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.

10. Organizational context and brief project description:

The link between security, humanitarian and development issues around the Lake Chad Basin, a consequence of an intractable extremist insurgency, has left tens of thousands dead, around 2.5 million displaced and over 10 million people affected and in need. Although robust national and multinational military operations have made it possible in Nigeria to recapture certain territories previously controlled by two factions of Boko Haram (JAS and ISWAP), or to improve security in territories prone to Boko Haram incursions, in Niger, Chad and Cameroon, a comprehensive approach is necessary to consolidate these achievements and create the conditions to move from a humanitarian assistance situation to the resumption of development processes in the provinces targeted by this facility. This facility is focused on the following results: • Immediate stabilization of specific areas, recently released from Boko Haram control or recently secured, as the case may be, but where communities remain vulnerable to infiltration and continued attacks by terrorist groups; and • The launch of stabilization activities in states, regions and provinces affected by Boko Haram activities, thanks to support for the implementation of the regional stabilization strategy of the Lake Chad Basin Commission. The Regional Stabilization Strategy, developed with the technical and financial support of UNDP, aims to establish a common approach and an inclusive framework for all stakeholders in order to support a timely, coordinated and effective transition of processes ranging from stabilization to recovery. , peacebuilding and medium and long-term development. The promotion of gender equality by UNDP covers a range of actions relating to management systems, internal capacities, working environment, knowledge management, programs / projects, partnerships, and results / impacts. But ensuring progress in these seven areas cannot be achieved without the availability of a dedicated staff member to support the project in deploying the necessary efforts and monitoring those efforts.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Stabilization Services Center and the overall supervision of the Styabilization Specialist , the Gender Specialist acts as an advisor to Project Management on all issues relating to gender equality and women's empowerment, in all areas of intervention of the UNDP. As such, she or he is responsible for improving the management system to take gender issues into account, through regular monitoring of the implementation of the Project's gender strategy in active coordination and effective with the Gender Committee in place, including: - Building internal capacities to take into account the gender issue, through the training (and identification of training needs) of all staff on various perspectives of this issue; - The transformation of the work environment, through the implementation of the organization's policies for the prevention of sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse, those on gender parity, etc. ; - The production and dissemination, in collaboration with the project team, of knowledge materials on gender equality and the empowerment of women; - The establishment of a system for the integration of gender in the project cycle, guided by the global strategies and frameworks in the matter;

12. Description of tasks

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Head of Stabilization projet or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Gender Specialist will (Summary of key functions / responsibilities):

1. Support to Project management
2. Program development and planning
3. Program management, monitoring and execution of results
4. Contribution to resource mobilization and partnerships
5. Advocacy and communication

6. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

7. Management and / or board support to the Project Management • Actively participate in the project management team, the program coordination team and other key country office teams ensure the strategic inclusion of gender in all activities of the country office, with a view to gender certification Seal; • Be the focal point with the gender team of the UNDP Regional Center for Africa to receive thematic guidance and be up to date on gender policies, strategies and orientations; • In collaboration with sector colleagues and under the direction of the Head of Stabilization Services Center , participate in the planning and monitoring of the use of the budget allocated to gender in sectoral and intersectoral interventions; • Provide technical commentary and review on gender components in speeches, project / program documents from a gender perspective.

8. Program development and planning (including crisis contexts) • Lead and / or support evidence-informed program planning on gender, incorporating robust measurement and evaluation of results - especially in the case of Country Program development and mid-review. journey ; • Provide technical leadership on gender mainstreaming in country programming phases, including strategic planning, especially in the context of CPD, ROAR, PQAs, PTAs and mid-term reviews; • In collaboration with sector colleagues, identify areas of interest for gender programs and women's political participation with the greatest potential for impact and scale, in accordance with country / regional priorities. • Collaborate with sector counterparts to integrate robust gender indicators and measures into initiatives, proposals and advocacy efforts in programs and policies, and help develop gender sensitive theories of change.
9. Program management, monitoring and execution of results (including crisis contexts) • Provide technical support in the identification of indicators, measurement and performance monitoring with regard to gender mainstreaming and targeted gender priorities, in collaboration with the program teams (the Gender Committee of the office, the Gender and Sensitization Officer of the VBG (gender-based violence) of the Support Project for the institutions of the penal chain and the gender champions of the office); • Lead intersectoral collaboration and coordination on key programmatic gender outcomes, ensure coherence, maximize synergies and efficiency in the use of resources and delivery of results; • Support the strengthening of data and collection systems, as well as accountability mechanisms to monitor and evaluate progress made on gender results; • Support high quality reporting on gender results and a semi-annual performance review of specified results in relation to the SDGs; • Work in close collaboration with colleagues in charge of monitoring and evaluation in order to effectively integrate the collection, monitoring and analysis of data as well as the production of reports on program results indicators and benchmarks, gender performance; • Support and strengthen the quality of research and evidence on gender-related programs, by providing the latest learning and knowledge in the field of gender and development, and by setting up a coherent and well-prioritized research program by agreement with the Learning Committee and Management; • Oversee the planning and implementation of gender reviews and ensure that gender review recommendations are integrated into the Project Program strategy and action plans; • Actively represent the Project and UNDP within competent coordination bodies at inter-agency level and the national part (thematic gender group or other networks, GBV sub-cluster with the Gender Officer of the Criminal Chain Project), participate as a member steering committees and ensure close oversight of joint inter-agency programs.
10. Provide substantive contributions able to create partnerships and support the resource mobilization strategy: • Provide substantive contributions to resource mobilization strategies; analyze and maintain information and databases; • Prepare relevant documents such as project summaries, conference proceedings, speeches, donor profiles; • Participate in donor meetings and public information events as a delegate.
11. Provide quality inputs to advocacy and communication objectives: • Develop information documents, briefs and presentations related to the activities of the Women, Peace and Security component; • Coordinate and organize advocacy campaigns, events, trainings, workshops and sharing and knowledge tools; • Coordinate the development of knowledge management methodologies and products on the activities of the Women, Peace and Security component.
12. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building • Initiate the documentation and sharing of country-level experience in gender programming and lessons learned, which will be shared with the internal network and external partners and used for South-South cooperation; • Represent the gender section at sectoral, national and regional network meetings, and ensure that best practices in gender programming, in accordance with UNDP principles, are highlighted in these forums; • Bring best practices in gender programming and measurement to the attention of senior management and sector colleagues, as well as the regional gender advisor and gender staff at the AC ; • Support and conduct innovative research on gender at the national level; • Support the regional gender advisor in advancing the technical and research capacity of staff, offices and national gender programs to continue building evidence for programming and ensuring continued capacity. on gender at country office level; • Support management and HR in the development of systems, tools and processes that enable staff members and external partners to improve their understanding and adoption of gender-sensitive behaviors and support the implementation of the GAP.

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;

b) Competencies and values: • 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.

Required Experience: 3 years

At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in Gender equality, or Women’s empowerment, or other relevant programmes; experience with the United Nations is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; Experience in capacity building and gender responsive budgeting approach, SDG-5, design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs focused on women's empowerment and gender promotion; Experience in working with state institutions for the promotion of gender and gender equality and the empowerment of women; Experience in advocacy for the promotion of gender, through dialogue and networking with relevant partners (Government, Civil Society, Technical and Financial Partners); Experience in program management, ability to lead high level working groups and analysis, advice, synthesis and writing. Experience working with the United Nations System on the promotion of gender equality would be 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; Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete) • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

15. Living Conditions N’Djamena is an expensive city. Finding good accommodations remains a challenge. However, there are several supermarkets where local and foreign goods are available and expatriates frequent a few restaurants offering Lebanese, Chinese, French and other foods. R&R every 8 weeks. Chad is a country with a high incidence of malaria. The use of mosquito nets is strongly recommended. Vaccination from yellow fever is compulsory. Other vaccinations such as meningitis and hepatitis B are also recommended. Basic medicines are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring your specialized medicines.

Chad is a unique country and is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Conditions of Service

Note on novel coronavirus – COVID-19. The rapidly changing nature of novel coronavirus COVID-19 has placed significant and increasing restrictions on the freedom of movement of people across the globe, within countries and across borders. Such restrictions make it very difficult for international UN Volunteers to begin their assignments at their assigned duty station and UNV cannot guarantee assignments will proceed as normal. Candidates for international UN Volunteer assignments during this period may be exceptionally granted alternative working arrangements to work from their place of recruitment until restrictions are lifted. This is at the discretion of the host entity. Candidates proceeding to interview are recommended to discuss the likelihood of travel and possible alternative arrangements with the host entity. If selected, candidates should carefully consider the circumstances before accepting UNV’s offer. In cases where the UN Host Entity partner has requested the UN Volunteer to perform their assignment remotely, the Post Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) and related entitlements to be paid may be adjusted to the temporary duty station from where the UN Volunteer has been requested to work if requested by the UN Host Entity. The initial contract is issued upon arrival for the period indicated above. The contract can be extended depending on continuation of mandate, availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectancy of renewal of the assignment.

A UN Volunteer receives a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), which is composed of a Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) and a Family Allowance (FA) for those with dependents (maximum three).

The Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is paid at the end of each month to cover housing, utilities, transportation, communications and other basic needs. The VLA can be calculated using by applying the Post-Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) to the VLA base rate US$ 1,651. The VLA base rate is a global rate across the world, while the PAM is duty station/country-specific and fluctuates on a monthly basis according to cost of living. This method ensures that international UN Volunteers have comparable purchasing power at all duty stations irrespective of varying costs of living. The PAM is established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) and is published at the beginning of every month on the ICSC website - http://icsc.un.org.

In non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC, international UN Volunteers receive a Well-Being Differential (WBD) on a monthly basis.