Tiered Approach - This vacancy is open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 applicants

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
  • Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers.
  • Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP’s mission as part of the UN system is to achieve sustainable development and fight poverty wherever it is greatest. This requires the very best of us, world-class collaboration, innovative thinking, resilient-based strategies, and continuous learning. UNDP’s competitive advantage as a development partner of choice comes from having the trust of developing countries, owing to our impartial character, transparency, and longstanding presence and commitment to the poorest and most vulnerable. We offer opportunities to make a lasting difference to the more than 170 countries where we commit our support and expertise.

UNDP is strongly committed to upholding UN values and, as such, prohibits all forms of harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination and abuse of authority in its workplace as well as any sexual misconduct with regards to the populations we serve, either by our personnel or by partners we work with in our policy and programme work. UNDP’s 2025-26 corporate Strategy and Action Plan on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), has a focus on the four priority areas of Prevention; Reporting and Response; Support to Victims/Survivors and Accountability. A UNDP corporate PSEAH Task Force drives the implementation of the Strategy and Action Plan to further advance a UNDP working environment based on respect, openness and trust that is free from any kinds of harassment, discrimination, bias, abuse of authority and misconduct, including sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse.  

Position Purpose

Under the overall supervision of the Bureau for Management Services (BMS) Deputy Director, and as part of the PSEAH team situated in the BMS Directorate, the Programme Advisor on PSEAH is responsible for leading the implementation of the UNDP Strategy and Action Plan on PSEAH in UNDP. The post holder will collaborate closely with UNDP’s Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI), Ethics Office, Office of Legal Services, and Office of Human Resources, all of which play critical roles in addressing and managing incidents of sexual misconduct. The post holder reports to the Deputy Director of BMS and supervises the P4 Victim Support Specialist as well as a number of consultants as part of the core PSEAH team. The post holder will undertake duty travel as required.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. This is a recognition of interconnected nature of development risks & crises that the world is facing and that call for assembling of multidisciplinary teams for an integrated & systemic response. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across issues, units, functions, teams and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Key Duties and Accountabilities

1. Lead the design and development of organizational policies, strategies, and guidelines related to PSEAH 

  • Lead the review and continual improvement of PSEAH strategy, policies, and practices in line with best practice, ensuring PSEAH principles and standards are mainstreamed into corporate policy, procedures, frameworks, and guidelines as well as programme activities in Country Offices working closely with other Bureaus and Offices as required  
  • Lead on updating UNDP’s corporate PSEAH Strategy and Action Plan, in consultation with the PSEAH Taskforce and other stakeholders as needed, for discussion and approval by the Executive Group annually.
  • Working closely with OHR and other relevant offices, support the implementation of UNDP’s policy on Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Abuse of Authority, ensuring that this policy remains up to date and relevant.  
  • Lead on the design and implementation of initiatives to raise awareness of UNDP’s  PSEAH policies, strategies and action plans both internally and externally  
  • Lead the design, roll out and detailed analysis of results of UNDP’s PSEAH annual Country Office survey and other related surveys to inform key monitoring and progress reports including the Integrated Results and Resources Framework of the UNDP Strategic Plan
  • Lead on the provision of guidelines on key corporate priority areas including a) conducting risk SEAH assessments, b) working on SEAH with implementing partners and c) providing victim/survivor reporting mechanisms and support services in close collaboration with the Victim Support Specialist  
  • Lead on the provision of guidelines to all UNDP offices on the design of PSEAH action plans to effectively implement UNDP’s corporate strategy and action plan and address gaps that have been identified.  
  • Lead the design of mechanisms to track performance as well as for tracking and mitigating SEAH risks working closely with UNDP’s Corporate Performance Unit, and other Bureaus/Offices as required  

2. Lead on ensuring effective implementation of on-going initiatives related to PSEAH  

  • Lead contact for OAI, Legal, Ethics, OHR and the Victim Support Specialist on  SEAH cases and coordinate action including with country offices as required.
  • Lead engagement with Country Offices on the implementation of PSEAH activities including providing guidance and support on corporate priority issues including:  
    • engaging with Implementing Partners with a view to determining their ability to meet UNDP’s standards on PSEAH and agreeing on support and mitigation measures.
    • establishing, monitoring and strengthening safe, gender sensitive and victim/survivor centered complaints and feedback mechanisms (working closely with the Victim Support Specialist)  
    • identifying victim/survivor support services at community and country level, including strengthening referral pathways (working closely with the Victim Support Specialist).
  • As Head of the Clear Check Committee Secretariat, and in close coordination with the Office of Audit and Investigations, the Legal Office, OHR and the Global Shared Service Unit, manage the Clear Check database on SH and SEA, including screening of candidates and placement of perpetrators.  
  • Work closely with OHR on the management of the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) pilot
  • Lead and manage the network of PSEAH focal points globally, including providing training and policy advice as required.  
  • Chair of the corporate PSEAH Taskforce, preparing the agendas for the monthly meetings and ensuring follow up on actions agreed. 

3. Lead on raising the capacity and awareness of personnel and partners on UNDP’s standards and approach and related activities on PSEAH and facilitate knowledge dissemination  

  • Lead on the design and delivery of training sessions and implement learning interventions for all existing and new personnel (with a particular focus on leaders and managers), PSEAH focal points, and implementing partners to raise awareness of PSEAH.
  • Lead and manage the network of PSEAH focal points globally, including providing advice and guidelines on key corporate priorities including, victim/survivor reporting and support services, managing risk and working with implementing partners.  
  • Lead on ensuring UNDP’s internal and external PSEAH websites are regularly updated to sustain awareness of SH and SEA across UNDP offices in line with best practice.  
  • Contribute to the organization wide work on behavioral change and design interventions aimed at changing mindsets and behaviors related to sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse.  
  • Contribute to the broader efforts led by OHR towards the enhancement of a speak-up culture that nurtures up-stander actions and discourage bystander attitudes.  

4. Represent UNDP in PSEAH interagency processes

  • Represent UNDP in relevant interagency working groups including the IASC Technical Advisory Group on SEA;  the CEB High Level Committee on Management (HLCM) working group on Sexual Harassment (and related workstreams) and the UN PSEA Task Force, led by the UN Office of the Special Coordinator (OSC) and other related working groups (taking on chairing roles as required)
  • Build internal and external PSEAH networks to strengthen implementation of PSEAH programs across UNDP and externally.  
  • Support liaison between UNDP and any relevant PSEAH stakeholders.  

5. Lead on monitoring and reporting on progress on PSEAH activities

  • Lead on drafting briefings, speeches and other materials as required including for UNDP senior officials to help advocate the importance of the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment across the organization and externally.  
  • Lead on drafting Executive Board reports and related briefings and talking points to support Executive Board discussions – formal and informal – on the implementation of PSEAH activities across UNDP.  
  • Lead on the development of PSEAH data collection tools to inform report writing and data review/analysis for improved implementation and decision making.  
  • Lead on monitoring progress of PSEAH activities within the organization and provide support where gaps have been identified in the form of advice and guidance to leadership teams.
  • Keep up to date on latest thinking and best practices on all issues related to PSEAH to inform UNDP’s approach 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Manage and supervise P4 Victim Support Specialist

Competencies

Core

  • Achieve Results: ​​LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact ​
  • Think Innovatively: ​​LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems ​Learn Continuously: ​​LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences​ 
  • Adapt with Agility: ​​LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands ​
  • Act with Determination: ​​LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results​
  • Engage and Partner:​​LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration​
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: ​​LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity​

People Management

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.  

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

HR -Duty of Care - Psychosocial Support to Personnel  

  • Ability and certified qualification to provide psychological counselling services to teams and individual personnel  

Business Management - Customer Satisfaction/Client Management  

  • Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.  

Business Management  - Portfolio Management

  • Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity.
  • Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools  

Business Management - Monitoring and Evaluation  

  • Ability to systematically monitor results of  strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results.  
  • Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns  

Business Development  - Integration with the UN  

  • Ability to identity, and integrate capacity and assets of the UN system, and engage in joint work; knowledge of the UN System and ability to apply this knowledge to strategic and/or practical situations  

Business Direction and Strategy - System thinking  

  • Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.  

Business Management - Communication

  • Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.  

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Gender Studies, Humanitarian Affairs, Human Rights, International Law, Sociology or other relevant Social Sciences is required. Or  
  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above-mentioned areas with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of the master’s degree. 

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

  • A minimum of ten (10) years (with master’s degree) or twelve (12) years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional work experience in designing, implementing and managing policies and programmes on the prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Harassment, Gender Based Violence or other safeguarding related policies and programming, preferably with the UN and/or international NGO is require.
  • At least 3 years of proven experience in designing and delivering learning strategies, capacity-building programs, and training sessions related to PSEAH is required.  
  • Direct experience of and familiarity with PSEA and SH inter-agency mechanisms is required  
  • At least 3 years’ experience working in developing country settings including in crisis contexts is required  
  • Experience in strong coordination, facilitation, networking, and advocacy is desired.
  • Demonstrated experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder discussions and incorporating diverse perspectives into decision-making processes is desired.
  • Experience and knowledge of monitoring and evaluation and risk management methodologies is desired.
  • Experience and strong global mindset with the ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment is desired.  
  • Experience in excellent reports drafting is desired.
  • Specialized training and experience in SH or SEA issues is an asset.

Language requirements

  • Fluency in English is required.  
  • Working knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset.  

#LI-DNI

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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