occupied Palestinian territory: Re-advertisement: UNESCO Ramallah - Research and Policy Officer - Gender Policy Institute

(Candidates who have already applied for this position under the initial advertisement are encouraged to apply again)

Organizational Unit: UNESCO, Gender Policy Institute

Primary Location: Ramallah, Palestine

Type of contract: Service Contract

Grade: Service Contract - SC level TBA

(Salary range NIS 11,800-13,800 per month, based on experience)

Duration of Initial contract: Till 31 October 2018 (with 3 month probation period). Renewable subject to second phase of project.

Desired start Date: 15 April 2018

Deadline: 12 March 2018 (Midnight Ramallah time)

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

UNESCO is supporting the development of Palestine's first policy institute focused on gender. The institute as a non-partisan, autonomous entity whose policy driven mandate is to execute the following four core functions:

· Policy agenda setting – problem identification underpins the center’s work

· Policy formulation – provide evidence-based action oriented policy advice and guidance for integrating gender across different sectors and national gender related strategies

· Policy review – provide review and recommendations on the status of policy implementation to change the reality for women and secondly, to review ministerial processes related to gender to help advocate for progressive practices

· Coordination – maintain the GPI library as an accessible shared resource, provide a platform and ‘safe’ space for policy debates, dialogues and idea exchanges as well as disseminating information between all relevant stakeholders.

Role
While the position is initially a 6-month UNESCO contract, the intent is to transition the post to an independent contract under the institute once it is legally established. The Research and Policy Officer will work to ensure that government policies, as they relate to gender equality, non-discrimination and women’s rights, achieve desired results and meet minimum established levels of efficiency. The officer will assess the efficacy of such programs and policies. The officer will help identify and prioritize the programs or policies to examine, develop project plans, define data sets that must be gathered and determine what metrics must be examined. After developing a project plan, officer will lead and/or manage contracted experts in the gathering a specific data set or monitoring the performance of a specific system. After data is gathered, the officer conducts the statistical analysis of the data to determine existing trends and to test hypotheses. The Research and Policy Officer is then responsible for preparing and communicating reports detailing the efficacy of the program, weaknesses, strengths, and recommendations for improvement.

UNESCO is committed to promote Gender Equality within its Secretariat. Therefore, women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

JOB SUMMARY AND REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

JOB SUMMARY

As a senior and key member of the leadership team, and reporting to the Executive Director, the post-holder will be responsible for developing and leading new policy-relevant research and analysis to the highest standards. The main duties and responsibilities include:

· Design, manage and deliver key projects by conducting qualitative and quantitative research to the highest standards and developing appropriate policy ideas

· Exhibit advanced qualitative techniques, such as performing extensive inquiry into a wide variety of significant issues, problems, or proposals or existing data; determining data sources and relevance of findings and synthesizing information; evaluating tentative study findings and drawing logical conclusions; and identifying omissions, questionable assumptions, or inadequate data in the analytical work of others.

· Evidence of advanced knowledge of quantitative methods, such as cost benefit analysis, design of computer simulation models, visual presentation media and statistical analysis including survey methods and comparative and regression analysis.

· Assess the impact of proposed legislation and policies through objective reports and analysis and present these to the Executive director for recommendation to the board and to committees.

· Provide analysis, main findings and recommendations for the recent mapping of gender equality and women’s rights policies undertaken by GPI

· Prepare quarterly policy briefs based on main findings of the recent mapping of gender equality and non-discriminatory policies undertaken by GPI

· Lead round-table discussions and policy dialogues

· Analyze budgets and performance trend data.

· Disseminate research projects through written reports, media articles, blogs and presentations.

· Engage with stakeholders in government, the civil society sector, academia, private sector, donor community and international organizations to support and inform the policy work

· Communicate the work of the institute in national, regional and international media

· Represent the institute at its own seminars, conferences and other public events as well as events run by other organizations.

· Monitor and keep the team informed of external policy developments relevant to the institute’s policy program.

· Any other duties in line with the position’s responsibilities.

REQUIRED QALIFICATIONS

· Master’s degree in, Public Policy, Gender Studies, Development Studies, or other relevant fields.

· At least ten years professional work experience in policy and research at a senior level.

· Proven experience with relevant research and analytical methodology and ability to apply such techniques to policy issues, as well as drafting of academically sound papers using evidence-based referencing.

· Strong writing and communication skills in English and Arabic and proven ability to effectively articulate planning and policy issues to a wide variety of audiences.

· Ability to build coalitions, achieve consensus, and resolve disputes in complex public policy situations.

· Thematic expertise of policy issues as they relate to gender equality, non-discrimination and women’s rights.

· Strong knowledge of UN terminology, legal statutes and ratified legislation in respect of Gender and Women’s Rights.

· Personal qualities that include integrity, commitment to gender equality and women’s rights, respect for diversity and the ability to inspire and motivate.

· Effective presentation skills.

· Proficiency in MS Office programmes (MS Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook, Explorer).

· Proof of valid ID card/permit that allows you to work in Ramallah will be requested for shortlisted candidates.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries are paid in local currency. Other benefits include up to 30 days annual leave per annum prorated, allowance towards medical insurance and pension plan upon provision of proof of enrolment.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking organisation.

To apply, please send your UN P11 together with a one page cover letter which has a summary of your reasons for applying, relevant experience for the position and justification why you are the ideal candidate via the link:

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/ramallah/about-this-office/vacancies/

Link to UN P11 form : www.unon.org/docs/P11.doc

Please label the email subject line “UNESCO/GPI Vacancy for Research and Policy Officer"

The deadline for submission is Monday 12 March at midnight (Ramallah time). A written examination, in addition to a competency-based oral interview will be used in the evaluation of candidates.