Location:

Istanbul, Turkey
Salary:

negotiable / YEAR
Job type:

CONTRACTOR
Posted:

2 months ago
Category:

Gender and Diversity, Information and Communication Technology, Social and Inclusive Development
Deadline:

04/09/2024

JOB DESCRIPTION

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Office/Unit/Project Description

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in its Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in UNDP’s Strategic Plan.

Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policies and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. BPPS staff provide technical advice to Country Offices, advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represent UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private, government and civil society dialogues, and engage in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas.

UNDP’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan highlights our continued commitment to eradicating poverty, accompanying countries in their pathways towards the SDGs and working towards the Paris Agreement. As part of the Global Policy Network in the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP’s Nature, Climate Change, Energy, and Waste (NCE&W) Hubs promote and scale up integrated whole-of-governance approaches and nature-based solutions that reduce poverty and inequalities, strengthen livelihoods and inclusive growth, mitigate conflict, forced migration and displacement, and promote more resilient governance systems that advance linked peace and security agendas.

Working in close collaboration with BPPS Gender Team, the Hubs also contribute to implementation of UNDP’s Gender Equality Strategy 2022-2025 (2022-2025), a corporate complement to the UNDP Strategic Plan, which guides the whole of the organization to accelerate progress for gender equality across all signature solutions (poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy, and gender equality). The Strategy establishes as one of the main goals to help governments to shift systems and power structures that generate and perpetuate gender inequalities and women’s empowerment promotes integrated approaches in each thematic area, stronger investments in data and analysis, the implementation of innovative solutions to transform social norms, and stronger partnerships with UN agencies and with civil society, in particular feminist and women’s groups. The BPPS Gender Team, in collaboration with other teams, spearheads flagships on gender equality such as EQUANOMICS, which supports countries in making fiscal policies work for women and for gender equality. EQUANOMICS works with countries to examine and address three linked pillars: tax reforms and debts, expenditures, and institutional strengthening for gender equality (through UNDP’s Gender Equality Seal programme).

BPPS’ Hubs on Nature, Climate, Energy and Waste work with governments, civil society, and private sector partners to integrate nature, climate, energy and waste related concerns into national and sector planning and inclusive growth policies, support country obligations under Multilateral Environmental Agreements, and oversee the implementation of the UN’s largest portfolio of in-country programming on nature, climate change, energy, and waste. This multi-billion-dollar portfolio encompasses:

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services including forests;
Sustainable Land Management and Desertification including food and commodity systems;
Water and Ocean Governance including SIDS;
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation;
Sustainable Energy;
Extractive Industries;
Chemicals and Waste Management;
Environmental Governance and Green/Circular Economy; and Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) approaches.

This work advances crosscutting themes on innovative finance, digital transformation, capacity development, human rights, gender equality, health, technology, and South-South learning.

In recent decades, biodiversity finance tools and solutions have demonstrated their importance for achieving biodiversity goals and broader sustainable development objectives. Improved choice, design and implementation of effective, well-tailored finance solutions will strengthen countries’ chances of achieving national and global biodiversity targets.

The Biodiversity Finance Initiative – BIOFIN – was developed to provide a comprehensive methodology for governments to 1) review the existing policy context, 2) measure expenditure levels for biodiversity, 3) calculate future financial needs and 4) design strategic plans to deploy the right mix of finance solutions, tailored to the country context. The methodology has been conducted in 30 countries to date, with many now having reached the implementation stage.

BIOFIN’s first phase (2012 – 2019) enabled full assessments and initial implementation of finance plan elements in target countries. Based on lessons learned, a new and comprehensive version of the BIOFIN Methodology was developed. Significant scaling up of finance solutions is required in all 41 countries to address the biodiversity finance challenge. BIOFIN’s second phase (2018 – 2026) focuses mainly on the implementation of prioritised finance solutions while also allowing additional countries to undertake the initial assessments and create the finance plan. It will also focus on strengthening gender integration, including in fulfilment of UNDP’s Social and Environmental Standards (SES) but also to deepen and propel transformative opportunities for gender equality in biodiversity finance and programming. BIOFIN is supported by the Governments of Germany, Canada, Flanders, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the European Union. (See more at www.biofin.org for further information; see all guidance on UNDPs Social and Environmental Safeguards in the SES Toolkit.)

UNDP’s Social and Environmental Standards (SES) underpin UNDP’s commitment to mainstream social and environmental sustainability in our Programmes and Projects to support sustainable development.

The objectives of the standards are to:

Strengthen the social and environmental outcomes of Programmes and Projects;
Avoid adverse impacts to people and the environment;
Minimize, mitigate, and manage adverse impacts where avoidance is not possible;
Strengthen UNDP and partner capacities for managing social and environmental risks;
Ensure full and effective stakeholder engagement, including through a mechanism to respond to complaints from project-affected people.

A key mechanism to ensure these standards are applied is through UNDP’s project-level Social and Environmental Screening Procedure (SESP) which is a requirement for all proposed projects. The objectives of the SESP are to: (a) Integrate the SES Overarching Principles (human rights, gender equality and environmental sustainability); (b) Identify potential social and environmental risks and their significance; (c) Determine the Project’s risk category (Low, Moderate, High); and (d) Determine the level of social and environmental assessment and management required to address potential risks and impacts.

The Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) approved in December 2022 (COP 15 Decision 15/4) provides an integral policy framework for biodiversity that presents a paradigm shift with respect to biodiversity finance as well as human rights based, gender responsive and socially equitable biodiversity conservation. The adoption of this framework, as well as the opportunity to update National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, accordingly is a relevant opportunity to address efforts that both contribute to positive impacts for people and nature. The GBF, its gender action plan and other instruments provide relevant guidance to inform Biodiversity Finance Plans, and gender action plans for BIOFIN Country Strategies.

In addition to serving as a global lead on gender and biodiversity finance, this Specialist position will be responsible for developing the Stakeholder Engagement Plan in the national context, which lists the main potential partners and stakeholders to the Project at national level, to be confirmed following selection and capacities assessments. Stakeholder engagement will focus on negotiating and generating buy-in and appropriation by specific partners and beneficiaries who are taking responsibility for certain activities. The Project will prioritize such interventions and partner strategies to deliver outputs in an appropriate sequential manner. The Project will ensure that stakeholders and partners are well-informed and updated on the intended project goals and delivery. The timeline of Stakeholder meetings, which will be held regularly, needs to be included in the Stakeholder Engagement Plan, to ensure interaction not only between the Project and individual stakeholders and partners but also between various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

Anchored as part of the global and regional Gender Teams, together with the BIOFIN team under the Nature Hub, the Gender Equality and Safeguards Specialist will lead gender equality programming in the BIOFIN portfolio, ensuring risks are identified, safeguards are applied, and actions to propel transformational impact for gender equality are identified and put in place. The position will also help generate and share new knowledge on gender and biodiversity finance.

The incumbent will be located in the Istanbul Regional Hub premises with the Gender Team, reporting to the BIOFIN Global Manager and a Senior Advisor on Gender Equality, with day-to-day collaboration and management from the Regional Gender Team Lead/ Senior Gender Advisor in Istanbul.

Key Duties and Accountabilities

1.Lead gender equality programming, risks management, and safeguards in the Biodiversity Financing portfolio

Review UNDP’s policies on gender equality, risks management and safeguards, as well as the Nature Pledge and other key Nature-related policies and strategies, and provide advice to ensure full compliance and to enhance integration and elevation of gender equality results;
Review and update periodically (at least yearly) Social and Environmental Screening (SESP) and related risk registers for BIOFIN to ensure gender equality is targeted as one of the main results;
Develop a Gender Analysis and corresponding Gender Equality strategies and plans for BIOFIN including key Financial Solutions;
Support updating the BIOFIN social related risk analysis and risk log;
Propose gender equality and Indigenous peoples and local communities indicators for M&E framework;
Lead/contribute to corporate reporting processes (such as the Gender Equality Strategy Annual Report and Nature reporting) to ensure gender and biodiversity finance efforts are captured;
Develop the capacity and conduct trainings for national teams, as well as global team members involved, and national counterparts in the fields of gender equality, risk analysis and applying safeguards;
Review finance solution proposals and other relevant documents to identify risks and opportunities to enhance the positive impacts on gender equality;
Appropriate and integrate gender, safeguard, and risk management inputs to the BIOFIN semestral reports, when required.
Provide technical assistance to partners on how to best achieve results, particular on issues related to gender equality, inclusion of vulnerable groups, governance, international good practices, and the SDGs;
Work closely with BIOFIN technical advisors and gender advisors and specialists to identify opportunities for project development and mobilizing resources to advance gender equality in BIOFIN portfolio;
Contribute to project theory of changes as well as results framework to incorporate gender issues as well as needs of vulnerable groups.
Contribute to sub-regional, regional, and global inter-agency initiatives related to biodiversity and gender equality and social inclusion agenda;
Contribute to developing concept notes and proposals on gender equality and biodiversity;
Identify and provide guidance on integrating biodiversity finance in gender equality programming and flagships, as relevant, such as EQUANOMICS.

2.Guide Gender Integration and Lead Risk Management, and Safeguards for BIOFIN at Country Level

Conduct gender analysis to inform the design of new financial solutions, country strategies and overall gender inclusion assurance, and ensure gender equality integration in newly developed concept notes and proposals;
Integrate gender equality, risk management, and safeguards for Global and Country implementation of BIOFIN including planning for expenditures, activities, partnerships, resources, capacities, communication, and learning;

3.Facilitate Communication, Knowledge Management, Learning and Capacity Building on Gender & Biodiversity and Safeguards

Ensure gender equality integration into UNDP’s wider and BIOFIN’s knowledge eco-system including website, social media, internal CoP knowledge management platforms, and any developed knowledge products;
Produce key strategic guidance and progress update documents on gender, biodiversity finance and development;
Support research, design, analysis and presentation of data and information to inform policy briefs and position papers, elevating gender equality in the BIOFIN portfolio to strengthen evidence-based policies and programme design from a gender perspective;
Contribute to global, regional, and national meetings as a resource person for sessions related to social risks, safeguards and gender equality;
Contribute to the review of main tools like the BIOFIN workbook, Catalogue of finance solutions, and others to integrate a gender perspective and apply safeguards;
Provide thematic inputs for knowledge management, communication, presentations, and other advocacy and reporting efforts;
Strengthen partnerships and coordinate with key national stakeholders, UN agencies, civil society organizations, academia, research institutions and other stakeholders to advance gender equality programming and policy in the BIOFIN agenda;
Identify best practices and lessons learned to guide project improvements and future strategic interventions;
Facilitate dialogue and experience sharing on integration of targeted results for gender equality among BIOFIN teams;
Organize and conduct training for CO staff on gender advancement, gender equality, women’s empowerment, women’s issues, and social development;

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The Gender Equality and Safeguards Specialist will be based in Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH) hosted by the IRH Gender Team;
The Gender Equality and Safeguards Specialist will work under the supervision of the BIOFIN Global Manager (day to day) and a Senior Advisor on Gender Equality (overall substantive guidance and oversight);
The Gender Equality and Safeguards Specialist will work with the BIOFIN and Gender Equality global and regional/national Teams, UNDP Country Offices, core and donor country governments, other international/multi-lateral organizations, and contractors;
The Gender Equality and Safeguards Specialist will be responsible for providing her/his own working station (i.e. laptop, internet, phone, scanner/printer, relevant software, etc.) and shall have access to a stable, secure, and reliable internet connection;

Competencies

Core
Achieve Results:	LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively:	LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously:	LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility:	LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination:	LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner:	LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:	LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
Business management	Risk Management	Ability to identify and organise action around mitigating and proactively managing risks
Business development	Knowledge Generation	Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for content, or responsive to a stated need
Business Direction and Strategy	System Thinking	Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
Agenda 2030: People	Gender	Gender Mainstreaming
Agenda 2030: People	Gender	Women’s Economic Empowerment, including labour issues
Agenda 2030: Prosperity	Inclusive Growth	Social Impact Assessment
Agenda 2030: Prosperity	Inclusive Growth	Poverty and Human Development

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements	Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in gender studies, social sciences, environmental studies or economics/finance is required, or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the said fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Min. years of relevant work experience	Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant work experience in programming and/or policy for gender equality in development contexts.
Required skills	Progressively responsible professional experience, with a special focus on promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and human rights protection in developing countries is required.
Desired skills	Prior experience with Risk Analysis and Social and Environmental Safeguards is highly desirable; Experience in economics/finance or environmental financing is highly desirable; Experience and training in human rights-based approach is an asset; Experience working with UNDP or any other UN agency is an asset; Experience in fostering networks and partnerships and ability to provide coordination with the UN Agencies, international and local organizations is desirable; Experience in negotiating, and communication with a wide range of partners (public, private, academic, civil society, business community leaders) is desirable.
Required Language(s)	Fluency in English is required; Knowledge of French, Spanish or Russian will be an asset.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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