Programme Specialist, GBV & Girls Empowerment

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.

The UNV will support the implementation of the UNFPA Sierra Leone’s on-going work on advocacy, policy formulation and implementation, accountability, related to GBV and girls’ empowerment. S/he will support the effective implementation of the Essential services package for women and girls who suffer violence, at the national level and in targeted districts, including working with multi sectoral government institutions and civil society organizations, especially with young and women organizations. The UNV will also support the establishment of strategic partnerships and will contribute to the preparation of funding proposals in support of the UNFPA cooperation in Sierra Leone in the area of GBV and girls’ empowerment.

Under the direct supervision of Gender and Rights Technical Specialist, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: ● Providing leadership in mainstreaming gender and GBV in the reproductive health, adolescent sexual and reproductive health and population and development components of the country programme; ● Leading the formulation and implementation for gender and GBV components and preparation of subsequent work plans by national partners at various levels; ● Representing UNFPA in gender and GBV coordination platforms and technical working groups, and providing leadership in engaging national mechanisms to facilitate systematic integration of gender and GBV in government plans, programmes and policies; ● Providing advice and strategic support and guidance in the context of emergency preparedness, humanitarian assistance, recovery and transition, ensuring adequate attention to gender/GBV issues; ● Liaising with the main in-country GBV actors to enhance an inter-agency GBV capacity development programme in line with the global GBV Area of Responsibilities guidelines in order to reinforce national ownership for GBV; Support the development and implementation of GBV prevention and response interventions in line with UNFPA minimum Standards for prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence ● Provide UNFPA’s multi-sectoral GBV prevention, response and coordination efforts as well as supporting the implementation of UNFPA girls’ empowerment programming. ● Facilitate the provision of high quality technical, advocacy and coordination support in order to ensure compliance with international standards across the areas of UNFPA mandated areas of work. ● Support the implementation and coordination of GBV programming in close collaboration with UN Agencies, the Government, NGOs and civil society partners; and represent of UNFPA in GBV coordination mechanisms ● Using a transformative and evidence-based approach, support UNFPA’s efforts to address all forms of violence against women and girls, and harmful practices ● Participate in advocacy and resource mobilization efforts by ensuring the development of evidence-based results frameworks through the use of an appropriate theories of change; ● Assist UNFPA CO team in designing and implementing programmes and strategies aimed at addressing social norms that perpetuate GBV as well as building the agency of adolescent girls ● Performs any other duties as assigned by the UNFPA Representative.

Creativity Ethics and Values Integrity Knowledge Sharing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Self-Management Technological Awareness Working in Teams

development programming, with specific focus on gender equality, GBV and/or girls’ empowerment; ● Prior experience in developing countries and knowledge of rights-based approaches will be an asset; ● Experience with gender equality, girls’ empowerment and rights-based programming; ● Good knowledge of advocacy for gender equality and girls’ empowerment in the context of sustainable development; and working experience in communication and advocacy; ● Fluency in English and Ability to write clearly and concisely; ● Initiative, sound judgement and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds; ● Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills.

Sierra Leone enjoys relative stability and living conditions are therefore reasonable. Infrastructure, such as transportation and social services, is poor in general, and western amenities (food, restaurants, apartments, etc) tend to be a little bit expensive but it is possible to obtain the most essential items of food and clothing etc. Electricity and water supplies remain volatile and many people are relying on the generator and private delivery. Sierra Leone has maintained peace and stability since the end of the civil conflict ten years ago and emerged as a success story in peacebuilding. There are several mobile telephone companies providing services and SIMs can be easily bought with credit vouchers. Most people use mobile phone services, but fixed telephone lines are common in business/office spaces. Local banks are dealing in both local and foreign currencies. Credit cards and international cards are accepted in some shops, and hotels, but not accepted in local markets and other small enterprises.

Sierra Leone is a unique country and UNFPA 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.