EVAW Advisor-International consultant-SSA

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.

UN Women is dedicated to advancing gender equality and women’s human rights in Afghanistan and has formulated the EVAW Survivor’s Empowerment Journey (SEJ) programme to implement innovative prevention of violence against women (VAW) approaches, improve the delivery of protection and reintegration services for survivors of VAW in Women Protection Centres (WPCs) and Family Guidance Centres (FGCs), and promote economic empowerment of vulnerable women.

Under the overall supervision of the Country Representative and direct supervision of the Deputy Country Representative, the consultant   provide technical assistance for the implementation of the implementation of the EVAW portfolio; providing advisory and programme development services to the strategic programme direction, overseeing programme coordination and lead policy development. She/he will have budgetary and professional responsibility over the entire programme. S/he will engage with high level government representatives, civil society and donors on programme related issues and initiatives. S/he will review programme and donor reports. S/he will lead high level advocacy initiatives and knowledge management. S/he will provide guidance and vision on technical capacity development. S/he is responsible for the overall management of the programme team.

The Consultant is also responsible for ensuring synergies of various programmes and initiatives in the office, where applicable.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide advisory and programme development services to the strategic programme direction:•    Conceptualize the vision and design of the EVAW Afghanistan Country Office (ACO) programme, including design and formulate programme initiatives within area of responsibility;•    Identify areas for support and intervention within EVAW ACO programme;•    Contribute to the establishment and implementation of policies and practices to ensure sound management and staff oversight to effectively meet programme obligations;•    Provide programme advisory support to the Office Management within areas assigned;•    Ensure overall quality control of the programme.

Oversee programme coordination and lead policy development. Has budgetary and professional responsibility over programme:•    Finalize the annual work plan and budget and oversee implementation;•    Ensure adherence to standard UN Women procedures in planning and implementation of EVAW programme;•    Ensure synergies within and with other programme teams;•    Oversee technical implementation and conceptualization of EVAW programme;•    Finalize EVAW programme (progress) reports for submission.

Engage with high level government representatives, civil society and donors on programme related issues and initiatives:•    Guide, strengthen and maintain strategic partnerships and linkages with partners;•    Represent UN Women at high level programme meetings;•    Implement office partnership and resource mobilization strategies.

Review programme and donor reports:•    Finalize EVAW reports for submission:•    Develop proposals, briefs, background documents and concept notes related to the EVAW programme;•    Oversee programme quality control and identification of potential challenges;•    Ensure monitoring and evaluation systems are properly spelled out in implementing documents and agreements;•    Oversee the overall monitoring and evaluation of the EVAW programme;

Lead high level advocacy initiatives and knowledge management:•    Support the Representative/Deputy Representative in preparation for UN Women at high level programme advocacy events;•    Oversee organization of high level advocacy campaigns for the EVAW programme. Provide guidance and vision on technical capacity development:•    Organize capacity development initiatives as required;•    Act as resource person for EVAW trainings and workshops.

Key Deliverables:

•    Develop the broader EVAW Programme framework drawing from ongoing initiatives in prevention, service delivery and Access to justice (15 Days);•    Development and Finalization of implementation plan, budget and monitoring framework for EVAW Pillar (10 Days);•    Mapping of Key stakeholders including donor partners, civil society and government actors, including exploring potential areas of collaboration (5 Days);•    Finalization and submission of EVAW Programme reports for (including Quarterly and donor Reports) 20 Days);•    Undertake capacity development training for EVAW partners including Responsible Parties on projects implementation, monitoring and reporting, including ensuring strong financial management for UN Women supported projects (30 Days).

Competencies

Core values;Integrity: Demonstrate consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UN Women in actions and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct.Professionalism: Demonstrate professional competence and expert knowledge of the pertinent substantive areas of work.Respect for Diversity: Demonstrate an appreciation of the multicultural nature of the organization and the diversity of its staff. Demonstrate an international outlook, appreciating difference in values and learning from cultural diversity.

CORE COMPETENCIES:Ethics and Values: Demonstrate and safeguard ethics and integrityOrganizational Awareness: Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgmentDevelopment and Innovation: Take charge of self-development and take initiativeWork in teams: Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.Communicating and Information Sharing: Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for effective communicationSelf-management and Emotional Intelligence: Stay composed and positive even in difficult moments, handle tense situations with diplomacy and tact, and have a consistent behavior towards othersConflict Management: Surface conflicts and address them proactively acknowledging different feelings and views and directing energy towards a mutually acceptable solution.Continuous Learning and Knowledge Sharing: Encourage learning and sharing of knowledge

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES:•    Proven ability to liaise with a myriad of stakeholders and partners, including government, civil society and donors•    Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes•    Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting•    Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change•    Ability to advocate and provide policy advice•    Ability to lead teams and show conflict resolution skills•    Openness to change and ability to manage complexities•    Demonstrated sensitivity, discretion, tact and courtesy in relation to gender equality and women’s rights, development principles, implementing partners and working in an international environment•    Excellent written and oral communication skills•    Strong understanding of the legal, social, cultural and political context of Afghanistan and its relation to gender

Required Skills and Experience

Education and experience:•    Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Gender Studies, or related subject areas, with minimum 7 years’ relevant work experience;•    Experience in EVAW programme management, including programme design, programme coordination, monitoring and evaluation, donor reporting and capacity building;•    Proven technical expertise in EVAW;•    Experience in setting priorities, budgets, work plans, participating in programme development and programme writing;•    Proven experience in leading teams effectively;•    Experience in Afghanistan is desirable.Language Requirements:•    Fluency in written and spoken English;•    Knowledge of Pashto and/or Dari is an asset.Due to high sensitivities related to provision of protection services by UN Women Afghanistan Office to VAW survivors, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.