Job Description

The purpose of the Policy Specialist - Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) position is to bring rigor and persuasive expertise to deepen the perspectives of colleagues and partners on gender equality and social inclusion, attract new collaborators and create excitement about opportunities for investment in UNDP Nepal’s work on gender equality and social inclusion, and perform quality assurance functions to ensure that UNDP Nepal’s programme is consistent with the overarching programming principles around gender equality and inclusion 

Key Duties and Accountabilities

In consultation with senior management and collaboration with portfolio managers and field offices, supports in the provision of policy advice and inputs to the strategic planning in line with the priorities and development objectives of UNDP and advice on partnerships and outreach, through:

• Identifying key priorities and strategy for implementation;
• Advising on high value addition/high impact projects and scaling up of successful innovations and built on cutting-edge knowledge of global and good practices and cost-effective development solutions;
• Providing advice on strategies, policies and plans impacting the operations, delivery of practice advisory, knowledge and learning services;
• Advising on high quality and client-oriented services aligned to partner expectations and contributing to the strengthening of administrative efficiency of the development programmes;
• Identifying approaches and modalities to achieve management targets and increased cost-effectiveness;
• Providing leadership in overseeing effective provision of services to counterparts including fair and transparent procurement, human resources and financial management, as well as the consistent application of UNDP rules and regulations.

Provides strategic advice for and leads the development of UNDP/UN gender equality and social inclusion Programme activities through:

• Thorough analysis and research of the GESI dimension in political, social and economic situation in the country and collaborates in preparation/revision of project documents, AWP and other documents in the area of work;
• Identifies, in close collaboration with national and international partners, strategic programme areas of cooperation on GESI issues;
• Leads the design and formulation of GESI programmes and components of UNDP programme translating GESI priorities into local interventions and ensuring coordination and networking with clients, stakeholders and programme partners.
• Contributes to the implementation of the UNDAF and other UN level initiatives especially on GESI related matters and projects, working towards formulation and implementation of joint programmes and ensures strong contributions to the Gender Theme Group and other UN groups.
• Collaborates with colleagues in Regional and HQ to apply in country programming new global and regional initiatives, polices and knowledge products.

Continually seek develop ideas/emerging trends and provide expert advisory services to achieve the following:

• Scan the landscape of issues and identify entry points on significant GESI issues and especially new interdisciplinary linkages drawing attention to UNDPs creativity and relevance.
• Compile socio-economic research and data leading to fresh, compelling intelligence and reports that attract new collaborators.
• Undertake selected studies expanding the perspectives of government and UN partner collaborators drawing them into new dialogues and policy directions.
• Support and advice in the design of solutions for GESI related issues, including policy reform accessible to partners and new stakeholders. 
• Translate thinking and challenges into analytics and messaging that speaks to new external audiences in their language. 
• Assess output and advise management and team of results and recommendations for improvement

In consultation with senior management and in collaboration with portfolio managers, support the creation of strategic partnership engagement and resource mobilization

• Participate in GESI-related policy dialogue across sectors and issues with all actors including government, NGOs, and citizenry, UN partners and the private sector ensuring all voices are heard.
• Identification and development of relationships with technical experts locally and internationally that champion Nepal’s challenges, demonstrating UNDP Nepal’s expertise and innovation.
• Analyse and research information on donors, identification of opportunities for new initiatives.
• Developing partnerships with UN Agencies, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral development agencies/donors, national accredited entities; national thematic funds and institutions, foundations; private sector and civil society, based on the strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and government and donor priorities;
• Representing UNDP at external meetings within her/his issue area.

Ensure effective Team Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders

• Anchor the GESI-related policies in the country office by securing collaboration and agreement on priorities, policy and work planning commitments
• Critically assess the content, output and advise management and team of results and recommendations for improvement.
• Learn from colleagues and adapt to new thinking and approaches.
• Continually seek opportunities and linkages within broader country office efforts for GESI-related work.
• Conduct learning seminars and lead discussion groups for the team on relevant subjects.
• Model reliability of output, organization and, innovation.  

Ensure provision of top quality advisory services, knowledge building and management

• Adding value to policy dialogue and practice in the area of GESI with unconventional analysis and innovative approaches that are based on such evidence;
• Support trainings for the CO staff on programme and shares knowledge on GESI strategies
• Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to programme country policy goals.
• Support to development of policies and institutions that will address the country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Lead the process of securing and maintaining UNDP Gender Seal certification for UNDP Nepal, in close collaboration with all personnel.

Requirements:

Education

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Policy Sciences or related field

 Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• 2 years of progressively responsible work experience in policy design of GESI programme and project. 
• Experience coordinating and liaising with government agencies and/or donors.
• Experience working in policy advocacy
• Work experience in policy design of GESI programme and project
• Experience working strongly in the area of GESI
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Nepali.
• Experience working in the UN System is an asset.

Language Requirements:            

• Proficiency in English and Nepali.

Workforce Diversity:     

• UNDP is committed to achieve workforce diversity (in terms of nationality, minority groups, caste/ethnic groups, persons with disability etc.) and has a policy to have gender balance among staff at all levels.  Qualified female candidates and candidates particularly from disadvantaged and socially excluded groups are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given due preference as per the Workforce Diversity Policy.
• All applications will be treated with highest confidentiality.