UN Women: Advisor, Digital Gender Equality Cooperation and Thematic Lead for Generation Equality’s Technology and Innovation Action Coalition

Contract

This is a P-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 10 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 204,886 USD and 256,769 USD.

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Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

COVID-19 has laid bare critical gaps in equality that have left millions of women and girls behind, particularly those who are most marginalized. Gender equality is not just a goal: it is critical to the survival of the planet, the realization of the rights of all girls and women, and to new economic and social systems that include, and work for, everyone. During the pandemic, the use of digital technology and the Internet increased as lives shifted online for work, school, access to services and social activities, however the gender digital divide hampered access to digital tools for women and girls and reports emerged of a surge in gender-based violence in digital contexts.

Aware of this critical time for gender equality and committed to building a more equal, inclusive and resilient post-pandemic world, UN Women, together with the governments of Mexico, France, and representatives of civil society, initiated a global, innovative, multi-stakeholder platform: the Generation Equality Action Coalitions and Compact on Women, Peace, Security and Humanitarian Action. One of the thematic focused Action Coalitions is on Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality. Action Coalitions Leaders have co-designed a Global Acceleration Plan for Gender Equality to strengthen international mobilization and to define game-changing 5-year commitments to accelerate concrete results on Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality.

Furthermore, the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 67) will holistically examine the gendered impacts of innovation and technology. Member States will advance a set of Agreed Conclusions that allow for a more inclusive and equitable digital evolution. In addition to the Generation Equality Action Coalition on Technology and Innovation, UN Women is co-leading and supporting the work of several multi-stakeholder platforms, including the work to examine digital inclusion as part of the implementation of the Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, the ITU Partner2Connect Digital Coalition and the EQUALS global partnership. These additional platforms have a critical role to play in supporting and monitoring the implementation of the Agreed Conclusions of CSW 67 and the development of the Global Digital Compact, introduced in the UNSG Our Common Agenda, to be adopted in 2024 at the Summit of the Future.

In this context, the Policy, Programme and Intergovernmental Division (PPID) is seeking an Advisor for Digital Gender Equality Cooperation and Thematic Lead for Generation Equality’s Technology and Innovation Action Coalition to manage and grow the multistakeholder Action Coalition on Technology and Innovation and lead UN Women’s substantive engagement with Member States and other stakeholders in multilateral processes such as the Global Digital Compact for normative development on technology and development for gender equality. The Technical Advisor will also lead in providing technical support to UN Women offices for implementation of normative agreements and standards, including CSW67 Agreed Conclusions. The position will be based in Geneva to ensure close cooperation across key UN System partners including the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Research and Data, with matrixed reporting line to the Director of Geneva Office:

1. Lead the substantive work for multi-stakeholder engagement on Technology & Innovation for gender equality:

• Develop multi-stakeholder engagement strategies and activities to lead UN Women’s work to advance normative, policy and programmatic results for technology and innovation for gender equality.
• Lead UN Women’s engagement in external multi-stakeholder initiatives on technology and innovation to ensure that gender equality issues are mainstreamed in all initiatives, including the UN Global Digital Compact.
• Build and strengthen relationships with all stakeholder constituencies, to develop and amplify networks at the intersection of gender and technology / innovation.
• Monitor trends, thematic progress and gaps to provide internal and external advice on priorities for action.

2. Manage the Generation Equality Action Coalition on Technology and Innovation:

• Convene the Action Coalition on Technology & Innovation regularly and in line with Generation Equality core principles of intersectionality, intergenerational and co-leadership
• Drive multi-stakeholder dialogues and collective agreements around contentious issues between member states, private sector, philanthropic organizations, civil society, youth, adolescent girls, and international/multilateral organizations.
• Convene, coordinate and drive progress towards an Action Coalition annual workplan through consensus building leading to co-accountability with a wide range of stakeholders across the Leaders and Commitment Commitment-Makers, and in collaboration with UN Women regional and country offices.
• Facilitate cross-thematic collaboration between Action Coalitions that break up siloes, advance thematic synergies and foster collective action.
• Develop and deliver a clear communications strategy and associated mechanisms with Leaders and Commitment Makers to ensure effective, consistent, and transparent communication across the Action Coalition on Technology and Innovation.
• Support the meaningful engagement of youth and adolescent girls across all aspects of the Action Coalition’s efforts and engagement.
• Facilitate a regular self-assessment of Leaders on the alignment of AC/Compact leadership with the Generation Equality core principles (intersectionality, inter-general, co-leadership).

3. Lead advocacy, knowledge exchange and external engagement efforts for the Generation Equality Action Coalition & across key multi-stakeholder initiatives on Technology & Innovation:

• Develop and implement a thematic advocacy strategy on Technology & Innovation in collaboration with Generation Equality Action Coalition partners (Leaders & Commitment Makers) to accelerate implementation of the Global Acceleration Plan targets and CSW67 agreed conclusions.
• Develop relevant technical guidance and knowledge products on technology and innovation, in collaboration with multi-stakeholder partners, which fosters peer-to-peer learning and cross-thematic collaborations
• Oversee implementation of the advocacy strategy to expand and strengthen the impact of prioritized commitments on Technology & Innovation, and support partners to design individual and collective commitments through new or improved partnerships.
• Harness Action Coalitions leadership structures to support Commitment Makers reporting for the annual GEF accountability report.
• Support the execution of thematic-specific and overarching Generation Equality events and milestones in line with the Generation Equality Project Document.
• Support resource mobilization efforts on the Generation Equality Project Document and expand / deepen UN Women’s overall partnerships Technology & Innovation.
• Identify strategic opportunities to leverage UN Women’s coordination mandate to influence and enhance the coherence of UN system work to facilitate the mobilization of joint and coordinated action for the Acton Coalition on Technology & Innovation.
• Contribute to the whole-of-organization approach of Generation Equality in collaboration with UNW colleagues and in alignment with the approved Generation Equality Project Document.

4. Oversee the provision of technical guidance and capacity building support to UN Women Offices:

• Lead country office and regional offices in developing and strengthening policies, projects/ programmes and modalities to support the implementation of global norms and standards; and ensuring proper monitoring.
• Manage the identification of knowledge and implementation gaps and possible solutions.
• Lead the provision of technical policy advice to programme/ project managers/ specialists in the CO/ROs.
• Provide technical support to regional and country offices to generate new Generation Equality commitments on Technology & Innovation, monitor implementation and facilitate synergetic collaborations among partners.
• Support localization of the Action Coalition on Technology and Innovation across Country and Regional offices.

5. Manage financial resources and supervise staff:

• Supervise and manage staff, review performance and mentor/ coach staff.
• Develop and prepare annual workplans, financial resources of the programme including budgeting and budget revisions, and expenditure tracking and reporting.
• Oversee and monitor the allocation and disbursement of funds to participating partners.
• Ensure appropriate actions are taken to optimize use of programme funds.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Timely and quality technical advice and support internally within UN Women and externally with partners
• Strategy for implementation of CSW67 Agreed Conclusions developed in coordination with UN Women regional and country offices
• Action Coalition meetings convened & confirmation of AC Leaders who confirm by example the convening is in line with Generation Equality core principles
• New Generation Equality priority commitments on Technology & Innovation made across stakeholders, including through new and/or expanded partnerships
• New laws/ policies adopted & new programmes implemented on Technology & Innovation, in alignment with CSW67 Agreed Conclusions & the Generation Equality Global Acceleration Plan
• Strong relationships with various partners and stakeholders to fortify the reputation of Generation Equality and the Action Coalition on Technology & Innovation
• Distribution of incoming thematic activity funds to field activities in coordination with ROs and COs
• Quality of UN Women representation across key global meetings / platforms on Technology & Innovation
• Contributions to resource mobilization for Action Coalition on Technology & Innovation, and for Generation Equality as a whole
• Collaborative opportunities and outputs to drive UN system coordination for Generation Equality

Competencies

Core Values:

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

`Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral;
• Excellent drafting skills with the ability to edit and clear written work products;
• Strong planning, goal-setting, prioritization and organizational skills;
• Strong analytical, information processing, and review strategic skills;
• Ability to contribute to detailed operational plans, budgets, and monitor these;
• Ability to synthesize program performance data and produce analytical reports;
• Good knowledge of UN programme management systems and Results Based Management;
• Demonstrated knowledge of gender equality and women's empowerment;
• Ability to work in a high pressured environment with frequent short deadlines;
• Ability to demonstrate a sense of humor and collegiality with solid interpersonal skills;
• Defined sense of responsibility, confidentiality and accountability.

Required Skills and Experience

Education and certification:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in social sciences, political science, international relations, business administration or management, public administration, or other related fields; or a first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience;

Experience:

• At least 10 years progressively responsible working in international development, with a focus on technology and innovation;
• Experience working on gender equality and women’s empowerment;
• Experience in programme, policy analysis, and strategic planning;
• Experience working with, and building partnerships with governments, donors and civil society organizations internationally and in the field;
• Experience leading a team;
• Experience in or with the United Nations system highly preferred.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of the other UN official working language is an asset.

Application:

All applications must include (as an attachment) the completed UN Women Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-P11-Personal-History-Form.doc. Kindly note that the system will only allow one attachment. Applications without the completed UN Women P-11 form will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.

Note:

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Diversity and inclusion:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.