UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

Generation Equality is the world’s leading effort to unlock political will and accelerate investment and implementation on gender equality. It recognizes that a bold, whole of society approach is needed to disrupt entrenched and rising global gender inequality, underscored by intensified ambition, investment and accountability. The initiative brings together organizations from every part of society to catalyze progress, advocate for change and take bold actions together.
 
Generation Equality was initiated to disrupt decades of under-investment and lack of progress on gender equality implementation. The initiative intends to support the achievement of the SDGs and the realization of the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action on women’s rights. With the intersecting challenges to gender inequality of COVID-19, the climate crisis, growing conflicts and intensified economic and political instability, the initiative aims both to stop reversals in women’s and girls’ rights as well as accelerate concrete progress.
 
Generation Equality was launched in 2021 at events in Mexico and France, and in the presence of Heads of State, VIPs, CEOs and civil society and youth leaders and activists. Initially conceived as a five-year initiative, work will continue through and beyond 2026 to enroll new commitment makers, press for collective action on gender equality and ensure accountability.

The Midpoint Moment will be the first major public facing moment for Generation Equality since its launch and a critical moment to convey progress as well as action still needed by the global community. Convened by UN Women, this hybrid format event will be designed to engage Heads of State, VIPs, activists and advocates from every sector to re-energize the Generation Equality vision and push for the full realization of its agenda. The main event will be held in New York and virtually on 17 September 2023, with in-person attendance of approximately 350 people followed by reception. This will be followed by a series of a limited number of focused virtual events. The event’s objectives are to demonstrate accountability for commitments already made to Generation Equality, showcase bold and new commitments, and energize the public conversation about the need for intensified investment in gender equality.

To prepare for these events, UN Women requires the services of a senior level Event Manager who will be responsible for the management and coordination of the events development and implementation.

The Senior Consultant will work under the guidance of the Special Advisor on Generation Equality and in collaboration with teams across UN Women.

Manage all event planning, coordination and implementation:

• Manage and coordinate a dedicated Midpoint Moment Task Force, ensuring integration of all various event workstreams
• Develop a timeline of key milestones and deadlines, along with who is responsible for what actions/tasks
• Schedule, create all agendas for and facilitate regular pre-event meetings
• Track and monitor event budget and expenditures
• Work collaboratively to refine and finalize the event agenda and content and to develop speaker lists
• Ensure invitations are sent in a timely manner; with appropriate follow-up calls and RSVP tracking;
• Assist in outreach to desired speakers and high-level guests participating in the event and track RSVPs
• Ensure event content and speaker plans are congruent with the capabilities of the venue and online event platform
• Orchestrate run-through and pre-briefing sessions for all speakers and moderators
• Lead communications and follow up with event management company and venue teams to ensure effective end-to-end production
• Scope, anticipate and ensure all on-site event requirements inclusive of: accessibility needs for attendees with disabilities; specific needs for VIPs and Heads of State; and specific needs (staging, AV, screens, multi-media etc.) for each event session
• With event vendor, ensure that all on-site testing and run-throughs are planned and executed successfully
• With event vendor and/ or venue, oversee all catering needs for the event
• Oversee the integration of pre-filmed video content and messages into the event, in the room and online
• Anticipate, commission, and oversee all necessary venue signage, branding, graphics, and sets/ backdrops
• Work with UN security team, with venue and with vendor to ensure appropriate security is in place inclusive of any specific needs of key VIPs and stakeholders
• Coordinate all on-site logistics on the day with event vendor and venue, ensure seamless on-site communication, be a visible presence to ensure the event’s smooth running and to resolve any issues
• Work with communications team to ensure necessary accommodations onsite and online for media, photographers, press conferences etc.
• Work with communications team to develop and ensure consistent look, feel and branding across the event inclusive of virtual and in person signage, agenda, online platform branding and branding for all event materials
• Coordinate and manage the development of a consistent template for the virtual sessions, scope format and speakers for each session and ensure successful execution
• Ensure robust documentation of the event (recordings, photographs etc.) and pre-establish necessary photographs and methods to orchestrate
• Guide and monitor the work of a small support team
• Hold debriefs with the Special Advisor and Task Force.

Oversee the hybrid and fully virtual formats of the event

• With event vendor, ensure selection of a robust and cost-efficient web platform for the hybrid and virtual events
• Ensure full testing of the platform inclusive of testing in the event venue and ensuring that on-site filming and live-streaming capabilities are robust and fit for purpose
• Ensure on the day plan and capabilities for technology troubleshooting and ensure these are well-communicated to all parties  
• Commission any necessary branding or graphics
• Work with colleagues to establish, communicate and enforce online community guidelines for the event, and ensure plans are in place to identify and immediately mitigate hostile online infiltration
• Ensure online accessibility in line with UN Women and Generation Equality guidelines.

Key Performance Indicators

• Well-orchestrated plan with all key timings, content speaker and space/ on-site logistics defined by June 2023
• Timely and high-quality execution of the in person, hybrid, and virtual events, supported by high quality speaker and attendee feedback.

Core Values:

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues (including Global South/ Global North dynamics, and the role of feminist movements, youth, and civil society)
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent project management and coordination skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to participate effectively in a team-based, information-sharing environment, and to collaborate and cooperate effectively with others.
• Demonstrated capacity to perform effectively within a multi-cultural work environment, with tact and ability to deal with confidential matters in a discreet manner.
• Proven negotiation skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain a calm and professional demeanor during periods of high pressure and demands
• Proven ability to effectively communicate and work with a variety of partners, including Governments, private sector and civil society, including VIPs and public figures.
• Knowledge of the UN system and related procurement, financial and other systems.

Education and certification:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in communications, public relations, business administration, public administration or relevant field is required
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of previous experience in large-scale, high profile event planning and management, including in-person, hybrid and virtual formats, ideally including UN events.
• Ability to create, plan and execute production schedules.
• Ability to respond to real time changes and challenges.
• Proven experience managing vendors such as event management companies, AV/ tech vendors, photographers/ videographers, and marketing vendors
• Experience supporting the participation of VIPs and public figures.
• Experience in working in partnership with diverse stakeholders, including civil society, Governments, and private sector.
• Experience in effectively managing projects in a deadline driven and high-pressure environment.
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial and creative spirit, ability to multi-task under pressure, and strong capacity to work in a team as well as independently with minimal supervision to complete tasks.
• Experience working in gender equality is an asset.
• Prior experience working in or with the UN is highly preferred. 

Language Requirements:

• Written and oral fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.