National Gender Specialist

Organizational Setting

Land degradation in Azerbaijan is a challenging issue that affects the natural capital, food security, and well-being and health of the inhabitants of the country. The Project “Towards a Land Degradation-Neutral Azerbaijan (GCP/AZE/019/GFF)” targets to support the national efforts to develop and implement LDN national targets and demonstrate Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices in the Absheron Peninsula and surrounding areas, contributing to the rehabilitation of degraded lands and improved livelihood resilience. The Project is aiming to apply a landscape approach that addresses issues in a multifaceted manner, integrating sectors, involving stakeholders, and working at different scales – tackling the underlying causes of degradation and challenges related to land degradation and land degradation neutrality. The project will work to formulate comprehensive land-use planning to rationalize land use in a way that addresses interconnectedness and trade-offs across multiple land-use types, promote good governance to align policy directives at the national and sub-national level, and promote innovations in SLM.

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Azerbaijan, direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative, the technical backstopping of the Lead Technical Officer (FAO REU), and guidance from the National Programme Coordinator

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Azerbaijan, direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative, the technical backstopping of the Lead Technical Officer (FAO REU), and guidance from the National Programme Coordinator, and in close collaboration with the International Gender Expert, the incumbent will be responsible for providing the technical support required to ensure effective implementation of the project's gender action plan (GAP).

• Under the overall guidance of an international gender expert (IC) and in consultation with key stakeholders, support review/revision of the project’s GAP to ensure relevance/update as needed. • Support the IC in preparation of a detailed GAP implementation plan with clear timelines and indicators to operationalize the project's GAP. • Support the IC in collecting and analysing sex-disaggregated data (where relevant); undertake consultations with stakeholders to collect inputs and define concrete measures aiming at eliminating gender inequalities in the areas of implementation of the project. • Participation in field visits and workshops as required. • Provide other related inputs and deliverables as requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Post-graduate university degree in social or natural sciences (or other relevant disciplines), with a specialization in gender studies. • At least 5 years of practical working experience in gender mainstreaming, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development, preferably in an area pertinent to natural resource management, agriculture, and other connected fields. • Working knowledge of Azerbaijani and English is required. • National or Resident of Azerbaijan with work permit

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrate integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards. • Familiarity with gender analysis tools and methodologies in natural resources management and sustainable development. • Strong analytical, reporting, and writing abilities skills. • Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with a range of stakeholders – national government, local governments, and rural population. • Demonstrated experience carrying out participatory gender analysis, collecting and formulating gender-responsive indicators and sex-disaggregated data, and developing/implementing gender action plans. • Ability to analyse policy documents and make constructive policy suggestions, including knowledge of gender analysis. • Proven track record of drafting relevant materials (publication, reports, and related documentation). • Experience in conducting gender equality training or stakeholder meetings would be an asset. • Experience working with the UN agencies and/or GEF is desired. • Knowledge of the principles of gender-responsive communications. • Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations, and to meet tight deadlines.