Specialist in Social and Gender Norms

Active in Nicaragua since 1974, UNFPA supports the inclusion of issues related to population dynamics, young people, sexual and reproductive health, and gender-based violence into public policies. Nicaragua has successfully incorporated reproductive rights in its health and education laws and policies, and made headway in reducing maternal mortality. But key challenges remain, including a high adolescent pregnancy rate. UNFPA strengthens capacities to provide high quality maternal health and newborn care, comprehensive sexuality education for young people, and investments in the country’s “demographic dividend”. It also backs measures to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

Under the supervision of the Assistant Representative, the specialist will support the achievement of Outcome 3—“Strengthening the capacities of institutions, communities, and individuals at the national and subnational levels to transform social and gender norms that limit progress toward gender equality, preventing gender-based violence, and making informed decisions regarding sexual and reproductive health” of the UNFPA Country Program, providing technical support and monitoring the implementation of the work plans of the implementing partners (the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Family Affairs and the Ministry of Health), contributing in particular to a gender-sensitive, generational, inclusive and intersectional approach.

Under the supervision of the Assistant Representative and in coordination with the GBV/CSE (Gender Based Violence / Comprehensive Sexuality Education) Program Analyst and the program team, the volunteer specialist will be responsible for the following tasks:

- Provide support and technical assistance to institutional technical teams (Ministry of Education, Ministry of Family and Ministry of Health) to carry out the activities outlined in their annual work plans related to Outcome 3 (Social Norms).

- Support the program team in compiling the information required for the monitoring process and timely reporting of indicators, in accordance with established matrices and indicators.

- Support the facilitation of capacity-building activities (on Comprehensive Sexuality Education, positive masculinities, etc.), for the prevention of unintended pregnancy, GBV, and early unions, including in emergencies and other GBV prevention activities (dialogues, fairs, meetings, contests, etc.), in accordance with the work plan of the partner institutions.

- Support the review and feedback process for technical products, participate in situation analyses and other technical activities related to the CPD and Outcome 3.

- Support the program team in planning, monitoring, data gathering and follow-up activities with partners regarding implementation, within the framework of Outcome 3.

- Where the context requires it, provide technical assistance in emergency preparedness and response to ensure the implementation of quality standards in the response to GBV.

- Contribute to the coordination of inter-institutional work.

- Obligation to comply with codes of conduct to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation (PSEA).

- Carry out additional tasks related to their role as requested by UNFPA.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check‑ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance