Gender Advisor for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development, Nairobi

Gender Advisor for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development, Nairobi
UNDP is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.

Closing Date: Friday, 30 July 2010
GENDER ADVISOR FOR THE MINISTRY OF GENDER, CHILDREN AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Location :     Nairobi, KENYA
Application Deadline :    30-Jul-10
Type of Contract :    Service Contract
Post Level :    SB-4
Languages Required :    English
Starting Date :(date when the selected canditate is expected to start)    01-Sep-2010
Duration of Initial Contract :    1 year

Background
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development (MOGCSD)'s mandate is to provide services and coordination on issues of gender, children, and social development. This will be delivered through a 5 year ministerial Strategic Plan 2008 - 2012 which is aligned to Kenya Vision 2030. The objectives of as outlined in the strategic plan are:

    * To provide an enabling legislative and policy framework.
    * To facilitate gender mainstreaming in national development and planning and budgetary processes.
    * Reduce sex and gender based violence.
    * Increase women's access to socio-economic opportunities.
    * Enhances women's rights and participation in decision-making processes.

Gender affairs in the ministry are addressed by the Gender and Social Development Department headed by a Secretary, and within are 4 divisions: Community Development, Social Welfare/Persons with Disabilities, Finance and Administration and Gender. Each Division is headed by a Deputy Director. The Gender Division is supported by four gender officers, who have thematic responsibilities on gender based violence, gender responsive budgeting, economic empowerment, bilateral relationships, international, regional and sub-regional Issues. At provincial and district levels, the department is represented by Gender and Social development officers.

In the current context of the new management approach to development assistance brought about by the adoption of the Paris Declaration, Gender mainstreaming is critical in ensuring that gender equality issues do not disappear as a result of the new aid modalities such as budget support, SWAPS, and basket funding. In Kenya, the Gender Sector Coordination Group has taken the lead in the coordination of gender actors amongst the development partners with the ministry of gender as a co-chair of the gender sector group.

It is in the above context that a technical expert is required to support gender mainstreaming work in government.
Duties and Responsibilities
    * Review existing gender policies and assess the relevance and alignment to the national planning frameworks: Identify opportunities for the formulation of gender related bills, policies, plans and programmes.
    * Develop high level policy briefs to be used by high level decision makers within the ministry of Gender can use for advocacy purposes.
    * Operationalise the Gender mainstreaming framework including inter alia:
      a. Identification of specific ministries for collaboration to pilot the framework
      b. Identification of line ministries programmes/actions and budgets and support to indicate how gender can be integrated in those.
      c. Identify gender mainstreaming capacity gaps for the different categories of gender officers/focal points within the ministry of gender and line ministries and devise strategies to address them.
      d. Support line ministries and the ministry of gender to agree on a common workplan to address the gaps.
    * Provide guidance to government ministries and state corporations on the current performance contracting indicators with a view to strengthening gender mainstreaming in the sectors.
    * Review the information including sex disaggregated data collected by the ministry with a view to advising on how the information can be collected and used more effectively.
    * Identify innovative ways of networking and disseminating information and experiences for gender officers in line ministries.
    * Identify critical entry points for the ministry of gender to influence planning and budgeting processes in Kenya.
    * Work closely with the UN and other agencies and Ministries working on Gender Responsive budgeting in Kenya in mainstreaming gender responsive budgeting within the MTP and MTEF processes in Kenya.

Competencies
    * Good understanding of the Government of Kenya Planning and budgeting frameworks.
    * Strong analytical skills. Excellent in time management, demonstrated capacity of multi-tasking, and working effectively under pressure for extended periods and meet strict deadline.
    * Demonstrated experience of working in challenging knowledge-based and results based management environment.
    * Proficiency in applying knowledge tools and products to work.
    * Ability to work independently and be able to effectively interact with various constituencies.
    * A strong team player, willing to lend a hand to other team members and partners when required.
    * Good skills in using office software applications, intranet and internet based applications.
    * Resourcefulness, initiative and a high sense of responsibility.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

    * Advanced university degree with specialization in gender and development, economics, law or other relevant social science.

Experience:

    * 5 to 7 years experience in gender and gender related work at international level.
    * Completely conversant with best practices in gender mainstreaming Good understanding of the Government of Kenya Planning and budgeting frameworks.

Languages:

    * Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Applications should be submitted on line and must include the UNIFEM Personal History Form (P11) posted at http://www.unifem.org/attachments/about/employment/UNIFEM_personal_history_form_P11.doc

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.