Programme Management Advisor (Retainer)
Provide strategic guidance and support for gender programs.
Overview
Provide strategic guidance and support for gender programs.
You have:
- Advanced University Degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) in development related disciplines, gender, human rights, political science, behavioral science, or other relevant social science fields is required.
- Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in development, focusing on gender equality programming in low and middle income settings including in conflict affected countries is required.
- Fluency in both written and spoken English is required.
- Working experience in Myanmar is desirable.
- Experience in humanitarian crises or conflict environments is required.
- Myanmar language skills will be considered an asset.
Contract
This is a IICA-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.
Background Information - Myanmar
UNOPS Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for three of the largest development programmes in the country, namely the Access to Health Fund, the Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT) and the Joint Peace Fund (JPF). In addition, UNOPS is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and for the Global Fund’s regional artemisinin-resistance initiative towards elimination of Malaria, which works to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination in the greater Mekong sub-region.
The Nexus Response Mechanism is a programme initiated by the EU aimed at contributing to Myanmar lasting peace and national reconciliation, security, stability and sustainable development without missing humanitarian needs. Its actions are focused on providing support to conflict-affected populations, displaced populations, host communities, and returnees by strengthening the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, linking relief with rehabilitation and development.
Background Information - Job-specific
Myanmar faces both long-standing complex humanitarian emergencies as well as newly emerging humanitarian needs as a result of its ongoing political crisis. In some areas, new political dynamics are exacerbating pre-existing tensions and conflict, leading to further displacements and increasing humanitarian needs. Women and girls continue to be the most vulnerable groups and in need of continuous support. The Nexus Response Mechanism (NRM) is responding to these needs through local and international implementing partners providing humanitarian, development and peace support. To ensure that its existing and new programmes are delivered and gender transformative the NRM is seeking a Gender and Learning Advisor for a limited assignment, focusing on the gender audit and improvement of NRM programming and a learning review of NRM’s projects, providing guidance and support for the design, development and implementation of the NRM’s programming.
Functional Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the NRM Senior Programme Manager and in accordance with the UNOPS policies, procedures and practices, the Gender and Learning Advisor will be carrying out the following duties:
Strategic Guidance and Technical Support
- Support the development and implementation of the NRM’s existing and new gender programming;
- Conduct a gender audit of existing NRM programming and develop a detailed action plan for improving gender and inclusion within the NRM Secretariat and among partners.
- Provide analysis and advise the NRM on approaches and policies to strengthen contributions to gender equality including inclusive engagement and meaningful participation of women, sexual and gender minorities in the development assistance provided by NRM;
- Support the NRM Secretariat through participation in proposal evaluation committees and by providing detailed reviews of proposal and reporting documents submitted by prospective and existing partners.
- Identify and advise on entry points for new and existing initiatives funded by NRM to strengthen national and local capabilities to advance gender equality and social inclusion.
- Document and report on the challenges and opportunities for gender (transformative) interventions in existing and new NRM projects;
- Provide inputs to CFPs, proposal submissions, research, and other programme and project documentation.
Learning Review
- Plan and implement a portfolio-wide learning review which examines the various modalities through which the NRM has implemented a nexus approach and draws lessons and guidance for the Secretariat and the Steering Committee, including through a final report and presentation. The learning review will include interviews and meetings with NRM partners and staff.
- Perform other functions within the above scope as requested by the Senior Programme Manager.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
- Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in development related disciplines, gender, human rights, political science, behavioral science, or other relevant social science fields is required.
- Additional two years of similar experience with a Bachelor’s Degree is considered equivalent
Experience
- Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in development, focusing on gender equality programming in low and middle income settings including in conflict affected countries is required.
- Experience in humanitarian crises or conflict environments is required.
- Proven work experience as a gender adviser, preferable at the senior level is required.
- Experience in developing, designing and implementing gender-inclusive development programming in conflict affected contexts is desirable.
- Professional expertise in delivering gender-inclusive analysis, training on gender equality, and providing advisory inputs in a timely, relevant and accessible manner is desirable;
- Demonstrable experience with cross-cultural settings and enabling the meaningful participation of women and men, sexual and gender minorities in all areas of work is highly preferred.
- Working experience in Myanmar is desirable.
Language
- Fluency in both written and spoken English is required.
- Myanmar language skills will be considered an asset.
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) Contract level: ICS11 Contract duration: 6 months (not exceeding 50 working days) Duty Station: Home based with possible travel to Myanmar, if necessary and possible
For more details about the IICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
- Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
- UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
- Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
- We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
- For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
- All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
- It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you implemented a gender-inclusive program in a challenging environment? | This question assesses your real-world experience in applying gender principles effectively. | Share a specific example detailing the steps taken and the outcomes achieved. |
| How do you ensure inclusive participation of marginalized groups in a program? | This question evaluates your understanding and strategies for inclusivity within programming. | Pro members can see the explanation. |