UNDP Jobs - 17785- Consultant: Coordinator

Consultant: Coordinator - Global Gender and Climate Alliance

Location :

Home based

Type of Contract :

Other

Starting Date :

01-Sep-2010

Application Deadline :

23-Jul-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Other

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year with possible extension

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The Global Gender and Climate Alliance (GGCA) was formally launched in December 2007 during the UNFCCC climate change talks in Bali, Indonesia, by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO). Over the past two years, the GGCA has grown to include 13 UN agencies and 25 international civil society organizations working together to ensure that climate change policies, decision-making, and initiatives at global, regional and national levels are gender responsive.

The Steering Committee (SC) of the GGCA currently consists of the four founding partners. Through the appointment of a dedicated staff person (or an institution), the GGCA’s SC seeks to strengthen the GGCA’s role as a leader on gender and climate change.

Objectives of the GGCA

The GGCA works on four complementary objectives:

Integrate a gender perspective into policy and decision making in order to ensure international mandates and other legal instruments on gender equality are fully implemented;
Ensure that financing mechanisms on mitigation and adaptation address the needs of poor women and men equitably;
Build capacity at all levels to design and implement gender-responsive climate change policies, strategies and programmes; and
Develop, compile, and share practical tools, information, and methodologies to facilitate the integration of gender into policy and programming.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Coordinator of the GGCA is responsible for the following:

1. Operational structure and strategic direction of the GGCA

Lead a review of the mission, functions and governance structure of the GGCA, through a consultative process with members
Organize meetings and teleconferences, related to the above
Advise the membership and SC on the strategic direction of the alliance and its communication strategy

2. Coordinate the membership and activities of the Alliance

Build and maintain GGCA partnerships, liaising regularly with members, as well as SC
Coordinate membership meetings
Maintain membership database
Upon direction from the Steering committee, facilitate research and analysis on existing and emerging issues related to gender and climate change in order to provide substantive guidance and direction to the Alliance;
Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the annual work plan of the Alliance and its activities in climate change policymaking and initiatives
Document and share lessons and good practices from the membership

3. Manage the GGCA secretariat

Manage the secretariat budget and activities, in accordance with direction from the SC
Recruit and manage short term consultants for the secretariat
Update and implement the GGCA communications strategy (including, inter alia, manage website, listservs, branding, media relations)
Monitor emerging opportunities in the area of climate change and present to members and SC

4. Support the Steering Committee (SC)

Coordinate and facilitate SC meetings, including preparing the meeting agenda and taking minutes
Report to the Steering Committee and membership on Secretariat activities

5. Build the alliance and strengthen its work

Represent the GGCA in international , regional and national climate change meetings
Secure speaking opportunities for GGCA representatives in relevant meetings and other spaces on gender can climate change that are within the priorities set by the GGCA and can which can provide added value to the work of the Alliance
Network with international donors to explore funding for the GGCA
Support drafting of proposals and budgets for core GGCA activities, as defined by the SC and agreed with the wider membership
Liaise regularly with donors and members to keep track of proposal submissions and avoid overlap
Report on Secretariat activities carried out under joint project(s), including providing inputs into reports to the donor(s)

Competencies

Functions/Technical skills:

Proven track record of policy development, design and implementation of programmes
Knowledge and technical expertise in the area of climate change, gender equality and women’s empowerment
Demonstrated experience with evaluation instruments, results-based management, work planning, budgeting and reporting
Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships, advocate effectively and communicate to various constituencies
Experience raising, managing, and reporting on funds from a variety of donors
Excellent analytical skills of substantive as well as organizational issues
Ability to establish priorities for self and others, and to work independently
Ability to perform a variety of research and logistical support tasks in a fast-paced and highly pressured environment

Competencies:

Excellent verbal and written communication and advocacy skills
Excellent team-building, networking and inter-personal skills
Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with UN agencies, governments and with civil society

Required Skills and Experience

Advanced post-graduate university degree in Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Natural Resource Management, Social Sciences, Gender studies, or related fields
A minimum of 7 years relevant working experience in the area of sustainable development and gender, including advocacy, planning, and communications experience in gender and climate change
Professional experience in developing countries
Demonstrated experience collaborating with multiple institutions at national, regional and international level
Excellent knowledge of institutional mandates, polices and guidelines to inform gender and climate change
Fluency in spoken and written English, with familiarity with other UN languages (particularly French and/or Spanish) an asset
Familiarity with information and communication technologies
Ability to travel internationally frequently
Willingness to sign a conflict of interest release and code of conduct

Institutions that meet the above criteria are also encouraged to apply.