In alignment with the GAP, the role of the Gender Programme Specialist is primarily technical and programmatic, with the normative advocacy and coordination roles serving a secondary function. The Specialist provides authoritative technical guidance/operational support throughout all stages of programming to facilitate the management and delivery of results contributing to gender equality in alignment with the Gender Action Plan. S/he supports the development, implementation, and monitoring of high-quality gender programming/projects across sectors in alignment with the Gender Action Plan. S/he 1) supports senior program colleagues and management of the Country Office to advance one or more of the four targeted Gender Priorities in the Gender Action Plan with support from the Regional Gender Adviser. S/he also plays a role in working with one or more of the 7 UNICEF sectors to mainstream gender by prioritizing key gender results within the sector(s) with a strong gender relevance; 2) supports cross-sectional collaboration and coordination on key programmatic results on gender, ensuring coherence, maximization of synergies and efficiency in utilization of resources and delivery of results; 3) works with programme colleagues and management so that gender results are effectively defined, measured, and reported, and high quality assessment, research, evidence generation and evaluation on gender programming is undertaken and utilized, including through the application of the MoRES framework and effective theories of change; 4) Supports effective review, assessment, planning, capacity building, and knowledge management on gender; 5) Supports the assessment and identification of gender needs for emergency preparedness and response, and provides gender relevant guidance and technical input on emergency programming.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Equality!

https://youtu.be/UmeFrUuvAGE?si=8tHwuUWofSuZjlys

How can you make a difference?

In alignment with the GAP, the role of the Gender Programme Specialist is primarily technical and programmatic, with the normative advocacy and coordination roles serving a secondary function. The Specialist provides authoritative technical guidance/operational support throughout all stages of programming to facilitate the management and delivery of results contributing to gender equality in alignment with the Gender Action Plan. S/he supports the development, implementation, and monitoring of high-quality gender programming/projects across sectors in alignment with the Gender Action Plan. S/he 1) supports senior program colleagues and management of the Country Office to advance one or more of the four Targeted Gender Priorities in the Gender Action Plan with support from the Regional Gender Adviser. S/he also plays a role in working with one or more of the 7 UNICEF sectors to mainstream gender by prioritizing key gender results within the sector(s) with a strong gender relevance; 2) supports cross-sectional collaboration and coordination on key programmatic results on gender, ensuring coherence, maximization of synergies and efficiency in utilization of resources and delivery of results; 3) works with programme colleagues and management so that gender results are effectively defined, measured, and reported, and high quality assessment, research, evidence generation and evaluation on gender programming is undertaken and utilized, including through the application of the MoRES framework and effective theories of change; 4) Supports effective review, assessment, planning, capacity building, and knowledge management on gender; 5) Supports the assessment and identification of gender needs for emergency preparedness and response, and provides gender relevant guidance and technical input on emergency programming.

Key functions, accountabilities, and related duties/tasks

1. Management and/or advisory support to the Deputy Representative, Senior Gender Programme Specialist, or Representative

• Actively participate in or support Country Management Team (CMT); Programme Coordination Team; partnerships, research, financial and contract review committees; financial and contract review committees, and other key country-specific leadership teams to ensure strategic inclusion of gender in all country-specific programming.
• In collaboration with sectoral colleagues and under the guidance of a Gender Programme Specialist, participate in the planning and monitoring of the utilization of the budget allocated to sectoral and cross-sectoral gender interventions with sectoral colleagues.
• Support the gender component of the reporting of the routine country-level program expenditures, including the annual reporting and the RAM.
• Provide technical input and review on the gender components in key funding proposal appeals and submissions and in the design of funded projects/programs so that gender technical components are clearly defined and technical capacities are included.

2. Implementation of the Gender/GBV/SEA Action Plan for World Bank  and ADB-funded Projects

• Led the overall implementation of the gender, GBV, and PSEA components of the World Bank and ADB projects, including supporting planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Provide technical support to UNICEF program sectors in particular including Health, Nutrition, Education, WASH, and Polio to ensure the timely and effective implementation of the World Bank and ADB projects.
•  Support on the planning, implementation, and monitoring of all interventions by UNICEF implementing partners and frontline workers implementing World Bank and ADB interventions in Health, Education, Nutrition, and WASH to promote gender-responsive services for women and adolescent girls in coordination with all relevant sections including GBV and PSEA Specialists in the Afghanistan Country Office. This will include identifying all necessary resources including human and material resources to support capacity strengthening for all targeted frontline workers,
• Support any capacity assessments that may be necessary as part of capacity strengthening on gender integration as well as GBV/SEA Risk mitigation and response, for all implementing partners,
• Provide support to activities of the Gender and Adolescent Units, including developing rolling work plans, conducting annual reviews and annual reporting, in coordination with sectoral and zonal gender focal points Participate in and collaborate closely with UN Agencies in Inter-Agency Coordination mechanisms such as GIHA, GBV Sub-Cluster, and the PSEA Inter-Agency Network for coordination, referral, and knowledge sharing purposes.

 3. Support to program/project development and planning (including emergency contexts)

• Participate and support in evidence-based program/project planning on gender, incorporating robust measurement and evaluation of results – especially in the event of the Country Programme development and Mid-Term Review.
• Provide technical leadership on the integration of gender into country programming phases, including strategic planning, SitAns, strategic moments of reflection, CPDs, CPMPs, mid-term reviews, extended annual reviews, program component strategy notes and in the programmatic assessment, and institutional strengthening components of gender reviews.
• In collaboration with sectoral colleagues and senior management, identify the areas of focus for gender programming/projects with the greatest potential for impact and scale, in alignment with the GAP and the country/regional priorities.
• Work with sectoral counterparts and senior management to incorporate sound gender indicators and measures in programme/project and policy initiatives, proposals, and advocacy efforts and assist in developing gender-sensitive theories of change models for the sector and cross-sectoral programming in alignment with the MoRES framework.

    4. Program management, monitoring and delivery of results (including emergency contexts)

• Support indicator identification, measurement, and performance tracking as it relates to gender mainstreaming and the Targeted Gender Priorities, in collaboration with Planning, M&E and the planning section, and sectoral teams.
• Participate in cross-sectoral collaboration and coordination on key programmatic results on gender, ensuring coherence, maximization of synergies, and efficiency in utilization of resources and delivery of results.
• Support the strengthening of data systems and collection, as well as accountability mechanisms to monitor and evaluate progress on gender results.
• Support high-quality reporting on gender results, and a biannual performance review of GAP specified results.
• Take the lead in monitoring and reporting to the World Bank and ADB on progress, including coordinating with UNICEF program sectors, regional office and HQ teams as well as WB/ADB counterparts to support compliance with reporting requirements. This includes participating in regular and ad hoc coordination meetings and missions.
• Undertake site visits during project execution and operation to assess how PSEA/SH mitigation measures are succeeding or have succeeded in minimizing impacts.
• In coordination with other gender and other sectoral counterparts, contribute to regular reporting on the implementation of the Gender/GBV/SEA Action Plan.
• Work closely with evaluation colleagues to effectively integrate data collection, tracking, analysis, and reporting on the indicators for the GAP into programme results and gender performance benchmarks into M&E systems.
• Participate in the strengthening of the quality of research and evidence-building on gender-related programming, by supporting the bringing in of the latest learning and insights from the field of gender and development, and supporting the input of a coherent, well-prioritized research agenda in alignment with the GAP.
• Support the planning and implementation of the gender reviews and make sure that the recommendations that come out of the gender review are integrated into the Country Programme strategy and action plans and humanitarian strategies and action plans in emergency contexts.
• Participate and/or actively represent UNICEF in relevant coordination bodies at the inter-agency level (gender theme group or other networks, GBV cluster if relevant), participate as a member of steering committees, and provide close oversight of inter-agency joint programs.

5. Advisory services and technical support

• Provide technical support and guidance to the national government, NGOs, UN Agencies, and other country-level and local-level partners on aspects of gender programming and ensure incorporation of gender indicators and measures in programs/projects, policy initiatives, proposals, and M&E systems.
• Provide technical support and advocacy to reporting and follow-up on international and regional gender equality commitments made by the countries
• Support the development of adequate emergency preparedness measures, updating of contingency plans and establishment of early warning mechanisms that reflect gender needs.
• Support the development and deployment of emergency training that incorporates gender issues and relevant strategies.
• Participate in needs assessment missions on gender, and in the event of an emergency, be deployed as a member of the Emergency Response Team.
• Support implementing/operational partners and implementing arrangements to ensure an effective, gender-inclusive emergency response.

6. Advocacy, networking, and partnership building

• Liaise and consult with sections, government and other external partners (civil society, NGOs, private sector) to support convergence, and develop and reinforce partnerships in gender programming.
• Support building and maintenance of internal and external partnerships and networks in the development of harmonized, gender-transformative program interventions.
• Support building and maintenance of strategic alliances for gender equality with various partners, including institutional links with UN agencies and other relevant entities.
• Collaborate with other UN agencies and partners to enhance robust gender results in sectoral programmes at the country level. If necessary, represent UNICEF in external meetings on gender integration into sectoral and cross-sectoral results, including UN Country Team meetings and UNDAF preparations.
• Support mapping of potential new partnerships and leverage existing partnerships to accelerate GAP implementation at the country level in determined priority areas.

7. Innovation, Evidence Generation, knowledge management and capacity building

• Support documentation and sharing of the country-level experience in gender programming and lessons learned, which will be shared with internal network and external partners and utilized for South-South cooperation.
• Bring best practices in gender programming and measurement to the attention of senior management and sectoral colleagues, as well as Regional Gender Advisor and gender section staff at HQ
• Support Regional Gender Advisor in advancing the technical and research capacity of country-level staff, offices, and programs on gender to continue to build an evidence base for programming and to ensure continuous capacity in gender at the Country Office level.
• Support management and HR in the development of systems, tools and processes that enable staff members and external partners to enhance their understanding and adoption of gender-sensitive behaviors and to support implementation of the GAP.
• Support evidence generation and gender analyses for the World Bank and ADB and across all targeted program sectors to inform program interventions, including leading quality assessment, research, and evaluation on gender programming.
• Plan, convene, and coordinate well-planned platforms to share such analyses internally within UNICEF and externally across all targeted partners, with the WB ADB, and wider UN.
• Lead the strengthening of the Community of Practice for UNICEF staff and partners on gender and adolescent programming,
• Take stock of lessons learned from previous projects, global regional and national best practices, and current UNICEF, WB, and ADB principles guidelines and procedures to ensure Action Plan documents for the project remain up to date.
• Document lessons learned, experiences and case studies from project implementation to inform capacity development pieces of training as well as address gaps and refine project procedures.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Advanced university degree (Masters or higher) in the social sciences (i.e. sociology, demography, psychology, political science, social policy or economics), public health, public policy, public administration, international development, or in an area relevant to UNICEF’s sectoral work (e.g. Health, Nutrition, WASH, Education, Child Protection, Social Inclusion, HIV/AIDs, etc.).
• Academic credentials in gender are a strong asset.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible professional experience and demonstrated track record of having undertaken and led substantive programming and research on gender and development in key issue areas that are the focus of UNICEF’s Gender Action Plan.
• Experience in designing, implementing, managing, and delivering results-based programs/projects on gender and development or any other cross-cutting program, especially at the country/field level, experience in emergency response is an asset.
• professional experience in project management and development relevant to the World Bank and Asia Development Bank among other donors and funding partners of the United Nations is an advantage.
• Experience of working on GBV and PSEA risk mitigation and response. Previous experience in GBV risk mitigation in areas of UNICEF Programming such as Health, Nutrition, Education, and WASH desirable, including developing and utilizing context-specific gender and adolescent programming tools and guidance is an asset
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergencies is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness(3)Drive to achieve results for impact(4)Innovates and embraces change(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity(6)Thinks and acts strategically(7)Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Eligible UNICEF International Professional (IP) Staff Members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent contracts applying to a Temporary Appointment, which is dedicated to L3 (or L2) Response, may be able to retain a lien and their fixed-term entitlements. The conditions of the temporary assignment will vary depending on the status of their post and their current tour of duty, and relocation entitlements may be limited as per the relevant policies.