Organization: UNDP – United Nations Development Programme
Location: Sudan
Grade: Level not specified – Level not specified
Occupational Groups:
Women’s Empowerment and Gender Mainstreaming
Security and Safety
Peace and Development
Closing Date: 2024-08-24
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.
Since the end of the regime of Omar al-Bashir in April 2019, Sudan has been in an important yet tumultuous stage in its peacebuilding trajectory. On 17th August 2019, the Transitional Military Council and the Forces for Freedom and Change signed a Constitutional Declaration agreeing to a proposed 39-month transitional period. This was followed by the landmark launching of a broader Sudanese peace process with the signature, on 3 October 2020, of the Juba Peace Agreement. However, on 25 October 2021, these and other significant peacebuilding gains were significantly threatened when security forces detained the Prime Minister and several civilian ministers, declared a state of emergency, and suspended key articles of the 2019 Constitutional Declaration. 2022 saw an alarming escalation of violence, including sexual violence against women, particularly in Darfur but also in South Kordofan and in the Blue Nile. Armed conflict broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on 15 April 2023, which has inflicted unimaginable suffering on the Sudanese people, caused a nationwide humanitarian catastrophe and has dramatically worsened Sudan’s human development outlook.
The ongoing war in Sudan has reversed most gains made toward democracy and stability, leaving the country in suffering and insecurity, while facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The war continues to devastate the country, impacting all aspects of life. The conflict’s prolonged nature has crippled the economy, leading to a sharp deterioration in infrastructure, skyrocketing prices, and reduced agricultural productivity. Human rights violations persist. Sudan is facing the world’s largest internal displacement crisis and there is a growing risk that the conflict will soon create the world’s largest hunger crisis.
Sudan’s current conflict has a devastating impact on the people of Sudan, disproportionally affecting women and girls who are bearing the brunt of a humanitarian crisis. 53 per cent of internally displaced are women and girls. Over 6.7 million people are at risk of gender-based violence and reports of intimate partner violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, and trafficking in persons are widespread and increasing. Survivors are rarely able to access services or report violations. More than 7,000 new mothers could die in the coming months if their nutritional and health needs remain unmet. The economic impact of the conflict has further marginalized women, stripping them of livelihood opportunities and exposing them to the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse as they seek to support their families.
Ongoing attempts at peace present a pivotal opportunity for amplifying the voices of civilians, particularly women, who are disproportionately affected by conflict. Women have historically been marginalized in peace processes despite their critical roles in fostering community cohesion and rebuilding post-war societies. As indicated by numerous studies on women’s and youth participation in peace negotiations, inclusive dialogues that integrate these demographics result in more comprehensive and sustainable peace agreements. Women and girls, often the first responders in crises, are not only victims of this violence but also pivotal to the survival and resilience of their communities. Sudanese women and women’s rights organizations continue to advocate for peace and a return to democratic governance at different fora. Their participation in peace processes and humanitarian responses is not just beneficial but necessary for creating lasting peace and security.
In this context, the appointment of a dedicated Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Advisor becomes paramount. This position will play a crucial role in supporting the UN Country Team’s efforts to advance the WPS agenda and ensure that the voices of Sudanese women are heard in the pursuit of a just and sustainable peace. The WPS Advisor will be vital in ensuring that the needs and perspectives of women are central to all peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts in Sudan.
Position Purpose
On 1 December 2023, the Security Council adopted its resolution 2715 (2023), terminating the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) effective of 3 December 2023. The resolution requested the Mission to cease its operations on 4 December and immediately commence the process of the transfer of its tasks, where appropriate and to the extent feasible, to United Nations agencies, funds and programmes. The focus of the transition is not only on the closure of UNITAMS but safeguarding the achievements and work done jointly as an integrated UN in Sudan over the period of two years in the areas of human rights, protection of civilians, Women, Peace and Security, peacebuilding and other programmatic priorities.
UNDP adopts a portfolio/pillar approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. This is a recognition of the interconnected nature of development risks & crises that the world is facing and that call for assembling of multidisciplinary teams for an integrated & systemic response. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across issues, units, functions, teams and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
The Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Advisor, at the P5 level, plays a crucial role in ensuring the integration of gender perspectives into all peacebuilding efforts in Sudan. This position directly contributes to advancing the WPS agenda by enhancing the UN Country Team’s capacity to address gender-specific challenges, promote meaningful women’s participation in peace processes, and strengthen the national implementation of the WPS agenda. The Advisor will provide specialized guidance on gender-sensitive approaches to peacebuilding initiatives, analyze trends and vulnerabilities, and facilitate partnerships with key stakeholders to advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. This role bridges a critical gap in supporting the transition from UNITAMS to the UNCT and acts as a catalyst for more inclusive and effective peacebuilding in Sudan.
The WPS Advisor will work under the overall supervision of the UN Resident Coordinator and will report on a day-to-day basis to the Head of the RC Office. Administratively, the WPS Advisor will report to UNDP Resident Representative.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide strategic technical direction and leadership in the area of Women, Peace and Security:
Advise the RC/HC, UNDP RR and the UN Country team on strategies and opportunities to advance the WPS agenda in Sudan.
Strengthen the UN Country Team’s capacity to address gender-specific challenges through workshops, trainings, and technical advisory support.
Provide technical advice and leadership on strengthening women’s roles and participation in peace processes at all levels; Provide system-wide coordination and advisory services on monitoring and reporting on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV), and support the implementation of the Framework of Cooperation on prevention and response to CRSV.
Ensure WPS is integrated into the strategic planning and decision-making processes of the UN in Sudan.
Draft and report on contributions to the UN strategic documents, annual work plans/reports, programme/ project proposals, briefs, policy dialogue and other documents related to WPS and its cross-cutting nature.
Develop a resource mobilization strategy to further advance WPS in Sudan as part of the implementation of UN`s work in Sudan, support resource mobilization efforts.
Advise and support inter-agency coordination on WPS and coordination with key national stakeholders and international partners.
Lead the development of strategic partnerships, technical advice services, and capacity building support for UN WPS partners:
Develop relationships and partnerships with Sudan based institutions, civil society partners, experts, activists and national/international organizations working on WPS.
Provide technical and substantive advice to partners on WPS norms and best practice.
Provide guidance and build capacity of UN staff and partners on WPS approaches, tools and best practices.
Liaise with the office of the Personal Envoy of the SG to Sudan, WPS focal points from Agencies, Funds and Programmes (AFP)s, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse ( PSEA) network and other relevant actors.
Lead advocacy, knowledge building and communication efforts:
Provide system-wide coordination on WPS including the creation of platforms for knowledge management / sharing and best practices related to WPS across UNCT.
Represent RC/HC in meetings and policy dialogues on matters related to WPS.
Develop advocacy strategies and communications products on WPS.
Work with UN Country Team members to carry out data collection and dissemination of data, evidence and knowledge on WPS.
Lead the development of knowledge management on WPS, including awareness raising campaigns.
Promote the participation of women in peace processes, including through dedicated technical assistance and advisory support to civil society and other key stakeholders.
Support community-level peacebuilding initiatives led by women’s groups to promote the WPS Agenda and amplify the voices and advocacy efforts of women in peace processes through media platforms.
Provide WPS programme development services, support monitoring and reporting:
Advise and support the design and formulation of programme proposals and budgets.
Lead the monitoring and reporting of WPS-related activities under the UN Common Approach and its results framework.
Lead and/or take part in various UN fora to mainstream the WPS agenda.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: None
Competencies
Core Competencies:
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 and Technical Competencies:
Business Direction & 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.
Business Management – Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
Business Direction & Strategy – Business Acumen: Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome. Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks.
2030 Agenda: People – Gender: Gender Issues & Analysis.
2030 Agenda: Peace – Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Responsive Institutions: Conflict Analysis and Conflict sensitivity.
2030 Agenda: Peace – Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights: Human Rights Mainstreaming.
Business Management – Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization`s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimising return on investment.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Human Rights, Gender Studies, International Development, or a related field is required. Or
A first-level university degree in the areas mentioned above, in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
Minimum 10 years (with master’s degree) or twelve (12) years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in designing, planning, implementing, and monitoring policies, frameworks and programmes to advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda is required.
At least five years’ experience working internationally, in a conflict/post conflict setting and/or the Africa region is an asset.
Experience in communicating analysis, formulating policy recommendations, and strategic planning is an asset.
Experience in managing partnerships with national and international partners is an asset.
Experience working in the UN System is an asset.
Language:
Fluency in English is required.
Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.
Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
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.
Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.