Readvertisement: Regional Adviser Gender, P5, Fixed Term, Regional Office for South Asia, Kathmandu, Nepal # 92268

UNICEF ROSA is looking for a result driven Regional Adviser Gender to support the development, application, and achievement of goals and strategies on gender Equality and Adolescent girls centered programming for countries in the Region. This will be in alignment with UNICEF’s Gender Action Plan and Strategic Plan, and the Adolescent girls Strategy and UNICEF South Asia’s Area for Acceleration focusing on the Adolescent Girl.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, equality 

The Regional Adviser Gender serves as the most senior UNICEF gender expert in the South Asia Region, supporting the development, application, and achievement of goals and strategies on gender Equality and Adolescent girls centered programming for countries of the Region in alignment with UNICEF’s Gender Action Plan and Strategic Plan, and the Adolescent girls Strategy and UNICEF South Asia’s Area for Acceleration focusing on the Adolescent Girl.  

S/he provides leadership and support on Gender Equality and Adolescent girls programming in the following specific areas: a) programme developing including shaping the strategic direction for UNICEF South Asia gender work b) programme excellence; b) coordination, management, and oversight; and c) partnerships and resource mobilization.  The Regional Gender Advisor works closely with the Regional Director, Deputy Regional Director, and other Regional Advisors to provide integrated technical, programmatic, strategic and thought leadership on Gender Equality, Adolescent girls programming as well as coordination and oversight on monitoring and reporting on Gender Equality and targeted adolescent girl programme results.  

In collaboration with other regional advisors the incumbent provides assistance to CO senior management, sectoral chiefs, and gender specialists/focal points.  This includes guidance on region-specific strategic direction, ensuring technical excellence and overseeing the quality of programmatic work on gender equality. To reinforce a focus on implementation and monitoring of the GAP and regional priorities, s/he also engages with other regional advisors to initiate supportive actions that enhance region-wide systems, capacity, and cross-sectoral collaboration on gender Equality and Adolescent girls as one of the key areas for Acceleration in South Asia.

The Regional Gender Advisor provides technical assistance and regional oversight on the harmonisation and inclusion of gender-related inputs into programme strategy implementation, communication and advocacy, knowledge management and sharing, resource mobilization, representation, networking, and strategic partnership creation, under the programmatic guidance of the HQ gender team on issues related to implementing and monitoring and related advocacy on Gender Action Plan and Adolescent girls Strategy.

KEY END-RESULTS

1. High quality, results-oriented sectoral and cross-sectoral programming on gender equality, in alignment with the GAP and regional priorities, is designed, implemented, and supported in Country Programmes.
2. RO, COs and UNICEF partners have increased expertise, skills and capacity to develop, implement, monitor and manage high quality, results-oriented sectoral and cross sectoral gender programming.
3.  High quality programming and advocacy leadership on adolescent girls agenda as defined in the Regional strategy on adolescent girls
4. Increased prevalence of well-coordinated programmatic initiatives with a strong gender equality component and a specific focus on adolescent girls in the RO, COs and relevant governments and partners.
5. Results specified in the GAP achieved in the region
6. Enhanced indicators, research and evidence on gender-related programmes including a focus on Adolescent girls produced, used, and shared within the region through existing knowledge sharing mechanisms at RO.
7. Emergency preparedness assessed, gender needs for emergency support identified, and emergency responses with effective coordination provided.  
8. Enhanced human resources and institutional capacity for gender equality and Adolescent girls programming.
9. Effective communication and representation, expanded partnerships, heightened visibility, and increased resources and support for UNICEF’s gender work at the regional and country levels.

How can you make a difference? 

Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primary, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results.

1. Technical Leadership, Support, and Quality Assurance

• Provide strong technical leadership on gender and development, enhancing the ability of the Regional Office and Country Offices to lead and deliver high quality programmatic results on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as specified within the programmatic framework of the Gender Action Plan.  

Expected Results: High quality, results-oriented sectoral and cross-sectoral programming on gender, in alignment with the GAP and regional Areas for Acceleration, is designed, implemented, and supported in Country Programmes.

1. Leadership on Adolescent girls agenda: as an Area for Acceleration

• The Regional Gender Advisor supports the Gender Steering committee of RMT to steer leadership and accountability on Gender Equality including the regional Area for Acceleration focusing on the Adolescent Girl. Act as a Convener of the Adolescent girl A4A Core working group at RO level across sections, including support to COs to mirror the coordination group that is fit for purpose at CO level, that will aim at ensuring well-coordinated, cross-sectoral collaboration for the implementation of the regional adolescent girl strategy across South Asia, and monitor progress against the adolescent girl strategy selected indicators. 

Expected Results: High quality, results-oriented and at scale sectoral and cross-sectoral programming on adolescent girls, in alignment with regional Adolescent girls’ strategy.

1. Capacity Enhancement

• Ensure that enhanced capacity and skills on gender—through hiring as well as through capacity development – are integrated into existing regional structures and plans.  Support RO and CO efforts to expand gender expertise especially with regard to technical, strategic planning, M&E, and management skills, reinforcing effective programme delivery and measurement of results as specified in the GAP. 

Expected results:  RO, COs and partners have increased expertise, skills, and capacity to develop, implement, monitor, and manage high quality, result-oriented sectoral and cross-sectoral gender programming

1. Research and Evidence

• Strengthen the quality of research and evidence building on gender related and Adolescent girls programming at the RO and Country Offices, bringing in the latest learning and insights from the field of gender Equality and Adolescent girls programming, and putting in place a coherent, well-prioritized research agenda in alignment with the GAP and Adolescent girls strategy. 

Expected Results: Enhanced indicators, research and evidence on gender-related programmes produced, used, and shared within the region and strong knowledge sharing mechanism established.

1. Cohesion, Prioritization and Coordination

• Facilitate the operationalization of the GAP within a regional gender implementation plan, which involves coordinating the formulation, adaptation, and communication of a coordinated, comprehensive approach to programming relevant to gender equality in line with the GAP and in support of regional priorities. 

Expected Results: Increased prevalence of well-coordinated programmatic initiatives with a strong gender component at RO, COs and relevant governments and partners.

1. Gender Integration in Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Ensure that adequate emergency preparedness measures are taken in the region by the relevant County offices through ensuring gender Equality and Adolescent girls agenda are reflected in the development and updating of country contingency plans and establishment of early warning mechanisms. y response. Support funding appeals in consultation with the RO emergency team, country offices and HQ.

Expected Results: Emergency preparedness assessed, gender needs for emergency support identified, and gender is integrated in all CO related emergency responses.

1. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Collaborating with other regional advisors, especially the planning, monitoring, and evaluation advisors, provide support to COs in developing gender-inclusive theories of change and M&E frameworks. In a complementary manner, provide guidance in strengthening data systems and collection, as well as accountability mechanisms to monitor and evaluate progress on the regional GAP implementation plan and other related regional imperatives. 

Expected Results: Results specified in the GAP achieved by the region.

1. Management and Systems Strengthening

• Work with DHR and RO and CO management to establish job requirements and performance accountabilities on GAP specified results for senior managers, gender specialists, and gender focal points.  Working with human resource managers, assist in the recruitment of gender specialists for CO posts and identify, engage, and oversee institutional resources and consultants with relevant gender expertise to provide technical support to COs.

Expected Results: Enhanced human resources and institutional capacity for gender programming.

    9. Representation, Partnerships, and Resource Mobilization

• Enhance UNICEF’s regional technical leadership role in gender equality and Adolescent girl leadership as a credible regional voice among donors, government counterparts and partners by forging internal and external partnerships in the development of harmonized, gender equality and targeted adolescent girls programme interventions, through high level representation in regional fora, with senior partners and stakeholders as well as through expansion of programmes and networks.

Expected Results: Effective communication and representation, expanded partnerships, heightened visibility, and Increased level of resources and support for UNICEF’s gender work at the regional and country level

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  Regional Adviser Gender, P5, Fixed Term, Kathmandu, Nepal, UNICEF ROSA # 92268.pdf

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

Minimum requirements:

Education

• Advanced university degree (Masters or Ph.D.) in the social sciences (i.e., sociology, demograph, psychology, political science, or economics), public health, public policy, or international development. A concentration in gender is a strong asset.

Work Experience

• Minimum ten(10) 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. Preference for candidates with experience in delivering results-based programmes on gender and development and Adolescent girls programming. Experience in programme management and leadership, and resource mobilisation especially at country/field level.

Language Proficiency 

• Fluency in English and another UN language. Knowledge of local working language of the duty station/region is required.    

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.
• Strong substantive, technical, programmatic and research skills in gender along with sectoral expertise in at least two of the following sectors: Health including Immunization, Education, WASH, Protection, Social Policy
• Strong technical / programmatic expertise in Adolescent girls’ programming is desirable.
• Proven ability to connect sectoral issues and programmatic approaches on gender.
• Proven rigor in analytical, conceptual and programme design skills relevant to gender and development with an understanding of theories of change and path from intervention to results.
• Demonstrated experience with different methods/ approaches on training to build capacity on the technical aspects of gender programming and analysis for a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Wide knowledge and understanding of global gender equality issues, specifically relating to children and women, and the current trends, methods, and approaches. Familiarity and work experience in the region of preferred placement also an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting rigorous research and analysis on gender, including quantitative research methodologies, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrated success in developing proposals and securing resources for programme and research initiatives with a strong gender component.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

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

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

i)  Core Values 

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability

ii)  Core Competencies [ ( ) indicates the level of proficiency required for the job]

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (2)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (3)
• Works Collaboratively with others (3)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (3)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (3)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (3)
• Drives to achieve impactful results (3)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (3)

iv) Functional Competencies      

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to write succinctly and clearly and speak in public forums compellingly and with confidence.
• High level of initiative and independence in ability to undertake complex tasks while proactively seeking relevant input, cooperation, and guidance from key constituents.
• Management experience and demonstrated ability to motivate others and create and encourage a climate of team-work and collaboration in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to make effective use of political processes to influence and persuade others inside and outside UNICEF and negotiate a desired direction and/or outcome.
• Ability to think outside the box, generate new ideas, approaches, or insights and develop innovative ways to undertake projects and initiatives, shape solutions to problems.
• Strategic thinker who can pull disparate ideas into a cohesive vision, strategy, plan that is positive and compelling for other to join, collaborate, and implement.
• Proven ability to build rapport with individuals and groups and maintain an effective network of individuals across organizational departments as well externally.
• Proven ability to identify urgent and potentially risky decisions and acts on them promptly; initiate and generate organization-wide activities with a strategic vision.

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

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 measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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. 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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be 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.

Remarks:

• The vacancy announcement was reopened to expand the pool of applicants and due to minor amendments in the VA.
• Candidates who have already applied do not need to reapply. 
• Nationals of the country may be eligible for IP positions in a Regional Office (RO) if they possess at least two (2) years of international work experience as detailed above.

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

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 and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions 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. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.