Background

Since the late 1980s and more recently the Second Intifada, the oPt has experienced a steady decline in its economy, in human and social development and in security. Key obstacles to progress include the occupation, the lack of a clear road map to peace, imposed restrictions on the movement of people and goods through out the oPt and the deterioration of Palestinian government institutions following the 2006 elections. These factors amongst others have impeded the development and implementation of pro-growth and social policies including efforts to reduce poverty, provide access to social services and protect human rights. Human security has deteriorated in the oPt with the increase in intra-Palestinian violence, including gender based violence. In June 2007 Hamas seized power in Gaza, further isolating this densely populated area and rendering it almost completely aid dependent. At the appointed Palestinian Authority based in Ramallah is now preparing national plans, policy tools and priority interventions in order to resume the reform process in the West Bank with a view to boosting the economy, increasing employment, reducing poverty and improving security.
 
In support of UNDP/PAPP, the Bureau for Crises Prevention and Recovery (BCPR) fielded a scoping mission in February/March 2007 which highlighted strategic areas of intervention for increased BCPR support to UNDP/PAPP to advance conflict sensitive development planning within PAPP’s portfolio of programmes. A project document, “Building capacities for conflict development analysis and sensitive programming in the oPt” has been developed.  Mainstreaming poverty, vulnerabilities and gender perspectives in Crisis Prevention and Recovery is emphasized in this project reinforcing UNDP/PAPP's recent efforts to mainstream gender and social development perspectives into operations, policies and programmes and to dedicate specific interventions that empower vulnerable groups, including women.
 
The application of a conflict development perspective, sensitive to gender and social development in UNDP/PAPP’s planning and programming processes is critical to ensure positive impact.

Duties and Responsibilities

The social development and gender advisor under the authority of the Special Representative and the direct supervision of the Deputy Special Representative (in a matrix management arrangement with the Special Representative), will be responsible for providing analysis, strategic advise and expertise in relation to social policy, strategy development and programming, covering gender, poverty, social exclusion, community participation, vulnerability, and human rights perspectives. The incumbent will collaborate with the Senior Economist, the Peace and Development Advisor, programme managers and analysts to: increase PAPP’s understanding of the environment it is working in, including the development of a dynamic knowledge base; develop a comprehensive strategy to improve the socio-economic conditions of the oPt that ensures gender and poverty-related perspectives; identify and promote efforts to build peace for and with Palestinian women; inform programme development and implementation; and provide expertise on monitoring, evaluation and lessons learned.     
 
His/ her specific functions will include, inter alia :
 
  • Advise the UNDP/PAPP Special Representative, the Deputy Special Representative (P) and the UNDP Team in all on-going efforts to integrate a gender, poverty and human rights perspective into policy, strategy, and all stages of programme development and management;
  • Advise also on the implementation of recommendations related to gender mainstreaming in UNDP/PAPP operations (e.g., human resources and procurement procedures).
  • Assist UNDP/PAPP in developing a strategy for the oPt shifting the emphasis from project led initiatives to strategic policy interventions incorporating a gender, poverty and vulnerability analysis and conflict sensitivity perspective.
  • Provide strategic inputs to the Conflict Development and Risk Assessment from a gender and human rights perspective, promoting the active participation of Palestinian women’s organization throughout the process, and leading the analysis of women’s security concerns and gender based violence, identifying activities to address these issues.
  • Ensure appropriate follow-up to UNDP/PAPP programme with reference to the Beijing Platform for Action of the Fourth World Conference on Women, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and Security Council Resolution 1325;
  • Monitor the development of trends, directions and issues with regard to poverty and vulnerability, gender, women's rights and human rights, including gender based violence, as a basis for UNDP/PAPP program in the oPt;
  • Establish partnerships with key stakeholders (Palestinian Authority line ministries, civil society organizations, donors and other development and humanitarian agencies including the World Bank) to formulate strategies and programmes that promote poverty eradication, social inclusion, gender equality and women's empowerment in the oPt;
  • Assist key sections in UNDP/PAPP (e.g., Human Resources and Procurement) in reviewing their operations from a poverty and gender perspective and in taking corrective action where required.
  • Contribute to the development of a knowledge base that includes poverty, gender and human rights in the key areas covered by UNDP/PAPP (Poverty, Environment, Governance, Crisis Prevention and Recovery)
  • Provide written analysis and presentations as required and produce and contribute to the development of substantive reports and flag ship documents/publications in coordination with national counterparts and stakeholders and UNDP/PAPP advisors.
  • Collaborate with the senior economist in reporting on the Millennium Development Goals and support the Palestinian Authority and civil society organizations in collecting quantitative and qualitative data on relevant indicators.
  • Take a lead role in representing UNDP/PAPP with government counterparts, civil society and donors on social development issues, including gender and human rights.
  • Assist UNDP/PAPP in drafting proposals and in identifying funding sources for programmes that include social development issues.
  • Provide on-going orientation and support to UNDP/PAPP programme staff for developing, monitoring and evaluating programmes.
  • Provide technical oversight and support to the forthcoming UN joint $11 million programme on gender equality and women's empowerment in the oPt (MDG achievement fund).
  • Represent UNDP during the UNCT common country assessment.
  • Liaise with all key national and international stakeholders, key domestic political and civic actors, civil society organizations, including NGOs, UN partners, donors in the context of the above functions.
  • Maintain close contact with relevant staff in UNDP Headquarters, in particular BCPR’s technical and programme experts and where appropriate the Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS).
  • Support interagency and multi-partners coordination efforts in the areas of engagement.
  • Perform any additional and TOR related functions as required by the UNDP/PAPP Special Representative.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism
Functional Competencies:
  • Demonstrates professional and in depth knowledge on poverty, social exclusion, vulnerabilities, poverty, community participation and gender in the context of the oPt
  • Social research techniques including participatory approaches
  • Stakeholder analysis
  • Excellent analytical skills and sound judgment
  • Ability to work in a team.
  • Proven knowledge of project cycle and log-frame design including budgeting abilities
  • Monitoring and evaluation skills.
  • Has the ability to advocate and provide policy advice
  • Is able to demonstrate leadership skills in strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts to different stakeholders in a clear and concise style.
  • Can manage multiple activities concurrently, work under pressure, and to tight deadlines
  • Displays a high level of respect, diplomacy and tact when dealing with government officials, donors and other stakeholders
 

Required Skills and Experience

  • Masters degrees and/or PhD in Gender and Development, Social Science or related fields.
  • A minimum of 7 - 10 years of professional experience at the national and international level in advisory, and/or managerial positions including experience in crisis and post-crisis countries. minimum of 7 - 10 years of professional experience at the national and international level in advisory, and/or managerial positions including experience in crisis and post-crisis countries.
  • Substantial work experience and knowledge on gender and development; experience with gender related work in crisis or post-crisis situations is considered an asset.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and proven networking skills, able to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment
  • Communication skills, ability to convey challenging issues and positions to senior officials, sensitivity to local cultures, experience of facilitation and training is highly desirable
  • Understanding of the UN system, policies, practices and procedures
  • Ability to work with high level government and donor counterparts
  • Preference will be given to persons with working experience in Arab States
  • Excellent speaking and writing skills in English
  • Knowledge of Arabic is an asset
  • Familiarity with Crisis Prevention and Recovery Issues
  • Excellent computer skills