UNDP Jobs - 1915- Gender Advisor, HIV/AIDS

Gender Advisor, HIV/AIDS

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

200 Series

Starting Date :

23-Jul-2007

Application Deadline :

12-Jul-07 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

L-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 year

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 AIDS epidemic is a critical obstacle to achieving the Millennium Development Goals and to advancing human development. UNDP works to promote an enabling environment to contribute to the achievement of the MDGs, and to the goals of the 2001 General Assembly Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the 2006 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS.

UNDP is a founding Cosponsor of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). The UNAIDS division of labour provides the framework for UNDP’s response to the AIDS epidemic. UNDP is responsible for leading the UNAIDS response in addressing AIDS and development, governance, mainstreaming, human rights and gender. UNDP’s AIDS programmes focus on four key areas: AIDS and Human Development; Governance of the AIDS Response; AIDS, Human Rights and Gender; and Implementation of Global Funding Initiatives

Duties and Responsibilities

The Gender Advisor’s work is crucial to addressing UNDP global strategies on Gender and AIDS. He/she provides substantive guidance and support to UNDP’s Global, Regional and Country AIDS programmes and reinforce greater coordination with key partners such as the UNAIDS Secretariat and the Global Coalition on Women and AIDS.

The Advisor leads and strengthens mainstreaming of gender-dimensions of AIDS into all UNDP AIDS activities and further integrates Gender and AIDS into national development strategies. He/she works to reinforces the leadership and capacity of women’s networks as well as the rights of women and vulnerable groups in the context of AIDS. In partnership with UNIFEM, the Advisor also ensures implementation of the UNDP-UNIFEM workplan on Gender and AIDS in the response to HIV/AIDS.

Specific responsibilities include:

Lead development and management of UNDP global strategies on gender and AIDS, and strengthen implementation of programmes to address gender-dimensions of the epidemic, liaising with UNIFEM, the UNAIDS Secretariat and Cosponsors, and UNDP’s global Gender Team and regional gender advisors.
Expected Results: Implementation of joint UNDP-UNIFEM workplan, strengthening of joint programmes on Gender and AIDS.
Lead coordination of inter-agency forums, partnerships and strategies on gender and AIDS, with UNIFEM and the UNAIDS Secretariat and Cosponsors, to guide implementation of UNDP’s lead role on gender under the UNAIDS Division of Labour.
Expected Results: effective coordination with key partners including UNAIDS Secretariat and the Global Coalition on Women and AIDS to identify partnership opportunities and develop programmes.
Develop policy and normative guidance on gender and AIDS, and provide substantive guidance and support to UNDP’s Global, Regional and Country AIDS programmes.
Expected Results: training materials and capacity building of UNDP AIDS focal points to implement gender and AIDS programmes, and support integration of gender into national AIDS responses
Lead and strengthen mainstreaming of gender-dimensions of AIDS into all UNDP AIDS activities, including: integrating gender and AIDS into national development strategies.
Expected Results: Support to leadership and capacity of women’s networks and groups of women living with HIV to participating in all aspects of the AIDS response and promoting rights of women and vulnerable groups in the context of AIDS.
Liaise with HIV/AIDS team members to promote efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence among populations of humanitarian concern, including through the multi-agency consortium on HIV/AIDS and populations of humanitarian concern.
Expected Results: Representation in selected inter-agency forums and Task Teams on AIDS. Support to development of special initiative on gender and AIDS in the context of Men and Boys in promoting gender equality and women rights.

Competencies

Excellent oral and written communication skills including editing skills
Ability to negotiate and build partnerships, provide policy and technical advice
Operational experience in areas related to gender, experience with gender and AIDS programming.
Strong analytical abilities, communication and advocacy skills;
Proven skills in planning and communication
Familiarity with UN system and other international development organizations
Commitment to UNDP’s core values.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a multi-cultural environment
Ability to manage and juggle multiple deadlines and tasks.
Ability to work in a close-knit team and coordinate activities with other UNDP and UN system colleagues.
Leadership skills and discipline required to perform at a high level of efficiency and to motivate others
Strong interpersonal skills required to promote effective coordination among the UN family of agencies, lead and facilitate interagency collaboration and programming.
Strong networking skills required to ensure cultivation of the daily working relationship between UNDP, UNIFEM, UNAIDS Secretariat and other UN Co-sponsors.

Required Skills and Experience

Advanced university degree in social science, political science, development economics or related discipline.
At least ten years of relevant work experience preferably in an international organization in the area of development; with established experience in gender programming.
Fluency in English is required (both written and verbal).
Working knowledge of other UN language would be desirable.