Specialist on Gender-biased sex selection and other harmful practices

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.

GBSS is a discriminatory practice that is a result of a complex web of factors: deep-seated patriarchal attitudes and beliefs that lead families to value sons over daughters, declining fertility and the desire for small families, and commercialization and misuse of medical technology that enables sex selection. Sex ratio imbalances are expected to have a lasting impact on population dynamics in the affected countries with significant socio-economic consequences, resulting in a 'marriage squeeze" and further reinforcing the subordination of girls and women. The issue therefore requires a multi-faceted response. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with funding from Norway, is implementing the Global Programme on Addressing Gender Biased Sex Selection The programme will be implemented in the following countries: Bangladesh, Nepal, and Vietnam. India and China will be engaged in South — South and triangular cooperation and technical exchange. The objectives of the programme are to:

Expand the knowledge base on sex ratio imbalance causes and consequences facilitated through demographic, socio-cultural, operational and policy research at subnational, national, cross border and regional levels.

Enhance in-country capacities to recognize and address causes and consequences of GBSS and respond to underlying drivers and provide technical assistance to countries to design, implement and monitor policies and programmatic interventions.

Strengthen evidence-based policies and strategies to enhance the inherent value of girls and address gender discrimination so that manifestations of inequality such as GBSS can be averted.

Undertake data-informed advocacy and communications needs to stimulate discussion and debate, in order to strengthen and expand consensus around the concept of the equal value of girls and boys.

Improve the evidence base for intervention design and programming through impact evaluation and assessments of existing interventions to better understand what works to address GBSS.

The post is located in the Asia Pacific Regional Office, and reports to the Regional Technical Gender Advisor who provides overall direction and guidance. S/He is part of the regional team providing integrated programme and technical support within a systems strengthening approach which is fundamental to UNFPA's overall strategy. The specialist is responsible for supporting the Global Programme on Addressing Gender Biased Sex Selection and in areas related to gender, GBV and harmful practices portfolio. The specialist will have a range of responsibilities from analysis, writing and product finalization to communications and advocacy work. The duties and responsibilities will cover a wide scope of issues and the consultant will be expected to manage multiple tasks and roles concurrently and efficiently.

1. Strategic Results Support:

Analysis and research support to the Global Joint Program on Gender-Biased Sex Selection and other gender, GBV and harmful practices programmes initiated from APRO — including document drafting, drafting presentation materials, preparation of background material for various reports. Provide technical support in the preparation of documents such as briefing notes, talking points, press releases, Op-Eds, TORs, meeting minutes, reviews of draft consultant products, etc. Provide technical support for knowledge development, management and sharing activities. Support communications and advocacy efforts on gender, GBV and harmful practices. Participate in meetings, both fund-wide and inter-agency foras.

2. Capacity Development:

   Assist in capacity development of country office staff and regional level to document best practices.

3. Evidence, Knowledge Development & Dissemination:

Manage communication activities related to the Global Joint Program on Gender Biased Sex Selection, GBV and Harmful Practices Portfolio, including updating and informing UNFPA staff at HQ, regional and country levels on the activities and knowledge products of the portfolio and programme, while also identifying innovative ways to communicate and disseminate information on the results obtained both internally and externally. Responsible for synthesizing and documenting the GBSS Joint Programme, including through direct communication with country offices. Manage the editing and distribution process for publications related to the gender, GBV Portfolio and Harmful Practices Portfolio.

4. Coordination Support:

Contribute to the organization of the Global Joint Program on Gender-Biased Sex Selection and gender, GBV and Harmful Practices-related meetings and events, including liaising with resource people, document preparation for meetings, report writing etc. Management of relationships with vendors for services such as translation and publication of documents. Assist with other tasks as and when necessary.

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;

Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

13. Results/expected outputs

As an active UNFPA team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and highquality support rendered UNFPA and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

Be conversant with the international normative guidance, data and evidence, tools and resources related to GBV prevention and response in both development and humanitarian settings.

Understand key opportunities and challenges related to advancing gender equality and addressing GBV across humanitarian and development settings in Asia and the Pacific region.

Understand principles and approaches for policy and programme interventions at country level to prevent and respond to GBV in development and humanitarian settings.

Understand the structure and functioning of the regional office and be conversant with programme planning, implementation and monitoring.

Have experience working in interagency mechanisms and fora and have developed an understanding of UN interagency coordination and joint programming.

During the course of the assignment, every effort will be made to ensure that the GBV Prevention and Response Officer has the opportunity to participate in internal trainings and where possible and relevant, to undertake country missions.

Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment

A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNFPA; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNFPA 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 UNFPA in daily activities and behaviors 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 behavior; 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 UNFPA's mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

working with gender, GBV and Harmful Practices programs and issues.

Prior work experience in developing countries is an asset.

Strong analytical and writing skills.

Ability to coordinate program and advocacy activities and multi-task under pressure and to deadlines

Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously

The duty station will be Bangkok, Thailand. Bangkok is a highly developed modern city with excellent accommodation that includes single house, apartments etc. The cost of living in Bangkok perhaps compared to some of the other capital cities in Asia is relatively high but still low compared to the Europe and North America. Health facilities and services are among the best in Asia and often many people from various countries visit Bangkok for seeking medical services. Travel to and from Bangkok is easy as there are many daily flights connecting Bangkok with major cities in the world.