Background

Submitted to the Security Council in October 2010, the Secretary-General's Report S/2010/498 on women and peace and security presented a set of indicators for use at the global level to track implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). In its presidential statement (S/PRST/2010/22) following the presentation of this report, the Security Council supported taking forward the set of indicators "for use as an initial framework to track implementation of its resolution 1325 in situations of armed conflict and post-conflict and other situations relevant to the implementation of resolution 1325, as appropriate, and taking into account the specificity of each country." The report also summarizes the next steps required to taking forward the set of indicators, such as the definition of methods for data collection and collation, development of reporting templates, elaboration of guidance, definition of timelines, etc. (see paragraphs 119-124).
 
UN Women will lead an inter-agency process to ensure implementation of these indicators and report to the Security Council on the steps taken on this regard in the next Secretary-General report on women and peace and security due in September 2011. This will require coordination with UN Entities in terms of inputs to be requested and received, processing of information received from UN Entities and coordination of inputs, technical support and assistance to UN Entities as required, background research and guidance note development, as well as knowledge product development. In order to accomplish this, UN Women will need to move quickly in supporting UN partners as needed and to establish a coherent reporting system. This requires strong technical expertise, effective inter-agency coordination and strategic outreach and communication (in order to make complex information accessible to non-expert audiences).

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of UN Women's Policy Advisor / Practice Manager of the Peace and Security Cluster, the Statistics and Monitoring Specialist will support the efforts to start implementation of the set of indicators for tracking implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). This will include:
 
1. Background research and support to methodological development
  • Provide technical support for the operational definition of technical terms used in the set of indicators. Provide support in assessing potential sources and likely frequency of reporting and unit(s) of analysis for each of the indicators, in consultation with UN Entities, as appropriate
  • Develop briefing notes and reviews regarding existing methodological practices applicable for the implementation of the set of indicators and support the analytical review and agreement on methodological issues, in consultation with UN Entities, as appropriate
  • Develop briefing notes and reviews regarding existing analytical efforts and categories of analysis for qualitative indicators, in particular those expected to be produced through content analysis methodologies (i.e. transitional justice, women's rights)
  • Develop briefing notes and reviews regarding existing data collection methods and practices currently in use that could be adapted and applied to survey-based indicators included in this set, such as Violence Against Women Modules (i.e. UN Statistics Division, DHS, UNFPA) and Physical Security Perceptions (i.e. Gallup Surveys). Particular attention will be paid to the conditions for applying these surveys and costing of these exercises
  • Develop briefing notes and reviews regarding existing good practices in terms of information management systems that could be adapted and/or applicable to indicators in this set, particularly in terms of women's presence in the justice and security system, reporting and prosecution of cases of sexual violence, among others

2. Guidance and knowledge production

  • Manage the inter-agency development of a knowledge product that presents the set of indicators to non-expert audiences. This publication will include an explanation of what the indicators are measuring and a brief review of existing information on the subject each indicator covers with the aim of providing a broad assessment of the current situation
  • Development of briefing and technical notes, as required, for the implementation of the set of indicators. This will include support for the development of templates and guidelines for reporting, in collaboration with UN Entities, especially those tasked to report on specific indicators
  • Support the organization of global workshops, expert meetings, practitioner discussions and other relevant consultations to feed into the development and implementation of the set of indicators
  • Carry out analyses and interpretation of existing and other relevant data on the situation of women and peace and security, as required

3. Monitoring, data collection and coordination support

  • Support the development of a system of reporting (in collaboration with UN Entities) with a view of maintaining a global database to be used for analysis in the annual SG report on women and peace and security, as well as other key reports
  • Contribute to improvements in data quality at the data collection stage, including designing, developing and modifying measurement and monitoring tools, as appropriate
  • Through engagement in inter-agency work, support the strengthening and improvement of methods for estimating, collecting, analyzing and using qualitative and quantitative data on women and peace and security
  • Undertake any other related tasks as needed and requested by the Policy Advisor and/or Chief Advisor

Competencies

Competencies

  • Familiarity with the internet and the use of web based information systems, production / update of web content, internet searches
  • Ample knowledge and use of computer office tools (word, data base, spread sheets, web content production, filing)
  • Demonstrated capacity to perform effectively within a multicultural work environment, tact and ability to deal with confidential matters in a discreet and reliable manner
  • Ability to participate effectively in a team-based, information-sharing environment, to collaborate and cooperate with others
  • Excellent coordination and management skills including proven ability to manage complex processes and events
  • Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and productively with internal and external colleagues
  • Willingness to accept additional responsibilities as required by the demands of the service
  • Willingness to combine research and writing tasks with coordination and administrative tasks is absolutely necessary
  • High level of initiative and self-motivation

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • A minimum of a Master's degree (or equivalent) in one of the following, or related, fields: economics, statistics, demography, or other related discipline with strong quantitative analytical skills

Experience:

  • A minimum of 3 to 5 years relevant working experience (or equivalent) with the UN and/or other international development organization in national and international levels in social statistics, sample surveys, data analysis, content analysis and other areas of applied statistics, information systems and data interpretation and use in gender issues. Relevant field experience in peace and security issues, and/or in conflict and post-crisis settings is an asset
  • Strong computer skills including statistical analysis software (SPSS, Stata). Experience with content analysis software (i.e. Atlas ti) is desirable
  • Experience working on production of statistical handbooks or guidelines is an asset
  • Familiarity with the UN system, in particular with UN Women and its mandate
  • Experience in UN Inter-Agency Cooperation is an asset

Language Requirements:

  • Mastery of written and oral English is mandatory
  • Knowledge of another UN language is an asset