Gender Specialist, IICA-2, Greece (based in UNEP)

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system’s designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional levels. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. United Nation’s Environment Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This assignment is for the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) – MedProgramme Coordinating Unit (MedPCU), Athens, Greece in the framework of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded Mediterranean Sea Programme (MedProgramme): “Enhancing Environmental Security” (GEF ID 9607).

The MedProgramme Sea Programme (MedProgramme) is part of UNEP’s Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) and represents the first Global Environment Facility (GEF) programmatic multi-focal area initiative in the Mediterranean Sea, aiming specifically at operationalizing priority actions to reduce major transboundary environmental stresses in its coastal areas, while strengthening, at the same time, climate resilience and water security, and improving the health and livelihoods of coastal populations.

The MedProgramme is implemented in nine (9) beneficiary countries sharing the Mediterranean basin, i.e.: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Montenegro, Morocco and Tunisia. It involves a wide spectrum of developmental and societal sectors, ranging from banking institutions, private sector, governmental and non-governmental bodies, industry, research, media, and various other organizations.

The MedProgramme is articulated around four components reflecting the priorities adopted by the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention, namely:

1. Reduction of land-based pollution in priority coastal hotspots and measuring progress to impacts.
2. Enhancing Sustainability and Climate Resilience in the Coastal Zone.
3. Protecting Marine Biodiversity.
4. Knowledge Management and Programme Coordination.

In line with the GEF Council approval of the MedProgramme and the GEF CEO endorsement of its related Child Projects (GEF IDs: 9684, 9717, 9687, 9685, 9670, 10158, 9686) the MedProgramme is executing a specific Gender Mainstreaming Strategy (GM Strategy) aimed at: i) providing an overarching and harmonized “Gender Mainstreaming Strategy” for the MedProgramme; ii) supporting and building capacity of Child Projects as they implement the Strategy through gender-responsive actions within the specific context of each project; iii) monitoring implementation advancements and consistency, as well as cohesion and complementarity of gender focus across the entire portfolio; and iv) benefitting, over the long term, the UNEP/MAP system, by serving as an entry point and testing ground for mainstreaming gender in the programme of work of UNEP/MAP. Implementation of the GM Strategy was initiated in 2022 based on a transformative approach posing a gender equality vision for the MedProgramme that questions established categories and implements positive action measures towards gender-responsive actions in the Mediterranean region. Gender indicators have been established, and gender mainstreaming was provided to countries and executing partners.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions

1. Provide technical guidance, expertise and support to the MedProgramme Coordinating Unit (MedPCU) for the execution of the MedProgramme GM Strategy.
2. Provide cross cutting support to the eight Child Projects of the MedProgramme, and the interlinkages with the activities executed by all its Executing Partners.
3. Provide input at important milestones to be integrated into the Child Projects’ execution and in the delivery of their outputs.

1. Provide technical guidance, expertise and support to the MedProgramme Coordinating Unit (MedPCU), for the execution of the MedProgramme Gender Management Strategy, focusing on achievement of the following results:

1. Developing/ updating the current Gender Strategy based on a review of existing action plans in consultations with MedProgramme countries and relevant stakeholders.
2. Submitting the updated gender strategy to the executing and implementing agencies for their review and approval.
3. Working with, and guiding, the countries to update the gender action plans by providing proposals for the development of concrete and budgeted actions to be implemented in 2024 and 2025.
4. Submitting the updated action plans to the executing and implementing agencies for their review and approval.
5. Implementing the agreed elements of the gender action plans assigned to the MedPCU.

2. Provide cross cutting support to the eight Child Projects of the MedProgramme, and the interlinkages with the activities executed by all its Executing Partners, focusing on achievement of the following results:

1. Delivering concrete inputs (materials) to gender balanced trainings, meetings, events and publications for the 8 Child Projects of the MedProgramme.
2. Preparing terms of reference (TORs) for national experts for gender mainstreaming in the Countries. Coordinate, support and monitor implementation and delivery of assigned tasks.
3. Coordinating, supporting and monitoring implementation and delivery of assigned tasks under the 8 Child Projects.
4. Coordinating with the knowledge management/ communications expert for dissemination of gender material prepared for the 8 Child Projects.

3. Provide input at important milestones to be integrated into the Child Projects’ execution and in the delivery of their outputs, focusing on achievement of the following results:

1. Facilitating MedProgramme’s contribution on gender aspects to IW:LEARN activities (including participation to International Waters Conferences and twinning, preparation of Experience Notes, relevant trainings and workshops among others) and other GEF relevant initiatives and events.
2. Providing summary consolidated reports based on agreed templates every quarter and annual assessment on the progress on implementation of the gender action plans of the CPs.
3. Reviewing, updating, and as appropriate, populating the programmatic indicators for gender.
4. Submitting a report on the deliverables realized in accordance with the planned tasks in the approved action plans and Gender Strategy. Report to be submitted at the end of assignment.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Minimum advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) or higher degree preferably in gender studies, communications, international development, public administration, or other relevant fields is required.
• A first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) preferably in above-mentioned fields with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree or higher degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in environmental or international development, with some experience in the execution of technical capacity projects linked to the environment and gender mainstreaming, ideally in the Mediterranean is required in particular at least in two of the aspects listed below:

  1.Execution of tasks including the analysis of sex-disaggregated data;

  2.Definition, monitoring and reporting on gender mainstreaming activities and projects in the field of the environment, ideally in the context of the GEF, Regional Sea Conventions and or Marine and Coastal Areas.

  3.The principles and practical application of the GEF gender policy and priorities.

  4.Establishment and development of strategic partnerships to support GM.

  5.Design of monitoring and evaluation tools to assess the progress and impacts of specific actions.

• Experience in/facilitation skills for meetings and training, including capacity development and consultative workshops is desirable.

• Working knowledge of GEF projects is desirable.

• Working experience within the Mediterranean region is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge (Fluency both oral and written) and excellent writing skills in English are required.
• Working knowledge of French and/or Arabic is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)
• Contract level: ICS 10 / LICA 10 / IICA 2
• Contract duration: 10 months with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Disclaimer: If the selected candidate is a national of the duty station, a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) will be issued.

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.