Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works 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.

Afghanistan is one of the world’s most complex emergencies, and the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Afghan people are grappling with the impact of conflict, poverty, economic decline, and natural disasters. In this context, Afghan women and girls face unique vulnerabilities and require urgent support as gender inequality is interwoven with conflict dynamics and humanitarian needs. It is essential that Afghan women and girls can continue to shape the development of their country, and that their gains are protected. UN Women remains fully committed to supporting Afghan women and girls and to putting them at the center of the global response to the crisis in Afghanistan.

UN Women has been in Afghanistan for two decades. UN Women’s programming approach is informed by analysis of the political, economic and humanitarian situation, risks to and capacities of partner organizations, and needs of Afghan women and girls. UN Women Afghanistan currently has four key programme priorities: (1) Gender in Humanitarian Action, (2) Ending Violence Against Women, (3) Women’s Economic Empowerment, and (4) Women, Peace and Security (WPS).

Reporting to the Programme Manager, the Programme Specialist exercises overall responsibility for designing, implementing, and managing UN Women’s research and analysis within the WPS portfolio. The Programme Specialist works in close collaboration with the programme and operations team, UN Women HQ staff, Government officials, multi and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UN Women programme implementation under portfolio. 

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Design and develop research initiatives related to WPS and women’s rights/gender equality more broadly

• Design and formulate programme/ project proposals and initiatives related to advancing research on WPS and women’s rights/gender equality more broadly;
• Design, manage, and/or commission knowledge products, including country -wide analysis of the status of gender equality in Afghanistan;
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data and draft reports for publication;
• Supervise technical consultants and other specialists required to implement research initiatives;
• Track and monitor developments related to WPS, gender equality and women’s rights;
• Draft inputs to country strategy documents, briefs, policy dialogue and other documents related to WPS;
• Coordinate dissemination of knowledge products and related policy-advocacy;
• Organize and implement seminars, launches, and meetings related to research/analysis.

2.  Manage the implementation and management of the WPS programme with a special focus on research/analysis

• Finalize the annual workplan and budget and manage their implementation;
• Manage the technical implementation of the programme/project; ensure synergies with other teams and UN agencies;
• Manage all research and analysis components of the WPS portfolio;

3.  Manage the monitoring and reporting of the programme/ project related to research/analysis

• Manage the monitoring of programme/ project implementation and finances using results based management tools;
• Oversee field missions and review reports on monitoring missions;
• Write quarterly reports and donor reports, focusing on results, output and outcomes;
• Contribute to office donor and UN Women reports.

4.  Manage the people and financial resources of the WPS programme related to research and analysis

• Manage the programme budget and draft financial reports;
• Supervise Programme Analysts and Technical Specialists (including consultants); mentor and coach personnel and conduct performance assessments;
• Oversee recruitment processes, as necessary.

5.  Contribute to inter-agency coordination on gender equality and women’s rights to achieve coherence and alignment of UN Women programmes with other partners  in the country

• Provide technical support to the Representative and Deputy Representative on inter-agency coordination related activities by attending meetings, events, and participating in groups and committees as needed;
• Coordinate with other UN agencies, government departments, donors and NGOs to ensure the projects’ capacity development programme is harmonized and aligned with other in-country efforts.

6.  Manage advocacy, knowledge building and communication efforts

• Develop and review background documents, briefs and presentations related to WPS;
• Represent UN Women in meetings and policy dialogues on issues related to WPS as necessary;
• Develop advocacy strategies and oversee their implementation;
• Identify best practices and lessons learned to guide programme improvement and strategy planning;
• Develop knowledge management strategies, products and methodologies on WPS.

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

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies:  https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf

Functional Competencies

• Strong programme formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation skills
• Strong knowledge of Results Based Management
• Ability to synthesize program performance data and produce analytical reports to inform management and strategic decision-making
• Strong knowledge of WPS, particulary in the area of knowledge production and analysis
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to identify and analyze trends, opportunities and threats to fundraising and develop strategies

Required Skills and Experience

Education and certification:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, international development, research, statistics or a related field is required
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A project/programme management certification would be an added advantage.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience at the national or international level in design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
• Technical experience in research/analysis in crises contexts related to gender equality and women’s rights;
• Experience using statistical software and qualitative analysis tools;
• Experience in designing and managing country-wide assessments and/or research initiatives;
• Experience coordinating inter-agency entities and/or donors is an asset;
• Experience working in the UN System is an asset;
• Experience in leading/managing a team is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required;
• Working knowledge of another official UN language is an asset;
• Knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto is an asset.

Application:

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.

Inclusion Statement:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits employ, trains, compensates and promotes 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 decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (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.)

Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works 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 center of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations System efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

Afghanistan is one of the world’s most complex emergencies, and the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Afghan people are grappling with the impact of conflict, poverty, economic decline, and natural disasters. In this context, Afghan women and girls face unique vulnerabilities and require urgent support as gender inequality is interwoven with conflict dynamics and humanitarian needs. It is essential that Afghan women and girls can continue to shape the development of their country, and that their gains are protected. UN Women remains fully committed to supporting Afghan women and girls and to putting them at the center of the global response to the crisis in Afghanistan.

UN Women has been in Afghanistan for two decades. UN Women’s programming approach is informed by analysis of the political, economic and humanitarian situation, risks to and capacities of partner organizations, and needs of Afghan women and girls. UN Women Afghanistan currently has four key programme priorities: (1) Gender in Humanitarian Action; (2) Ending Violence Against Women; (3) Women’s Economic Empowerment; and (4) Women, Peace and Security.

The UN Women Afghanistan Country Office Programme Management Support Unit (PMSU) thereby supports the effective management and monitoring of the UN Women programme portfolio in Afghanistan, including programme planning and development, monitoring of programme implementation based on agreed annual work plans and partner and donor agreements, compliance with UN Women programme policies, guidance and procedures, and sound substantive and financial reporting.

Under the direct supervision of the PMSU Manager and the overall guidance of the Deputy Country Representative, the Programme Management Specialist is responsible for managing technical support for the implementation and monitoring of, and reporting on, the UN Women Afghanistan Country Office programme. Working closely with the PSMU, and with the Programme and Operations teams, the Programme Management Specialist is providing technical support in the selection and management of UN Women partners, guiding budget management and delivery monitoring for the programme team, leading programme coordination across teams, and managing technical and capacity development support for the UN Women team. 

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide technical support to the implementation of the Country Office programme

• Review programme annual work plans to ensure compliance with UN Women programme goals and results based indicators;
• Provide technical support to Programme Teams on the selection of programme partners throughout all stages of the process, in alignment with UN Women policies, procedures and guidelines;
• Provide technical support to Programme Teams for the management of partner agreements, and act as focal point for the UN Women Partner Agreement Management System.

        2. Oversee and guide budget management for the programme team

• Analyze and ensure alignment of project budgets with logical framework matrices, donor agreements, and work plans;
• Monitor and analyze the financial situation on the portfolios and programmes to ensure adherence to delivery rates and utilization of resources to meet agreed upon targets and results;
• Recommend and establish results-based budget deliver monitoring standards, criteria, and other indicators for measuring and assessing progress/results;
• Ensure effective information flow, communication and coordination across the office, between programmes, projects and operations.

      3. Manage programme coordination for the programme team

• Manage inter-unit coordination of cross-thematic projects, including as regards reporting, delivery monitoring, and substantive coordination of programme approaches;
• Recommend and establish coordination tools for managing cross-thematic programmes and measuring and assessing progress/results.

      4. Manage technical assistance and capacity development for UN Women Programme Teams and programme partners

• Identify capacity building needs of UN Women programme and operations teams on UN Women policies, guidance, and procedures, and lead the coordination of corresponding technical assistance, mentoring, training and capacity development initiatives;
• Manage the onboarding programme of new UN Women staff as regards their induction to UN Women programme, guidance, and policy, and UN Women system and procedures;
• Manage the implementation of cross-cutting technical advice and guidance to UN Women programme partners, and develop and implement technical tools, and initiatives, to support programme partners in the implementation of programmes in alignment with UN Women policies and procedures.

      5. Support partnerships building and provide support in developing resource mobilization strategies

• Support the development and implementation of partnerships strategies;
• Analyze and research information on donors, finalize substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for resource mobilization and cost sharing;
• Support the management of the Donor Agreement Management System;
• Determine programmatic areas of cooperation, based on strategic goals of UN Women, country needs and donors’ priorities and develop the relevant partnerships.

      6. Manage knowledge building efforts ·

• Manage the process of identifying and synthesizing of best practices and lessons learned that are directly linked to the implementation of the programme and contribute to their global dissemination.

Key Performance Indicators: 

• Programme team workplans and budgets are implemented in line with Strategic Note and Country Office work plans;
• Programme team adhere to UN Women’s Rules, Regulations, policies and procedures, using a results based management approach;
• Regular monitoring of programmes, issues/deviations are raised in a timely manner;
• Timely and quality reporting and regular dissemination and sharing of information, including best practices/lessons learned;
• Established relations with partners and stakeholders and regular communication with other agencies and partners.

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

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf

Functional Competencies:

• Ability to administer and execute administrative and procurement processes and transactions;  
• Ability to perform work of confidential nature and handle a large volume of work;  
• Strong knowledge of administrative rules and regulations;  
• Strong IT and web based management skills;  
• Ability to extract and interpret data;  
• Ability to priorities work and to multi-task.

Required Skills and Experience

Education and certification:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, Political Science, Development, Public Administration, Gender is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A project/programme management certification (such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP®) would be an added advantage.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in programme management, including programme design, programme coordination, and budget management;
• Experience in setting priorities, budgets, work plans, participating in programme development and programme writing;
• Experience in guiding capacity development initiatives is an asset;
• Experience in working in a gender related area is an asset;
• Experience in the UN system is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required;
• Flurency in either Dari or Pashto is required;
• Working knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Application:

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.

Inclusion Statement:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits employ, trains, compensates and promotes 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 decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (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.)

Education and certification:

• Advanced (Masters) University Degree in Business Administration/HR is required.
• A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• At least 1 year of progressively relevant experience in human resource management with focus on staff planning; performance management, contract administration, benefits-entitlements administration, recruitment and staff learning and development.
• Work experience with an international multicultural organization
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.)
• Experience in handling web-based management system and ERP human resources system is an advantage.
• Work experience in the UN system is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English, and Dari
• Knowledge of Pashto is an asset.

Application:

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.

Inclusion Statement:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits employ, trains, compensates and promotes 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 decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (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.)

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works 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.

Afghanistan is one of the world’s most complex emergencies, and the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Afghan people are grappling with the impact of conflict, poverty, economic decline, and natural disasters. In this context, Afghan women and girls face unique vulnerabilities and require urgent support as gender inequality is interwoven with conflict dynamics and humanitarian needs. It is essential that Afghan women and girls can continue to shape the future of their country, and that their gains are protected. UN Women remains fully committed to supporting Afghan women and girls and to placing them at the center of the global response to the crisis in Afghanistan.

UN Women has been in Afghanistan for two decades. UN Women’s programming approach is informed by analysis of the political, economic and humanitarian situation, risks to and capacities of partner organizations, and needs and priorities of Afghan women and girls. UN Women Afghanistan Country Office (ACO) currently has five key programme priorities: (1) Gender in Humanitarian Action, (2) Ending Violence Against Women, (3) Women’s Economic Empowerment, (4) Women, Peace and Security and (5) Women’s Civil Society Organizations (WCSO). UN Women Afghanistan operates through its main office in Kabul and five sub-offices located in the provinces:  Balkh, Bamyan, Herat, Kandahar and Nangarhar. 

Women’s civil society organizations are a driving force for ensuring the availability of essential programming for women and girls and for advancing social cohesion and resilience, anchored in gender equality. However, women-led and women’s rights organizations in Afghanistan face a range of constraints that may limit their operational effectiveness. In absence of a dedicated investment in strengthening the organizational resilience of women civil society organisations, these organizations risk being unable to adapt to the Afghan crisis. 

Reporting to the Programme Manager of the WCSO Programme Pillar, the Civil Society Coordination Consultant will work to support ACO and its programme pillars to coordinate and help operationalize on key programmatic and operational issues related to CSO partners as well as provide knowledge management support on analyzing trends, challenges and opportunities.

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works 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.

Afghanistan is one of the world’s most complex emergencies, and the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Afghan people are grappling with the impact of conflict, poverty, economic decline, and natural disasters. In this context, Afghan women and girls face unique vulnerabilities and require urgent support as gender inequality is interwoven with conflict dynamics and humanitarian needs. It is essential that Afghan women and girls can continue to shape the future of their country, and that their gains are protected. UN Women remains fully committed to supporting Afghan women and girls and to placing them at the center of the global response to the crisis in Afghanistan.

UN Women has been in Afghanistan for two decades. UN Women’s programming approach is informed by analysis of the political, economic and humanitarian situation, risks to and capacities of partner organizations, and needs and priorities of Afghan women and girls. UN Women Afghanistan Country Office (ACO) currently has five key programme priorities: (1) Gender in Humanitarian Action, (2) Ending Violence Against Women, (3) Women’s Economic Empowerment, (4) Women, Peace and Security and (5) Women’s Civil Society Organizations (WCSO). UN Women Afghanistan operates through its main office in Kabul and five sub-offices located in the provinces:  Balkh, Bamyan, Herat, Kandahar and Nangarhar. 

Women’s civil society organizations are a driving force for ensuring the availability of essential programming for women and girls and for advancing social cohesion and resilience, anchored in gender equality. However, women-led and women’s rights organizations in Afghanistan face a range of constraints that may limit their operational effectiveness. In absence of a dedicated investment in strengthening the organizational resilience of women civil society organisations, these organizations risk being unable to adapt to the Afghan crisis. 

Reporting to the Programme Manager of the WCSO Programme Pillar, the Civil Society Coordination Consultant will work to support ACO and its programme pillars to coordinate and help operationalize on key programmatic and operational issues related to CSO partners as well as provide knowledge management support on analyzing trends, challenges and opportunities.