Career in Nepal| Policy Analyst - Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

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Short Info

Career Level: Senior Level
No. of Vacancy: 1
Experience: 1-4 Years
Views: 932
Apply Before: 2022-11-26 (Closed)

Offered Salary: Negotiable
Gender: Both
Driving License: Yes
Education Preference: Master in Social Work

Job Description:

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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.

UNDP has been supporting the Nepalese people in their struggle against poverty since it opened an in-country office in 1963. Much of this support has gone to building up the capacity of government agencies, civil society and community groups to fight poverty, and to bringing these groups and Nepal's development partners together to design and implement successful projects to contribute to the achievement of Nepal’s development priorities.

Nepal is a federal country, which has implications for how UNDP engages with national and sub-national authorities. Meanwhile, As Nepal’s GNI continues to grow, the country will graduate from LDC status in 2026. Work has started on a smooth transition strategy to address the likely reduction of international support measures, which might impact primarily those who are left furthest behind.

In the short term, Nepal’s development outlook is affected the ongoing pandemic, which impacted livelihoods, productivity, and service delivery. As of the end of 2021, Nepal recorded 11,000 deaths, limited economic growth, widened disparities, and increased GBV and mental health issues. The pandemic pushed many into poverty and made the poor poorer, with a strong impact on women and excluded groups. Strengthening the governance system as well as continuity of the timely delivery of services to the public remains a priority.

UNDP operates in a challenging context, with priority given to socio-economic recovery, environmental protection and climate change adaptation/mitigation, institutional capacity building (particularly in the context of federalism). In delivering its programs, UNDP engages with national and sub-national authorities to support the national vision of federalism.

Against this backdrop, the UN in Nepal is currently in the process of designing its next cooperation framework (2023-2027). In parallel, UNDP is developing its own Country Programme Document (2023-2027), based on the UN cooperation framework.

In this context, under the overall guidance of the Resident Representative and day to day direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative, the Policy Specialist - Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) brings technical rigor and persuasive expertise to deepen the perspectives of colleagues and partners, attracts new collaborators and creates excitement about opportunities for investment in UNDP Nepal’s work on gender equality and social inclusion.

With a focus on ideas that stimulate new audiences to participate, the Policy Specialist (GESI) leads the creation of compelling analytics, dialogues and commitments that measurably advance Nepal on its path to achieving the SDGs. As a member of the Strategic Engagement team, the Policy Specialist (GESI) shares in the management, leadership and outcomes of the country programme. S/he models the commitment to creative collaboration and team accountability in the service of Nepal’s challenges.

The incumbent promotes client-oriented approach while having strong networking savvy and political acumen performing her/his functions in collaboration with colleagues and CO and Regional senior management to continuously reflect on how UNDP engages with its partners and stakeholders in order to truly fulfill UNDP’s strategic position and value proposition.

Position Purpose

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.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Yes

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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.