UN Women: Policy Advisor, Governance, Peace and Security

Location: Nairobi, KENYA | Application Deadline: 26-Oct-23 | Type of Contract: FTA International | Post Level: P-5

Join UN Women in our mission to advance gender equality and empower women worldwide!

About UN Women

UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, where individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We do not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, or discrimination in any form. Be part of a team that stands for equality and respect.

Background

UN Women, driven by the vision of equality enshrined in the United Nations Charter, is dedicated to eliminating discrimination against women and girls. We focus on empowering women and achieving gender equality across various sectors, including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security.

The Policy Advisor, Governance, Peace and Security, based at UN Women’s Regional Office in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESARO), plays a pivotal role. This role requires profound expertise in gender equality, women’s political participation, democratization, and women, peace, and security issues. The advisor will translate UN Women’s strategic plans in Governance/Political Participation and Peace and Security into impactful programs. Collaboration with government counterparts, UN agencies, and civil society organizations is essential.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

Analysis and Monitoring of Trends and Opportunities

• Provide policy recommendations and strategic advice to the Regional Director and Country Representatives.
• Stay informed about regional developments in political participation, governance, and peace and security, and integrate this knowledge into policy development and advocacy efforts.
• Prepare analytical reports, briefing notes, and other documents as needed by senior management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in government, civil society, and regional organizations.
• Represent UN Women at regional meetings on political participation, governance, and peace and security.

Programme Development and Technical Support

• Foster coordination and collaboration with various stakeholders in the region, including UN agencies, governments, civil society, and women’s networks.
• Provide guidance and support to UN Women country offices for the development and implementation of governance, women’s political participation, and peace and security programs.
• Assist country offices in strengthening policies to enhance women’s political influence.
• Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with key stakeholders and regional actors.

Knowledge Management and Reporting

• Compile reports and lessons learned on women’s political participation.
• Collect regional-level information for relevant reports and thematic SG reports.
• Provide information for briefings by UN Women’s Executive Director to the Security Council.
• Contribute to the development of a regional knowledge hub on gender-responsive governance, peace, and security.

Leadership and Overall Management

• Develop work plans in alignment with UN Women’s bi-annual work plans.
• Supervise and provide feedback on ongoing work to ensure results align with objectives and standards.
• Offer technical guidance, supervise teams, and oversee progress.
• Support other unit priorities as directed by the supervisor.

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.

For a detailed description of UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies, visit this link.

Functional Competencies:

• Substantial experience and a proven track record in women, peace, and security.
• Strong people management skills.
• Good knowledge of UN Women and the UN system.
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice.
• Proficiency in strategic planning, program development, and results-based management.
• Skill in building and mobilizing strategic partnerships and resources.

Required Skills and Experience

Education and Certification:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, International Development studies, Law, Human rights, Politics, Gender, Peace & Women studies, or related field.
• A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in place of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in governance, peace, and security.
• At least 5 years of field experience in regions where UN Women operates.
• Experience in large multicultural development agencies is advantageous.
• International staff management experience is essential.
• Proficiency in computer and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems.
• Familiarity with modern web-based ERP systems, preferably Oracle Cloud, is desirable.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required.

Application Instructions

Please submit your application by the deadline. Your application should include:

• A completed UN Women Personal History form (P-11), available for download here. Note that only one attachment is allowed.
• Links to previously published reports and articles completed within the last two years.

Applications without the completed and signed UN Women P-11 form will be considered incomplete and not reviewed.

About UN Women

UN Women was created by the United Nations General Assembly in July 2010, bringing together resources and mandates from four distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM) to focus exclusively on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Diversity and Inclusion

UN Women is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values diversity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote individuals 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 based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need.

If you require accommodation for the recruitment and selection process, please indicate it in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that conflicts with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women. This includes sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

• Demonstrate Your Expertise: Highlight your experience and accomplishments in governance, peace, and security. Provide specific examples of projects you’ve led and their impact.
• Showcase International Experience: Emphasize your international experience and multicultural competence, as this is vital for this role.
• Familiarity with UN: Demonstrate your knowledge of the United Nations system and UN Women’s mission.
• Advocacy and Policy: Showcase your ability to advocate and provide policy advice, a critical requirement for this role.
• Strategic Partnerships: Highlight your experience in building and mobilizing strategic partnerships and resources.
• Technical Skills: Mention your proficiency in computer software and web-based management systems, especially Oracle Cloud, if applicable.
• Language Proficiency: Emphasize your fluency in English, as it’s a mandatory requirement.

Your application is your first impression—make it count and be part of our mission to empower women and promote gender equality globally!