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Menstrual Hygiene Markets Specialist

Geneva

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Geneva
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-2, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Environment
    • Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
    • Sexual and reproductive health
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background information- ECR

Based in Geneva, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices throughout the region through: management, financial and programmatic oversight of global and country-specific portfolios, clusters and operations centres, including hosting services; fund and management advisory services; project implementation; procuring goods and services; and managing human resources.

ECR ensures that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between business units and projects across the entire region.

 ECR strategy is to:

  • Strengthen UNOPS role in operationalizing the Sustainable Development Goals with particular emphasis on health, environment and economic development.
  • Position UNOPS in the Balkan sub-region, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
  • Strengthen the implementation of ECR global and regional programmes, with revitalized partnerships in infrastructure, procurement and project management.

ECR operates global portfolios from offices in Geneva, Brussels and New York, and country-specific programmes from its operations and project centres located in Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries.

Background Information - Job-specific

Background Information – The Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF) 
Operational since July 2021, SHF is a new and innovative Fund dedicated to achieving access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations. 

The SHF mission is to catalyze vital investment into global sanitation and hygiene services to contribute to the world’s commitment that everyone will have access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene with the specific needs of women and girls, including menstrual health and hygiene (MHH), accounted for. Our presence is critical because global progress on achieving safe sanitation and hygiene is lagging due to insufficient finance and there is an urgent need to create more opportunities for further public and private investment into the sector. The SHF is utilizing innovative financial approaches to catalyze national sanitation economies. By doing this the SHF supports countries to increase the number of individuals with inclusive and sustainable access to improved sanitation, hygiene and MHH, by, a) Increasing the volume of investments in the sanitation economy and b) Realizing the full value of national sanitation economies; delivering inclusive and sustainable goods, services and jobs.

Within this context, in late 2022, SHF further defined its contribution to menstrual health and hygiene. Whilst maintaining a keen eye on alignment with the human rights imperative to integrate MHH into Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), adolescent and women’s health and nutrition outcomes, economic opportunities and psychosocial well-being, SHF will complement the work of other actors. Underpinned by gender-smart and climate-smart principles, the main elements of the SHF approach are, 

  • A commitment to move periods from burden to opportunity, unleashing and capitalizing the economic power of women and securing their voice and place in the value chain to improve outcomes for themselves and business
  • A focus on assisting the process of developing thriving menstrual hygiene marketplaces 
  • Identifying the root causes of market shortcomings and build a stronger ecosystem through market-shaping actions along the menstrual hygiene product supply chain
  • Contributing to the strengthening of the sanitation economy - an ecosystem that menstruators depend upon; and 
  • Putting countries first, deploying technical assistance to help remove the barriers to SME growth, identifying investable propositions before using our grant funds to unlock financing.
Role of the Menstrual Hygiene Markets Specialist
The SHF is looking for a mission-oriented, collaborative, open minded and agile professional who is knowledgeable and passionate about menstrual health and hygiene markets, the role of the private sector and catalytic financing in shaping sustainable menstrual hygiene marketplaces in low and middle income countries. 

Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director, SHF, and working in close collaboration across the small SHF team, the incumbent will further refine SHFs operational and business approach to MHH, contributing significantly to its implementation. 

Functional Responsibilities

1.Technical contribution

1.1) In the context of the overall SHF strategy 2022-2025, criteria for country prioritization and other operational norms, contribute to the evolution of SHFs approach to MHH, including, but not limited to: 
  • Developing thriving menstrual hygiene marketplaces in low and middle income settings
  • Realization of gender-smart and climate-smart approaches
  • Women’s economic power and role in the MHH value chain
  • Identifying the root causes of MHH market shortcomings
  • Building stronger ecosystems through market-shaping actions along the menstrual hygiene product supply chain
  • Contributing to the strengthening of the sanitation economy - an ecosystem that menstruators depend upon

1.2) Provide technical contribution to the articulation of new strategies for subsequent SHF strategic periods.


1.3) Contribute to timely preparation and submission of technical and financial reports for management, governance and donors’ decision making processes.


2.MHH approach and business model implementation
 
2.1) Take an active role in the evolution and application of the SHF business model in priority countries, including, technical inputs for pre-financing activities (e.g. market assessments, market estimates, business cases, financing strategies); identification of investable propositions to advance the menstrual hygiene marketplace; and the linkages between the menstrual hygiene marketplace and the sanitation economy


2.2) Provide technical inputs in support of SHFs MHH related Technical Assistance, focusing on reducing the barriers to gender-smart / climate-smart SME growth


2.3) Assist with the process of identifying investable propositions to progress the menstrual hygiene marketplace in priority countries and regions


2.4) Provide technical inputs in to the identification and design of MHH related catalytic financing


2.5) Provide technical inputs and advice in support of SHF MH related grants  


3.Planning and monitoring 

3.1) Make a substantial contribution to the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of MHH related annual work plans, addressing milestones, activities and tasks and ensuring course correction.


3.2) Contribute to the M&E process in respect of MHH related indicators, targets and impact benchmarks; relevant internal key performance indicators and evaluations.


3.3) Contribute to the capturing and dissemination of MHH evidence, learning and knowledge, including the meaningful integration of evidence generated through M&E systems and processes, with reporting and performance management. 



4.Contract and risk management

4.1) Contribute to procurement planning, draft technical TORS and manage any subsequent contracts (services or personnel). to UNOPS standards


4.2) Identify and maintain MHH related programmatic and financial risks and issues, maintain registers and take mitigating actions, elevating within the team as necessary.


4.3) Contribute to UNOPS / SHF audit related activities as required.


5.Outreach and dialogue


5.1) Perform outreach activities and establish and maintain technical relationships with a variety of internal and external colleagues and stakeholders


5.2) Represent SHF at selected MHH related meetings or events, online and face to face, positioning SHF as a lead in its field both internally and externally 


5.3) Undertake international travel missions as required



 Impact of Results SHF will be positioned as a credible front runner in the development of menstrual hygiene marketplaces and MHH in low and middle income countries. SHF will have extended its network and leveraged expertise to ensure that it is technically sound in respect of the MHH programming and investments. Priority countries will have benefited from high quality technical advice and guidance in the context of their engagement with SHF and the implementation of its overall business model. Moving forward, SHF will have stronger MHH strategies and approaches.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:
  • Master’s degree preferably in economics, business administration, marketing, public health, international development or another relevant social science discipline with a quantitative orientation is required.
  • A bachelor's degree preferably in economics, business administration, marketing, public health, international development, another relevant social science discipline with a combination of two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree.

Experience:
  • Minimum of five years of relevant professional and technical experience of MHH related business and market development in low or middle incomes countries and emerging markets is required.
  • Within these 5 years, a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in MSMEs in low and middle income countries is desirable. 
  • Demonstrated technical expertise in MHH is required. 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of women’s empowerment, gender, climate and/or innovative financing is desirable.
  • Experience working in a UN agency in the development or humanitarian context is desirable.

Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in English is essential including excellent writing skills.
  • Fluency in French is desirable.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

  1. Contract type :International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)
  2. Contract level : ICS 10 / IICA 2
  3. Contract duration :  Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

Additional Information

  • Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

  • Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

  • UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

  • Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

  • We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

  • Geneva, Switzerland is a UN Family Duty Station

  • This position is based in Switzerland and the contract fee is not exempt from Swiss laws, including but not limited to laws regarding taxation, social security, accident and health insurance.


Terms and Conditions 

  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

  • All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

  • It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.


This vacancy is now closed.
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