UN WOMEN: PROGRAMME SPECIALIST (GENDER AND JUSTICE)

Grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, UN Women will work 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. Placing women's rights at the centre of all its efforts, UN Women will lead and coordinate United Nations System efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It will provide strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States' priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors. UN WOMEN Afghanistan's Gender and Justice Unit seeks to enhance a gendered approach in the ongoing complex legal and political reform processes and to ensure the meaningful inclusion of women's voices and perspectives. These strategies include knowledge provision and Programme Specialist y capacity in gender justice, advocacy, bridging and supporting participation in mainstream processes, coordination, capacity-building, and piloting innovative projects. To support the above, UN Women Afghanistan is seeking a Programme Specialist (Gender and Justice)to work closely with the Gender and Justice Programme Unit in ensuring timely and technically strong interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Deputy and Programme Specialist Functions: The Programme Specialist (Gender and Justice) will also work closely with the Programme Unit in ensuring strengthened results-based management and programme planning tools are in place, and that there is a strengthened system of monitoring and evaluation within the programme portfolio, in compliance with UN Women’s rules and regulations in this regards. The post serves as a key Programme Specialist to the Unit Manager/OIC of Gender and Justice on matters of organizational integrity within the unit, with the aim of advising on: (i) compliance with UN WOMEN and UNDP policies and regulations; (ii) effective systems to support programme delivery and growth; (iii) accountability to organizational values and principles; and (iv) an enabling workplace environment in which staff potential is maximized. The Programme Specialist will advise the Unit Manager/OIC on necessary policy and practices to enhance the sound management and staff oversight of the unit; to effectively meet programme obligations and client expectations; and to facilitate a workplace environment of mutual accountability, recognition, and respect. The Programme Specialist will assist in resource mobilization of the Unit as requested by the Unit Manager/OIC and will, in consultation with the Unit Manager/OIC, participate in setting strategic goals and identifying opportunities for productive interventions in order for the Unit to meet its mandate. Programme Management and Oversight Advice The Programme Specialist will provide advice to the Unit Manager/OIC on the effective and timely implementation of key programmatic initiatives. These can include: Mainstreaming of Gender and Justice programmes both at the national and sub-national levels; Monitoring and evaluating the activities and the status of women within the justice sector and women's access to justice; Reviewing and developing policies and legislations in line with gender and justice requirements; and contributing to knowledge production within Afghanistan and globally. Programme Coordination Working closely with the National Programme officers, and under the overall oversight of the Unit Manager/OIC, the Programme Specialist will coordinate the timing, resource needs, and synergy of all projects and initiatives of the unit, encouraging cross-fertilization within and across units as appropriate. The Programme Specialist will assist with the development of the Unit work plan with realistic and achievable timelines. Monitoring and Evaluation. The Programme Specialist will oversee monitoring and evaluation of specific projects and initiatives as well as the unit as a whole, advising the Unit Manager/OIC on areas in need of strengthening in such a way that proactive and remedial action might be taken in a timely manner. Donor Reporting and Programme Writing. Under the direction of the Unit Manager/OIC, the Programme Specialist will coordinate the completion of donor reports in coordination with the relevant National Programme Officer in a timely and professional manner. The Programme Specialist will contribute to reports, concept notes and other written materials as requested by the Unit Manager/OIC. Capacity Building. In consultation with the Unit Manager/OIC, the Programme Specialist will design and implement a capacity building and professional development programme for national staff to maximize their human potential and optimize the operational effectiveness of the unit.

Competencies

Core Values and Ethics: Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and able to work in a multi-national environment Support the Organization’s corporate goal Comply with UNIFEM rules, regulations and code of conduct Demonstrate integrity Teamwork Build effective client relationships and partnerships Interact with all levels of staff in the organization Excellent interpersonal skills Build and share knowledge Provide guidance and support to others Apply existing knowledge to work Make valuable practice contributions Communication Excellent oral and written skills Listen actively and respond effectively Task Management Plan, prioritize and deliver a variety of tasks on time Exercise sound judgment/analysis Develop creative solutions Learning Promote learning environment in the office Provide constructive coaching and feedback for others Technical/Functional In-depth knowledge of program management and implementation Knowledge of UNIFEM business, operations and programming cycle (preferred)

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Masters degree (or equivalent) in law, human rights, political science or other related field, preferably with specialization in gender and human rights law. Exposure to Islamic Law/Islamic Studies ideal; Experience: Minimum of 7 years of progressively relevant professional working experience, with experience in developing countries and ideally with exposure to post conflict situations. Sound knowledge of international standards on human rights, women’s rights and related instruments. Good understanding of and familiarity with legislative reform. Good familiarity with the mandate and the operations of justice institutions. Good understanding of Shari’a Law and the Islamic legal framework is desirable; Proven leadership skills, including the ability to set priorities, manage time effectively, and contribute to a team environment of respect, recognition, and mutual accountability; Demonstrated sensitivity, discretion, tact, and courtesy in relation to gender equality and women’s rights, development principles and projects, implementing partners, and national and international personnel of varied nationalities and backgrounds; Commitment to upholding the organizational values and principles of UNIFEM Afghanistan; Excellent written and oral communication skills, especially in professional English; A proven ability to liaise with a myriad of stakeholders and partners, including government, donors, legislative bodies, grassroots organizations; Ability to supervise and train junior staff with the aim to empower and build potential Language Requirements: Fluency in spoken and written English; Written and spoken skills in Dari or Pashto will be an advantage; 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. All applications must include (as an attachment) the completed UN Women Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from http://www.unwomen.org/about-us/employment 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.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.