Background

The UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UN Trust Fund) is a global multi-lateral grant-making mechanism supporting national efforts to prevent and end violence against women and girls. The UN Trust Fund was established through the UN General Assembly Resolution 50/166 in 1996 with UNDP and later UNIFEM (now UN Women) as it’s Administrator on behalf of the UN system. The overall responsibility for the administration of the Fund rests with UN Women’s Executive Director. This responsibility is further delegated to UN Women’s Programme Division Director, Deputy Director and the Chief of the UN Trust Fund’s Secretariat.

As a follow up to the General Assembly Resolution 50/166 and as called for in the UN Trust Fund Terms of Reference, the Inter-Agency Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) was established as “a mechanism for consultation and cooperation in the consideration of the Fund’s activities, inter alia to enhance effectiveness of UN system-wide efforts, and to aid in the mobilization of additional resources for the Fund, including relevant bodies and organs of the United Nations, and members of relevant non-governmental organizations.” This mechanism, (the PAC) was established in 1997.

The UN Trust Fund is currently seeking civil society members with expertise on the issue of ending violence against women to serve in its Global Programme Advisory Committee, referred to as the “GPAC”. This document sets out the terms of reference for members of the GPAC.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Role of the Global Inter-Agency Programme Advisory Committee Members

The Global inter-agency Programme Advisory Committee (GPAC) is intended to bring together, on a pro bono basis, a collection of individuals with unique knowledge and skills on the issue of ending violence against women and girls to more effectively consult and advise the Fund. Specifically, the role of the GPAC is to:

  • Support the dissemination of the UN Trust Fund Call for Proposals across their respective networks;
  • Appraise short-listed applications by providing technical feedback for proposals received from across the globe;
  • Recommend a shortlist of applications submitted by NGOs for the next stage of the selection process and/or recommend final projects for approval by UN Women’s Executive Director (or delegate);
  • Contribute technical resources, on request;
  • GPACs are held in UN-Women Headquarters in New York and convened by the UN Trust Fund Secretariat.

 

2. Membership of the Global Inter-Agency Programme Advisory Committee

The Global inter-agency PAC consists of representatives of UN entities and experts from civil society organizations and/or independent experts with significant expertise and experience in programming to end violence against women. Face to face meetings will be held at least twice a year. GPAC members will be requested to participate via teleconference/phone if not available in person, and do not need to be located in the United States.

 

3. Terms of service and selection of members

Members should serve on the GPAC for a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years to allow for both continuity and change. New members will be appointed as terms expire. Members should not complete successive terms: members must be absent from the GPAC for at least one year before being considered for reappointment.

GPAC members must have the relevant skills, experience and seniority in their organization to make informed recommendations, as well as the interest and availability to complete GPAC responsibilities according to deadlines and standards required.

The GPAC Chair is the Director of Programme, UN Women (or delegate). The UN Trust Fund Secretariat will act as an observer for the GPAC - GPAC members will be required to check and sign the minutes of each GPAC meeting.

 

4. Conflict of Interest and Ethics and Confidentiality Policy

In order to maintain principles of transparency, fairness, objectivity, the highest standards of quality assurance, as well as to avoid potential/emerging conflict of interest, GPAC members should disclose in writing any current or previous relationship with - or personal / organizational interest in - any of the organizations submitting proposals every year and excuse themselves from the process.

Likewise, GPAC members must not be involved in, or assist with, drafting or advising organizations on applications to the UN Trust Fund (except for outreach when disseminating the Call for Proposal). GPAC members must operate in an impartial and unbiased manner, ensure that confidentiality and independence of judgment are maintained and that recommendations are independently presented.

 

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Professionalism:        

  • Substantive knowledge of gender equality issues and of programming in the field of Ending Violence against Women and Girls
  • Ability to assimilate and analyze complex information and derive programme relevant findings
  • Ability to integrate knowledge into strategic, policy and operational frameworks
  • Good problem solving skills with the ability to design and implement innovative solutions
  • Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment under pressure

Strategic Planning and organizing:                     

  • Proven ability to establish priorities and to plan, organize, coordinate and monitor own work plans and provide advice and guidance to others
  • In-depth understanding of the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women’s strategic direction and resourcefulness
  • Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting

Creativity, judgment and decision making:                              

  • Demonstrated sound judgment in resolving issues/problems
  • Ability to actively seek to improve programmes/services, offer new and different options to solve problems

Communication:                              

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

Teamwork:                      

  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment
  • Ability to handle difficult/sensitive situations with a high degree of tact, diplomacy and firmness
  • Ability to work collaboratively and operate effectively across organizational boundaries

Functional Competencies:

  • Capacity to self-organize and deliver tasks on time complying with strict deadlines
  • Excellent understanding of gender equality and women’s empowerment and its policy implications
  • Very strong analytical skills

Required Skills and Experience

  • Must have a minimum of 10 years field, programmatic or thematic work experience on the issues of ending violence against women.
  • Must demonstrate substantive and technical experience working with governments, donors and civil society organizations regionally and in the field.
  • Must exhibit fluency in English.
  • Must possess ability to work under pressure, and high tolerance for change, complexity and unpredictability.
  • Must not be working for an organization that has received a grant from the UN Trust Fund in the last 3 years.
  • Must not be affiliated with an organization applying for a grant to the UN Trust Fund.

To Apply:

  • Please submit your CV and motivation letter.
  • If shortlisted, completion of confidentiality and no conflict of interest agreement will be requested.
  • If shortlisted, two reference letters will also be requested.

This position is on volunteer basis only.