Consultancy: Gender Equality and Inclusion (Support), DHR - NYHQ, Requistion # 518137

UNICEF started several initiatives to address these gaps, with the goal to reach gender parity at all levels as well as create an inclusive work environment. One of UNICEF’s key initiatives is the EDGE Certification. On 8 June 2018, UNICEF has been certified at the second level of EDGE Certification: EDGE Move. This achievement puts UNICEF under the top 11% percent of EDGE certified companies. Your primary role will support the implementation of the four action plan items of the EDGE Certification: flexible working, pay gap assessment, communication around recruitment and promotion, and mentorship.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, a commitment

The Secretary-General has made gender equality a key part of his agenda, and wider UN reform. UNICEF plays a leading role in "[e]nd[ing] all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere" (SDG 5.1). It is critical, therefore, that, UNICEF achieves and maintains gender balance within all its offices, at all levels, by offering equal opportunities, and by creating an optimal workplace where men and women are equally valued and respected.

Across the board, gender parity has been achieved within UNICEF, and the historic trend has been positive. However, there are still areas that require affirmative action, such as: the dip at mid-senior level (P5: 45% female, D1: 41% female), or the higher separation rate of female staff (2016: 60% female, 40% male).

The Global Staff Survey 2017 and Pulse Survey 2018 demonstrated that female staff at UNICEF are less content (e.g. work-life balance, office efficiency/effectiveness, standard of conduct) than their male colleagues.

UNICEF started several initiatives to address these gaps, with the goal to reach gender parity at all levels as well as create an inclusive work environment. One of UNICEF's key initiatives is the EDGE Certification. On 8 June 2018, UNICEF has been certified at the second level of EDGE Certification: EDGE Move. This achievement puts UNICEF under the top 11% percent of EDGE certified companies.

Key outcome of EDGE's analysis is a specific action plan for improvement with achievable targets. The action plan UNICEF has developed together with EDGE includes providing more flexible working arrangements, conducting yearly gender pay-gap assessments, improving communication around the recruitment and promotion process, and mentor programs.

UNICEF is strongly committed to the effective implementation of the actions suggested by EDGE. The successful implementation will be part of the EDGE process to get re-certified, once the certification expires after two years.

How can you make a difference?

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the four action plan items of the EDGE Certification: flexible working, pay gap assessment, communication around recruitment and promotion, and mentorship.
• Assist the EDGE working groups on the global rollout of each action item, including progress monitoring
• Analysis of available data to inform the above, e.g. EDGE report, Harvard study, EDGE raw data.
• Drafting of targeted internal communication strategies and material for the four action plan recommendations. 
• Drafting web contents for intranet site and support other ways of sharing information on the project, e.g. webinars.
• Support the collaboration and consultation with implementing partners e.g. Regional HR Chiefs, Gender Focal points and the different groups/ stakeholders working on gender, such as Gender Push and the Global Staff Survey Working Group on Gender
• EDGE detailed raw data analysis

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• University degree in International Relations, Development, Gender Studies or other relevant degree
• 2+ years of relevant work experience, ideally in Gender/Diversity and Inclusion or another relevant field
• Work experience in project management is an asset
• Excellent communication, content management and writing skills
• Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, Excel and other relevant programs
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is a plus.

Additional Desirable Qualities

• Organized, detail-oriented, result-oriented, adaptable and entrepreneurial
• Strong interpersonal and client facing skills
• Mission-driven, self-directed, with integrity and a positive attitude
• Someone who enjoys planning, coordinating
• A creative problem solver, willing and able to work independently and collaboratively

Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above (including travel and daily subsistence allowance, if applicable). Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.

Remark:

With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.  

At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.