Now Hiring: JPO – Programme Analyst, Ending Violence Against Women (Dakar, Senegal)

Organisational Context

Multifaceted and rampant is the nature of violence against women and girls in Africa. Key technical support to the Spotlight Initiative (a global fund established by the UN Secretary-General in 2017 to address VAW/G) is also provided by the EVAW Section. A multi-year partnership between the EU and the United Nations, this initiative has deployed targeted, large-scale investments to different geographic areas, including four pilot countries in the region out of eight in Africa. A regional component with a continental scope is also included as part of a comprehensive programming approach to eliminate the different forms of VAW/G, harmful practices, and to promote sexual reproductive health and rights. Partnerships with UN agencies on multiyear strategic interventions related to reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health (Muskoka and H6 initiative) are also maintained by the EVAW Section. Contributing to the development of EVAW Flagship Programmes using the model of the Spotlight Initiative is included within the scope of work of the section.

Duties and Responsibilities

Support the EVAW Flagship Programmes Development:

• Strengthening and coordination of UN agencies’ action at the regional level shall be assisted as part of the roll-out of Flagship Programme Initiatives in selected pilot and self-starter countries.
• Compilation of information and results from country teams must be carried out to inform donor reports on programmes for which the EVAW Section is responsible. The feedback of the EVAW Policy Advisor shall be integrated as part of these processes.
• Updating of information on EVAW on UN Women’s Intranet is to be contributed to, including the possible development of Communities of Practice on the Flagship Programme Initiative.
• Implementation of relevant, high-impact EVAW advocacy activities with key partners requires assistance.
• Technical inputs on the Flagship Programme Initiative / Joint UN initiatives related to maternal health (Muskoka, H6 & HIV) must be assisted in providing. Where relevant, Spotlight Initiative content (including policy papers, annual work plans, communications materials, etc.) both at the regional level and prepared by local teams shall be included.
• Synthesizing and disseminating good practices and lessons learnt from the Flagship Programme Initiative and Joint UN initiatives related to maternal health and EVAW should be assisted to inform the development of the next generation of programmes.
• Organization of webinars and other information exchange mechanisms relating to EVAW/G (both substantive content and logistics) requires assistance as requested by country and regional offices.
• Strengthening links with other regional, national, and inter-agency groups on EVAW/G shall be assisted, and new partnerships and collaborations promoted.

Support the Ending Violence against Women Section in the following areas:

• Research and analysis to develop knowledge products on the work of the EVAW Section must be conducted, including assistance in the drafting of conceptual papers, briefings, talking points, and reports for UN Women WCARO Senior Management.
• Support in the drafting and monitoring of the Section’s annual work plans and budgets shall be provided.
• Development of communications material on the work of the EVAW Section should be contributed to.
• Participation in and representation of the EVAW Section and/or UN Women in meetings is required.
• Any other duties as directed by the EVAW Policy Advisor must be assisted.

Contribute to building partnerships and resource mobilization strategies:

• Inputs to resource mobilization strategies shall be provided; information and databases must be analyzed and maintained.
• Inputs to relevant documentation such as project summaries, conference papers, briefing notes, speeches, and donor profiles should be provided.

Provide inputs to advocacy, knowledge building and communication efforts:

• Technical inputs to background documents, briefs, and presentations must be provided.
• Organization of advocacy activities and campaign events, trainings, workshops, and knowledge products requires support.
• Inputs to the development of knowledge management products shall be provided.

Any other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Job Identification: 34543
Apply Before: June 29, 2026, 04:59 AM
Job Schedule: Full time
Locations: Dakar, Senegal
Agency: UN Women
Grade: P2
Vacancy Type: Fixed Term
Practice Area: Gender
Contract Duration: 1 Year with Possibility for Extension
Education & Work Experience: Master’s Degree – 2 year(s) experience OR Bachelor’s Degree – 4 year(s) experience
Required Languages: English
Desired Languages: French
Vacancy Timeline: 4 Weeks

JPO Programme Components

Supervisor: Policy Advisor

Content and methodology of supervision

• Structured guidance from the supervisor will be received by the JPO, especially at the beginning of the assignment, with the purpose of gradually increasing responsibilities.
• An annual workplan based on the initial assessment of the JPO’s capability and strengths, with clear results and performance indicators, shall be developed by the JPO and supervisor together.
• Establishment of an individual work plan with clear deliverables is required.
• Effective supervision through knowledge sharing and performance/development feedback throughout the assignment will be provided.
• Easy access to the supervisor is guaranteed. Regular office and Policy team meetings shall be participated in to ensure integration with all aspects of the Section’s areas of work and operational effectiveness.
• Guidance and advice in relation to learning and training opportunities within the field of expertise must be provided. Completion of the yearly UN Women Results and Competency Assessment is required.
• Regular Programme Team meetings and retreats will be attended by the JPO to ensure alignment of the individual workplan with the overall office workplan and priorities.

Additional specific supervision arrangements:

• Daily interaction with the direct supervisor will occur, with progress reviewed regularly. Additional meetings with and support from the EVAW Policy Advisor shall be provided.

Training

Upon completion of the assignment, the JPO will have / will be able to:

• In-depth knowledge of UN Women’s work will be developed.
• A strong ability to develop and strengthen partnerships across a broad range of partners (including government, development partners, UN agencies, and civil society organizations) shall be developed.
• The ability to prepare quality knowledge products including briefs, concept notes, and talking points will be gained.
• Skills in the area of programme and project development, advocacy, and strategic planning shall be developed.
• Access to on-the-job training and mentoring will be provided.

The JPO training programme includes the following learning elements:

• Participation in a UN Women Programme Policy and Operations Induction Course in New York within the first six months of assignment is included.
• Various training and learning opportunities, as available in UN Women, shall be offered.

Duty travel and training allowance (DTTA): $4,000 per year. Learning activities related to the assignment and career development may be funded through this allowance.

Competencies

• Interest and/or experience in development in Africa and gender issues is required.
• Excellent drafting skills with the ability to edit and clear reports and program documents are necessary.
• Very strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills (identifying data sources, mining data, interpreting, visualizing, and using data for the purpose of problem solving and generation of evidence) must be demonstrated.
• Very strong inter-personal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with staff at all levels of the organization are expected.
• The ability to handle multiple tasks while working with a sense of urgency to meet deadlines should be present.
• Versatility and the ability to work in a multicultural, global, and fast-paced environment while maintaining a strong internal client service orientation are essential.

Important Eligibility Notice

In the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of the Netherlands, this post is opened. Exclusive address is made to individuals holding the nationality of one of the eligible countries listed in the attached PDF. Senegal is excluded due to the restriction that nationals of the country where the position is located cannot be considered.

 eligible-countries-DC-JPOs.pdf

Maximum age limit: 32 years as of December 31 of the year of application.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in Gender, Development, Economics, International Relations, Sociology, or other similar subjects is required.
• In exceptional cases, candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of four years of relevant working experience may be considered.
• Substantive parts of the candidate’s academic training (Bachelor and/or Master) must have taken place in a developing country that appears on the list of eligible countries. (See attached PDF)

Experience

• A minimum of two years of paid working experience in a relevant field (development programme/project implementation, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, donor reporting, and capacity building) is required.
• Some development project/programme management experience is necessary, ideally with some experience in the fields of gender equality and violence against women and girls.
• Experience coordinating and liaising with government agencies and/or donors is regarded as an asset.
• Providing substantive feedback on programme guidance and instructional materials (especially as part of international projects in the area of human rights, including women’s rights and, if possible, EVAW/G) is valued.
• Experience in assisting in the organization and implementation of workshops/meetings (including technical online support) is desirable.
• Drafting and completing briefs, talking points, reports, etc., on a tight schedule and in coordination with input from multiple project partners should be demonstrated.
• Familiarity with the UN System is desirable.
• Work experience within the UN system (including UNV, paid UN internship, and UN consultancy) must not exceed one year.
• All paid work experience since obtaining a Bachelor’s degree may be considered if relevant to the role. Relevant internship experience is recognized at 50%.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of French is considered a strong asset.
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is also regarded as an asset.

Application Attachments Required

• A brief motivation letter in English explaining why you are the perfect candidate for the position by using examples of your interests and achievements must be submitted.
• A copy of your passport is required.
• A copy of your Master’s degree must be provided.

Equal Opportunity

Diversity is valued by UNDP as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where operations occur. As an equal opportunity employer, qualified applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply for roles in the organization. Merit and suitability for the role serve as the basis for employment decisions, without discrimination. An inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to the organization’s mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all is also committed to by UNDP.

Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse of Authority

Harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination, and abuse of authority are not tolerated by UNDP. Relevant checks are, therefore, undergone by all selected candidates, and adherence to the respective standards and principles is expected.

Right to Select Multiple Candidates

The right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement is reserved by UNDP. Applications may also be retained, and candidates applying to this post may be considered for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience, and educational requirements.

Use of AI by Candidates

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How to Apply
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