Programme Officer - Gender Focal Point - Yangon

Context          

Funded by the European Union, the STEP Democracy Programme is a long-term programme designed to support Myanmar’s democratic transition. Beginning in 2018, STEP will continue its support to electoral processes, political participation and representation and robust legal frameworks under its second phase (STEP II) extending until 2021. This will be done through extensive partnerships with national institutions including the Union Election Commission (UEC), political parties, civil society and the media. The programme is implemented by International IDEA through a partnership of seven national and international partners. STEP Democracy has a strong commitment to an open and flexible approach to democratic reform which is mindful of the rich history and cultural diversity of Myanmar and which does not seek to impose solutions. International IDEA plays a key role in supporting programme efforts to promote gender equality and women’s participation in all aspects of the electoral process and wider democratic reforms and as such strives to mainstream gender across all programming, implementation, and M&E. In addition, the programme incorporates targeted actions that aim at addressing gender inequalities and work to minimize exclusion. It is within this framework that the Programme Officer - Gender Focal Point will support the programme through the undertaking of the duties and responsibilities outlined below.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Implements the STEP II gender assessment recommendations in close cooperation with STEP partner Gender Focal Points (GFP’s) and Monitoring and Evaluation (M+E) staff;
• Regularly holds and coordinates STEP GFP meetings;
• Organizes meetings with international organizations based in Myanmar and/or external experts to support the implementation of the gender assessment recommendations;
• Facilitates gender training for National Partners, and other STEP partners, as appropriate;
• Supports STEP partners in mainstreaming gender in all aspects of their work, and provides support in conducting gender-based research and policy recommendations;
• Provides advice to the STEP Programme Manager and to STEP partners on how to strengthen gender linkages and synergies in STEP;
• Supports the STEP Programme Manager and STEP partners in conducting gender related analysis of STEP activities;
• Maintains a repository of STEP gender resources including relevant materials, gender checklists and samples;
• Supports the development of a sex-disaggregated database of external experts recruited by STEP;
• Supports the Elections team in Naypyitaw in gender mainstreaming activities, including advocacy with the Union Election Commission and supports the organization of gender targeted activities;
• Provides regular updates on gender related developments from both national and international stakeholders;
• Contributes to data analysis and the collection of gender disggregated data for STEP annual reports, in close collaboration with the Monitoring and Evaluation team;
• Supports the Monitoring & Evaluation team in updating and implementing tools including the gender check list, gender-sensitive evaluation forms and reporting templates;
• Works with the STEP Communications group to ensure that STEP uses gender sensitive language, and all communication highlights the different interests of women and men;

General Profile

• Requires in-depth knowledge, excellent skills and relevant experience in the field of gender mainstreaming;
• Will contribute significantly to assigned programme tasks related to different aspects of the programme cycle, including conducting research, training, data analysis, compilation of documents in support to programme internal and external stakeholders;
• Adds value to STEP programme partner activities; collaborates with other entities of International IDEA and STEP partners as required;
• Can work with minimal guidance and supervision;
• Can be expected to travel globally to any geographical area involved in his/her projects;
• Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;
• Acts in accordance with International IDEA’s core values; Respect, Integrity and Professionalism;
• Integrates a gender and diversity perspective in all activities.

Reporting Line

• Programme Manager STEP.

Programmatic Knowledge

• Has in-depth knowledge in own discipline and good understanding of related disciplines to be able to approach programmatic issues in a holistic manner.

Operational Knowledge, skills and experience

• Has a good understanding of mainstreaming gender in the project cycle, project management and results-based management;
• Has in depth knowledge of gender and development issues;
• Has good knowledge of global, regional and national gender agreements, protocols and plans;
• Has advanced computer skills in Excel and Word and database management;

• Has a good understanding of the key geographical zone where his/her work is implemented – which may imply field/international experience at some point
• Displays an awareness, and sensitivity, of Myanmar’s particular social, political, religious and cultural cotext
• Illustrates integrity, a collaborative spirit, a sense of achievement, and an understanding of risk management.

Leadership

• No people management responsibility over permanent staff;
• Acts as a model and resource for more junior colleagues;
• May assume project management responsibilities.

Problem Solving

• Identifies and resolves complex problems; approaches issues with new perspectives; analyses situations from a multitude of intervening factors.

Impact

• Has a clear impact on the programme development and delivery;
• Can also impact other teams and projects in related fields.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Liaises to all internal and external stakeholders involved in his/her project; acts and is perceived as an initiator of relevant communication to solve issues;
• Drives projects and assignments through communicative personal energy and engagement;
• Can explain sensitive information with diplomacy and build consensus;
• Excellent knowledge in written and oral English required. Knowledge of a widely spoken language in an International IDEA priority region would be an asset.

Education and Experience

• University degree in social sciences, gender studies, human rights or other relevant field;
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience conducting gender studies or gender analyses/gender mainstreaming/gender training of democracy or development programmes;
• Training in the field of gender and development;
• Experience in and understanding of the Myanmar country context, including its democratic processes and institutional, political, and electoral context, as well as of key stakeholders is highly desirable 

Terms of Contract:

Contract duration: Immediate start. Fixed term appointment until 30 July 2021. 

Salary: EUR 4,495 NET per month 

Applying for this position:

• Applications should be submitted online no later than 30 October 2020. Please note that all applications must be made in English.
• You may apply directly by pressing the Send Application button.

International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.