Gender and Safeguards Specialist at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Task description

The UN Volunteer position is in the GSU of the Policy and Programme Division (PPD) at UNEP HQ in Nairobi, Kenya. Under the direct supervision of the head of the GSU. the International UNV will undertake the following tasks:

• Support in the establishment, testing, implementation, and revision of the ESSF-related operational tools and systems by engaging UNEP project managers, PPD, coordination offices, implementing and executing partners, and funding agencies. These tools and systems should fit to the perspectives of above entities.
• Support project managers with taking a human rights-based approach (HRBA) in identifying and engaging local community members, indigenous people, and other marginalized and vulnerable people in terms of their needs, concerns, roles, and opportunities associated with the concerned projects through close consultation with the Safeguards Advisor.
• Advise project managers to design solutions which consider differences in ability, gender-based violence, gender-responsive approaches, and effective engagement of local stakeholders by exploring best practices and methodologies.
• Monitor projects’ compliance with the Safeguards Advisor’s recommendations, gender-action plans, stakeholder engagement plans, and safeguard risk management plans during the project implementation phase to provide appropriate improvement recommendations under the supervision of the Safeguards Advisor.
• Participate in the oversight of safeguards implementation at the programme level; prepare reports on the overall and aggregate status of ESSF implementation on guiding principles and recommend the follow-up measures to improve UNEP’s ESSF compliance.
• Engage in and contribute to the collective efforts in improving the Unit’s work strategy, process, teamwork, capacity, and client support.
• Undertakes other related or administrative tasks, when assigned. Results/Expected Outputs
• New or revised operational tools and guidelines related to ESSF implementation
• Enhanced integration of human rights-based approach (HRBA) and gender-responsiveness in UNEP project management
• Communication materials to guide systematic compliance with Safeguards Advisor’s recommendations, gender-action plans, stakeholder engagement plans, and safeguard risk management plans during the project implementation phase
• Regular reporting on the status of ESSF implementation and related challenges
• Active and timely contribution to the Unit’s work strategy, process, teamwork, capacity building, and client support.

Required experience

• 3 years of experience in relevant fields; of which at least two years are in public participation and human rights development/advocacy with technical and substantive knowledge in the developing country setting.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and data analysis
• Be enthusiastic, curious, and willing to learn more, with a problem-solving approach; Be confident to work well in teams and efficient in delivering work.
• Communicate effectively and persuade diverse audiences, and work effectively with a wide range of clients.