UNICEF works in some of the toughest parts of the world, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfil their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, a champion!

How can you make a difference?

UNICEF is working in Mauritania to support the most vulnerable children, ensuring they have access to health care, adequate nutrition, clean water and quality education, while protecting them from violence and exploitation, regardless of their place of origin or residence.

Job Objective:

The Gender Officer will be part of the Programme Section team within the UNICEF Mauritania office. Under the supervision of the SBC Specialist, P3, the incumbent will support the programme to ensure technical excellence and quality of gender equality programmatic work as well as institutional and system capacity strengthening, as outlined in the Gender Action Plan (GAP). He/she will focus primarily on targeted and integrated gender priorities, particularly on the links with the three windows of opportunity defined in the country programme (the first 1000 days, adolescent girls aged 9-14, and young people aged 15-24), as well as the two cross-cutting principles (climate change and community approach & decentralization). Working closely with all sections, he/she will engage in four specific areas of work, which will be detailed in the office’s Gender Action Plan (GAP): 1) Conduct, review and compile research and data analysis to support quality programming and monitoring on gender priorities; 2) Support programmatic planning, implementation and monitoring processes to strengthen inter-sectoral coordination and results related to gender-responsive adolescent programming; 3) Compile and disseminate research and programme findings to support knowledge sharing among UNICEF staff and networks, focusing on gender-related results; 4) Support communication and advocacy efforts, including major events related to the GAP agenda; 5) Build capacity on gender-responsive processes.

Main functions/responsibilities and associated tasks:

1. Conduct, review and compile research and data analysis to support quality programming and monitoring on targeted gender priorities.

The Gender Officer will provide research support for the generation of evidence on gender-responsive programming for adolescents, both for targeted and integrated priorities, such as adolescent health, HIV and well-being, adolescent girls’ education, early pregnancy, child marriage, girls’ participation in peacebuilding, etc. S/he will conduct literature reviews, data and information mapping, and qualitative and quantitative data analyses, as needed. S/he will also research and consolidate existing information on programmatic initiatives that link these priorities and support the assessment of their theories of change and results frameworks. S/he will review and consolidate data on existing indicators used by various programs to interconnect the four targeted GAP priorities and support the development of additional measurement options. He/she will support the development of the office’s Gender Action Plan for the 2024-2027 Country Programme Document, as well as the working arrangements for the involvement of all sections.

Final outcome(s): Better quality indicators and data to measure progress on targeted or integrated gender-sensitive adolescent-related priorities and document their interconnectedness.

2. Support programmatic planning, implementation and monitoring processes to strengthen intersectoral coordination and results.

The Gender Officer will provide support in the development, review, evaluation and improvement of project plans, proposals and reports to ensure effective gender mainstreaming and maximization of synergies between targeted and integrated priorities. He/she will contribute to the development of programmatic and monitoring tools and guidelines, training materials and activities. He/she will also facilitate inter-sectoral meetings and conferences, including the preparation of agendas and workshop materials.

Final outcome(s): Increased inter-sectoral coordination and synergies on planning, implementation and monitoring of gender-responsive priorities.

3. Compile and disseminate research and programme results to support knowledge sharing on gender-responsive outcomes.

The Gender Officer will curate and develop consolidated materials on targeted and integrated priorities, to be shared with internal stakeholders across sectors, in the office and in the field, on a regular basis. He/she will support the development of documents, briefs, evidence-based presentations and digital materials for more effective knowledge sharing. He/she will ensure that these materials are available in clear, accessible and succinct formats for internal networks, field staff, as well as relevant donors and partners.

Final Outcome(s): Effective knowledge sharing on gender-responsive programming for adolescents and their outcomes.

4. Support communications and advocacy efforts, including major events related to GAP priority areas.

The Gender Officer will be a team member and cross-sectoral focal point for synthesizing, consolidating and prioritizing communication materials and opportunities to disseminate information on GAP progress and achievements, and to advocate for gender priorities. He/she will develop and compile materials for dissemination to external audiences, both in print and digital formats. He/she will develop concept notes, outlines, and provide coordination, logistics and communications support at major GAP-related events, such as global follow-up meetings, the International Day of the Girl Child, and the Commission on the Status of Women.

Final Outcome(s): Effective communication, dissemination and advocacy on GAP priorities.

5. Build capacity, promote continuous learning, strengthening and scaling up of gender-responsive programmes and monitoring.

This includes capacity building for UNICEF staff and partners in development and humanitarian contexts.

Final outcome(s): Gender-responsive programmatic and monitoring capacities are assessed and strengthened.

Qualifications required for recruitment

Education : 

University degree in social sciences (e.g. sociology, demography, psychology, political science and economics), public health, public policy or international development or other relevant disciplines, with specialized training in conflict resolution.

Experience :  

One year of relevant professional experience. Technical, programmatic and research skills in gender-responsive programming, as well as sector expertise in at least one of UNICEF’s core sector areas, including health, nutrition, education, child protection, WASH, social policy and youth.

Language:  

proficiency in French is required and an acceptable level in English.

Knowledge of the local working language is an asset.

UN experience is also an asset

For each child, you demonstrate…

Core Values ​​(CRITAS) determine everything we do and how we do it. Discover our Charter of Values: https://uni.cf/UNICEFValues

• Attention
• Respect,
• Integrity,
• Trust
• Accountability
• Sustainability

The UNICEF skills required for this position are…

• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical conscience (1)
• Works collaboratively with others (1)
• Establishes and maintains partnerships (1)
• Innovate and embrace change (1)
• Thinks and acts strategically (1)
• Anxious to obtain convincing results (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

Remarks:

UNICEF is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion among its workforce and encourages all candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religion or ethnicity, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to join the organization. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible work arrangements.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on any conduct deemed incompatible with its mandate and the standards of conduct for United Nations staff, including sexual abuse or exploitation, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All candidates considered for recruitment will be subject to rigorous reference and background checks and will be required to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include verification of academic qualifications and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to complete the background check.

              Applications from women and people living with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

                               Click on the following link to watch the video: https://uni.cf/47mx4rI

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.