Job offer: Gender Specialist

GeneralDescription of assignment title: Gender SpecialistAssignment country: LesothoExpected start date: 08/30/2024Host entity: UNDPType: OnsiteDuration: 12 months

Mission and objectives

UNDP is a global knowledge network advocating for human development and connecting countries to knowledge, experiences and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP works with countries to develop and implement their own solutions to development challenges. Aligned with the Lesotho National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP II 2019-2023), the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF 2019-2023) and UNDP Strategic Plan as well the Country Programme Document (CPD 2019-2023), we are committed to supporting the government and people of Lesotho.

Context

The UNDP Lesotho Country Office is dedicated to promoting gender equality and disability inclusion in all its activities and programs. In alignment with the Country Programme Document (CPD) 2024-2028, the office aims to integrate gender-sensitive approaches and ensure that all initiatives reflect a commitment to inclusivity and equality. To achieve these objectives, the UNDP seeks a dedicated Gender Advocate who will review, analyze, and provide strategic recommendations for gender mainstreaming across all projects. This role involves capacity building, coordination, advocacy, reporting, and supporting broader project activities to ensure the successful implementation of gender and disability inclusion strategies.

Task description

• Provide technical inputs and analysis to various gender-related strategic and policy documents, joint programmes, and communication materials on issues of women’s rights, gender equality, gender legislation and policy, gender-based violence and access to justice, gender-sensitive work environment, and harassment;
• Support preparation for advocacy and learning events and conduct relevant training sessions when necessary;
• Attend with team members relevant forums and support coordination within the UN humanitarian, development, and peace nexus;
• Ensure close follow-up for the effective implementation of a strategic partnership between the host entity, the Government and civil society organizations to promote gender equality in line with the commitments;
• Undertake relevant environment scanning on political, environmental, economic, and social development trends and issues affecting gender equality and women’s equal rights and provide timely updates to management; participate in developing innovative projects and intervention summaries with a focus on both protection and gender equality aspects;
• Assist in conducting research on new areas of engagement and in developing concept notes to support resource mobilization;
• Support monitoring & evaluation, documenting, and reporting to donors and the host entity of the outcomes, impact, and lessons learned;
• Review UNDP’s Planned Activities: Thoroughly examine all planned activities to ensure alignment with the goals and objectives outlined in the CPD 2024-2028 and ensure gender mainstreaming in the programming activities;
• Strategic Recommendations: Develop and provide strategic recommendations for effectively implementing gender mainstreaming across all UNDP projects and initiatives;
• Gender and disability inclusion Marker- Serve as a focal person for gender and disability inclusion marker analysis of each of projects and provided recommendations for enhancing the same;
• Conduct Capacity-Building Sessions: Organize and lead capacity-building sessions for the Country Office (CO) staff on gender mainstreaming and disability inclusion;
• Gender-Sensitive Budgeting: Ensure the integration of gender-sensitive budgeting practices into the planning and execution processes of all projects;
• Coordinate and Lead the CO Gender Theme Group: Take the lead in coordinating and managing the CO Gender Theme Group to promote gender equality and disability inclusion;
• Implement Inclusion-Related Activities: Execute gender and disability inclusion-related activities as part of the projects’ action plans;
• Facilitate Coordination and Advocacy: Promote coordination and advocacy efforts to enhance gender equality and inclusion within the UNDP’s initiatives; Gender Equality Seal Certification:
• Support Certification Efforts: Assist the CO in pursuing and maintaining the Gender Equality Seal certification to demonstrate commitment to gender equality;
• Maintain Gender Page: Ensure that the gender page on all relevant platforms remains active, updated, and informative;
• Include Gender Markers in Reports: Ensure all CO and joint reports incorporate gender markers and are gender sensitive;
• Regular Updates and Reports: Provide regular updates and reports on the progress of gender mainstreaming and disability inclusion efforts;
• Assist with Broader Tasks: Support the implementation of broader activity tasks necessary for the overall success of the project;
• Support Women, Peace, and Security Initiatives: Provide support to the government on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE), particularly in the context of women, peace, and security and other related initiatives;
• Undertake additional duties as assigned to support the overall goals and objectives of the project.

Eligibility criteriaAge: 18 – 80Nationality: Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.RequirementsRequired experience

3 years of experience in the national and/or international level in gender mainstreaming and women’s rights or designing, managing and implementing development projects, or other relevant programmes. Experience in partnership with NGOs and civil society organizations is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;

• Overall good understanding of the social and political landscape of the country;
• Proven experience in gender mainstreaming and disability inclusion;
• Strong understanding of gender-sensitive budgeting and policy analysis;
• Ability to conduct capacity-building sessions and workshops;
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team. Experience in analytical writing and research; writing strategy documents and project/programme reports; excellent oral and written skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation (using qualitative and quantitative methodologies);
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Have affinity with or interest in UNDP, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Area(s) of expertise

Communication, Development programmes, Social work

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required Sesotho, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Human Rights, Gender and Women’s Studies, International Relations, Sociology, International Law or other social science fields.

Competencies and values

Accountability; Client orientation; Creativity; Integrity; Knowledge sharing; Planning and organising; Professionalism; Respect for diversity; Working in teams.

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