the area of gender and inclusion to strengthen UNDP’s work. • With support from the CO’s Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) team, lead the CO’s work participating in the Gender Equality Seal Programme. • Analyze programmatic and substantive reports and documents to ensure gender equality and social inclusion is addressed, focusing on gender and inclusion perspective and recommend the required follow-up actions. • Work on different options to different counterparts for facilitation of knowledge products on gender and inclusion. • Provide support to the implementation of the CPD (2022-2026), with attention given to addressing issues to gender equality and social inclusion. • Raise awareness and assist colleagues in engendering the programmatic interventions of UNDP Thailand and all the work related to promoting the SDGs and assisting Thailand achieve the Global Goals, with a special focus on the gender dimensions of all the Goals. • Work on the effective implementation of gender equality, human rights and social inclusion. • Support in documentation of knowledge products, resources, roster on gender and inclusion. • Support the preparation/finalization of reports/research related to gender and inclusion. • Provide technical inputs to conduct research/studies and draft/review concept papers etc. from a gender and social inclusion perspective. • Work closely with UN colleagues and, in particular UN Women, to ensure a strong UNDP contribution to the implementation of the UNSDCF, as well as other joint UN interventions and initiatives. • Engage actively in the Inter-Agency Gender Theme Group. • Carry out other duties as 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

• As an active UNDP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • Provide strategic, technical and programmatic leadership in the areas of gender equality and social inclusion in Thailand and its linkage with government plans, policies and global development agencies. • The development of the CO’s capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counter-parts, including Implementing Partners (IPs); • 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: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

gender studies, political science, international development, social sciences, or other relevant areas. • Professional work experience at the national and/or international level related to gender equality, social inclusion, or human rights, preferably in relation to international development.
• Experience working in the UN or other international development organization is preferred. • 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.

Bangkok allowed basic living needs, including accommodation, banking facilities, medical facilities and telecommunications/internet services are readily available. All staple foods can be found in the markets, eg: rice, meat, vegetables, fruit, cooking oil, salt, etc. Many imported goods are available in Bangkok and other places throughout Thailand. Bangkok has many good restaurants with good health standards and most guesthouses provide food. In Thailand the most used means of transportation are taxi or local bus (and, in Bangkok, the elevated train service). Mobile phone is the most dependable tool to be in-touch with colleagues and friends. Internet service is readily available and affordable at most apartment complexes. ATMs are everywhere in Thailand and Western cards can usually be used to withdraw Thai Baht.