GRÓ GEST- UNESCO Gender Equality Specialist
Support gender equality initiatives through research, planning, and advocacy.
Overview
Support gender equality initiatives through research, planning, and advocacy.
You have:
- Experience in conducting evidence-based analytical research for addressing toxic masculinities.
- Ability to understand experiences of all genders from an intersectional lens in South Asia.
- Knowledge and experience in communication for development and results-based communication.
- Experience in the development and implementation of gender transformative programmes or projects.
- Solid overall computer literacy including proficiency in Microsoft Office, email, and internet.
- Up to date knowledge on gender inequality and human rights related to gender equality mechanisms.
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.
In today’s increasingly diverse societies, UNESCO continues to accomplish every day its fundamental humanist mission to support people in facing contemporary challenges, understanding each other, and working together to build lasting peace. In particular, UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences unit helps to enable people to create and use knowledge for just, inclusive, resilient and democratic societies.
The Social and Human Sciences sector focuses on mobilizing research and policymaking to support human rights, social transformations, social inclusion and intercultural dialogue amongst people of all genders, with an overall priority on gender mainstreaming and gender equality.
UNESCO’s Transforming MENtalities report (2021) demonstrates just how complex and interconnected the issues around masculinities are and how social structures, cultural norms, and interpersonal power dynamics perpetuate gender inequalities and unhealthy masculine (and feminine) identities. Through the Transforming MENtalities programme, UNESCO seek to address gender-based violence and discrimination by engaging men and boys using research, capacity building tools, and networking.
Led by UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, the Transforming MEN’talities initiative aims to change mindsets and policies by uplifting promising narratives and practices of positive masculinities and shedding light on how to successfully engage men and boys for gender equality.
Launched in Costa Rica in 2015, it does so by providing policymakers and practitioners with recommendations for gender-transformative action. This includes developing and providing knowledge, promising practices, network support, and action-oriented practical tools to key stakeholders, especially policymakers, to change policies alongside mindsets.
The incumbent shall support the programme implementation of the Entity according to the overall Programme Strategy and programmatic documents (Medium Term Strategy- 41 C/4 & 41 C/5), including initiatives and activities with a view to further enhancing the Entity’s transversal mandate on the inclusion of gender equality considerations in social inclusion and transformation policies, by among other things, developing the capacities of men and boys to become strong gender equality advocates. While implementing UNESCO's mandate in six countries in South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka) the incumbent will more specifically:
• Implement and monitor the gender equality workstream, particularly on developing evidence-based strategies to identify and then transform the expressions of masculinity and other social norms that impede gender equality and women’s empowerment. • Provide technical support for the development of knowledge products, and in the organizations of policy dialogues and knowledge forums as part of the Transforming MENtalitites initative. • Develop project proposals and identify of funding opportunities, particularly relating to gender equality, that are in line with the UNESCO's overall global priories as outlined in its Medium-Term Strategy, and Global Strategy for Gender Equality, as well as responding to issues in the countries under the responsibility of the UNESCO Office in New Delhi. • Develop the overall communications about the gender equality portfolio of the Sector, including but not limited to the production of communication materials for fundraising and advocacy, as needed. • Liaise with local and regional partners, including government agencies, NGOs, research institutions and others, as required; • Identify, study and produce policy documents and research papers on topics relating to gender equality that are of relevance to the sector's current Programmes as well as its future work. • Carry out any other tasks that may be assigned by the Programme Specialist for Social and Human Sciences and the Director of UNESCO Office in New Delhi.
• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management
desk research, gender policy analysis, and excellent writing skills in English. In addition, up to date knowledge on gender inequality, human rights related to gender equality mechanisms and practices to promote gender equality, and experience on mainstreaming a rights-based approach is needed.
• Experience in conducting evidence-based analytical research for crafting more contextual and effective ways of addressing toxic masculinities and other barriers to gender equality and women’s empowerment is an asset.
• Ability to understand the experiences of all genders from an intersectional lens, keeping in mind the varied contexts of diverse populations in South Asia.
• Knowledge and experience in communication for development, results-based communication, and knowledge on tools and practices for the development of communication materials.
• Experience in the development and implementation of gender transformative programmes or projects.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
New Delhi, as a duty station, presents a dynamic and diverse environment. The living conditions in this vibrant metropolis offer a mix of cultural richness, historical significance, and modern amenities. The city provides various housing options, catering to different preferences and needs. New Delhi's cosmopolitan atmosphere allows for easy integration into its multicultural society. While the city boasts a range of international schools, medical facilities, and recreational opportunities, it is essential to be mindful of factors such as air quality and traffic congestion. Flexibility is crucial, along with the ability and willingness to navigate challenging conditions, potentially involving physical hardships and limited comfort. Additionally, due diligence is essential, especially when it comes to being cautious with street food and water.
You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator.
The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.”
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you implemented a policy that affected gender equality? | This assesses your direct experience with gender-related policy implementation. | Provide a specific example highlighting your role and the outcomes. |
| How do you approach working with diverse communities on gender issues? | This question looks for your understanding of intersectionality in gender work. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies would you use to monitor progress in gender equality initiatives? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience developing communication materials for advocacy. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you navigate challenges when working in a metropolitan environment like New Delhi? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |