Gender Equality Facility (GEF) Project Manager

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women’s rights at the center of all its efforts, the UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action globally. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

Progress of North Macedonia in recent years respecting and promoting Gender Equality is highlighted in a series of international commitments and in national legal and policy frameworks. The main achievements in the field of gender equality and women’s empowerment reside in the Country’s institutional capacity development for the work on gender equality. Indeed, the legal provisions guaranteeing women’s rights and gender equality are largely in place – the Law of Equal Opportunities of Women and Men, the National Action Plan for Gender Equality, the Election Law amendment instituting quotas, the Action Plan for the implementation of UNSCR 1325 (2020-2025), and the ratification of the Istanbul Convention are normative achievements that influence the institutional practice in promoting gender equality in North Macedonia.

However, the Country still copes with deep-rooted, patriarchal stereotypes regarding the role and responsibilities of women and men in the family and in society at large. Women in North Macedonia face a precarious reality – they remain underrepresented in central and local government, have disproportionately limited access to employment, and many are subjected to violence. Gaps in policy development and slow implementation of the adopted legislation constitute important structural obstacles to achieving gender equality. Improvements are needed in both strengthening institutional capacities and enhancing cooperation between the gender mechanisms, the key ministries and civil society organizations in order to increase gender mainstreaming in all aspect of government work – primarily policy development and budgeting – as the means for achieving gender equality.

In line with the European Council’s decision of March 2020 to open accession negotiations with the Country, the Sida-funded “Gender Equality Facility” (GEF) in North Macedonia aims at strengthening the effective implementation of national and international legal frameworks on gender equality and women’s rights, mainstreaming gender equality into EU integration and planning processes for pre-accession assistance, and strengthening institutional mechanisms

for gender equality in line with EU standards. Expert support will be provided for the integration of gender perspectives into sector dialogue, policy revisions and ongoing reforms in line with the National Programme for Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA), recovery programmes, including EU-funded IPA programmes and actions, the Government’s Annual Work Programme, and the strategic planning of line Ministries. Thereby, GEF supports institutions to correctly align with the EU Gender Equality acquis. The intervention will also address challenges in implementation of laws and gender equality policies by providing support for enhancing coordination and monitoring of gender equality policies and measures. In the medium to longer-term, and in line with the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 and the Principles of the EU Gender Action Plan III (2021-2025), the Project aims to secure implementation/application of gender equality legislation, policies and standards through policy dialogue, technical expertise and guidance, development and sharing of good practice, and strategic partnerships and cooperation.

The main stakeholders and partners of the Project are: the Secretariat for European Affairs (SEA, the main project beneficiary),  the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP), Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) structures, and National Gender Machinery institutions.

Under the direct supervision of the UN Women Programme Specialist/Head of Office, and technically supported by international senior gender equality facility expert, the Project Manager, is responsible for managing the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting, overseeing and guiding personnel under the Project and budget management, building partnerships and providing support in developing resource mobilization strategies, and managing knowledge building efforts. The Project Manager in consultation with the Head of Office works in close collaboration with the Secretariat for European Affairs (SEA), the Equal Opportunities Department at the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP), other relevant government officials, media, multilateral and bilateral donors, and civil society.

Design and implementation of GEF programme intervention

• Develop Project work plan and other related documents, in close consultation with the main stakeholders and partners, and coordinate the day-to-day implementation of activities in collaboration with the Senior International Gender Equality Facility Expert
• Manage, update and monitor the annual work plan to ensure timely implementation of activities, and delivery in compliance with the Programme results and progress over indicators
• Lead, supervise and evaluate the work performance of GEF programme team members, in coordination with the Head of Office
• Evaluate the work performance of GEF team members within the Operations Unit, in coordination with the Head of Office and Operations Associate
• Facilitate recruitment, oversee, and monitor work/results and technically resource implementation of consultancy contracts
• Develop timely Letters of Agreement, project plans, budgets, Terms of Reference for national and international consultants, experts/ institutions and CSOs, and supervise and evaluate their performance in delivering required outputs

• Coordinate the work of the consultants for the sectorial working groups and provide inputs as required

• Ensure proper management of the budget allocated for the Project.
• Participate in relevant meetings and ensure timely preparation of quality minutes and reports
• Prepare all documentation for selection and management of consultants
• Undertake close supervision and quality assurance of any studies, analyses and consultancies that are undertaken/commissioned by the project and troubleshoot as needed
• Engage in quality control of all visibility and communication materials prepared under the project, in line with UN Women guidelines and donor regulations, and in coordination with the Head of Office and Communication Specialist
• Identify and obtain any support and advice required for the management, planning and control of the project
• Organize and coordinate evaluation requirements of the project
• Assess project performance to identify success factors and incorporate best practices into project work
• Research linkages across project activities to identify critical points of integration
• Monitor specific stages of projects/programme implementation
• Analyze country situation to identify opportunities for programme development
• Participate in the formulation of project proposals and ensure substantive rigor in the design and application of proven successful approaches and drafts proposals accordingly

Gender Equality Facility / European Integrations Technical Support

• Provide technical/expert support and guidance to UN Women, main project stakeholders, implementing partners as well as consultants and collaborators, towards the achievement of intended results
• Foster strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in the field of gender equality and European integrations / public administration reform / governance
• Coordinate the work of the experts for sectorial working groups in coordination with the Head of Office and under guidance of the Senior Gender Mainstreaming and EU Integration Expert
• Identify and link to related ongoing activities within other institutions and encourage collaboration and synergies
• Promote and advocate for the project in the media as agreed with supervisors, in relevant national and regional fora
• Regular monitoring to ensure timely delivery and quality of results
• Flag in a timely way issues of strategic concern and seek advice from the supervisor in finding appropriate solutions
• Prepare deliverables and provide technical support and inputs as needed
• All other technical tasks as agreed with the supervisor according to this ToR

Provide technical inputs to the monitoring and reporting of the project

• Ensure project documentations/communication is properly done, tracking system is in place for effective project closure and any anticipated human resources changes on the project
• Develop and update quarterly work plans and expenditure plans based on the agreed annual work-plan
• Prepare requested quarterly and annual progress reports in line with corporate and donor requirements for the clearance by supervisor
• Contribute to annual reporting of the Office
• Prepare donor report and provide inputs and clarifications related to the preparation of financial reports to donors
• Responsible for timely monitoring of project implementation and delivery
• Contribute to UN Women planning and reporting corporate requirements as requested by the supervisor
• Manage programme files and support information collection and dissemination; ensure Project documentation (filling) and communication is properly done, tracking system is in place for effective Project closure

Provide substantive inputs to building partnerships and resource mobilization strategies

• Establish effective stakeholders’ relationships
• Ensure proper identification and mapping of relevant partners and donors, and follow up with all relevant counterparts
• Organize coordination meetings (participates and contributes) to ensure harmonization and sustainability of achieved results
• Maintain and establish network of contacts for general information sharing and to remain up-to-date on partnership related issues
• Analyze and select materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders
• Develop and implement partnerships strategies to contribute to the overall goal and results of the programme;
• Coordinate with other UN agencies, RCO, government departments, donors and NGOs to ensure the Project capacity development component is harmonized and aligned with other in-country efforts;
• Liaise with the governmental counterpart/s in charge of monitoring and overseeing gender mainstreaming at national level as relevant;
• Foster close collaboration with the National Gender Machinery
• Engage and contribute to regional cooperation and exchanges with other similar projects of UN Women as well as with other EUDs and National Gender Equality Mechanisms;
• Represent the Project in national and international fora as needed.
• Any other tasks and responsibilities as assigned in relation to this ToR

Ensure facilitation of capacity building and knowledge sharing, guidance to all stakeholders

• Identify, map and communicate relevant information for a variety of audiences for advocating UN Women’s mandate
• Document and analyse innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches
• Enhance processes or products and generate new ideas and propose new, more effective ways of doing things
• Research potential solutions to stakeholders’ needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion
• Anticipate stakeholder needs and addresses them promptly

CORE VALUES:

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies:

https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf .

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Ability to work effectively in diverse and multidisciplinary teams and to lead teams
• Strong programme formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation skills
• Ability to develop detailed operational plans, budgets, and deliver on them for development results;
• Good analytical and research skills
• Solid understanding of gender mainstreaming and empowerment of women (across sectors and levels of governance);
• Ability to gather and interpret data and present findings
• Ability to synthesize program performance data and produce analytical reports to inform management and strategic decision-making;
• Strong knowledge of Results Based Management and results reporting; 
• Solid knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and their consistent application in work tasks
• Solid knowledge of EU integrative processes and/or Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA)
• Ability to establish and maintain broad strategic networks and partnerships with UN agencies and other international partners to promote partnership and build alliances to advance organizational interests and competencies;
• Good organizational skills and ability to prioritize work schedule to meet corporate and stakeholder’s needs and deadlines
• Ability to apply fundamental concepts and principles of a professional discipline or technical specialty relating to the position
• Ability to advocate and provide policy and technical advice;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written);
•  Ability to handle conflict and sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner;
• Capacity to work under pressure and to meet strict deadlines.

Education/Academic requirements:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Gender/Women’s Studies, Development Studies, European Studies, Public Policy, Law, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or closely related fields.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A project/programme management certification would be an asset

Work Experience

• Minimum five years of relevant professional experience in programme/project management, and engagement on gender equality/gender policy issues is required.
• Proven understanding of and hands-on experience in processes of European Integration and/or IPA processes in the Country is required;
• Previous experience in working with international organizations on this topic is considered an asset;
• Practical experience in providing technical assistance and capacity building on gender mainstreaming at the central and local level
• Experience in working in governance related areas with the UN system EU-funded programmes and projects and other similar international organizations would be an asset.
• Evidence of knowledge of and experience with the EU Gender Equality acquis, and familiarity with stakeholders and national institutions working in the field of EU integration and gender mainstreaming.
• In-depth knowledge and experience of the legal and policy framework on gender equality and the relevant international instruments and mechanisms, and thorough conceptual understanding of gender inequalities and the status of women in the Country is desirable;
• Evidence of solid knowledge of and familiarity with stakeholders in the country, in particular national institutions working in the field of gender mainstreaming, EU integration, and development is an asset;
• Demonstrated experience in programme/project design,  coordination and management with UN agencies or similar international organizations is an advantage;
• Experience in IT Microsoft skills

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Macedonian language is required.

Application Procedure:

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via the Jobs website: https://www.mk.undp.org/content/north-macedonia/en/home/jobs.html   Applications should contain:

• Cover letter stating your interest in and qualifications for the advertised position. Please paste the letter into the “Resume and Motivation” section of the online application.
• Completed and signed UN Women Personal History Form – please download the form by opening the link UNW Personal History Form 

Please make sure you have provided all requested documents.

How to Submit the Application:

To submit your application online, please follow the following steps:

• Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11);
• Merge your UN Personal History Form (P11) and cover letter into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded;
• Click on the Job Title (job vacancy announcement);
• Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and then click “Submit Application;”
• Upload your application/single file as indicated above with the merged documents
• You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system

Special consideration  

As this position is under Service Contract modality, only citizens of North Macedonia will be considered for the vacancy.

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need. 

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel 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.)