FOR MORE INFORMATION about the consultancy and application process please refer to this link: https://bit.ly/4fDXA4E
Duration: 1 February – 31 December 2025
In the framework of the GEF-UNDP-UNESCO project on “Strengthening the resilience of Central
Asian countries by enabling regional cooperation to assess glacio-nival systems to develop
integrated methods for sustainable development and adaptation to climate change”, under the
overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Almaty Office and the direct supervision and
guidance of the Project Manager (PM), the Gender Specialist will undertake the following
activities:
• Collaborate with the Gender Expert to integrate gender considerations across all project
dimensions, ensuring equitable participation and gender-sensitive practices in project
activities and reporting.
• Assume primary responsibility for gender-related monitoring and knowledge management,
including liaison with project contractors.
• Work alongside the Gender Expert to establish quarterly targets and activities outlined in the
Gender Action Plan.
• Under the overall supervision of the PM, oversee the implementation of the Gender Action
Plan.
• Coordinate closely with the project Knowledge Management Expert, project Communications
Assistant and the project Safeguards Expert (once hired) on project implementation,
reporting, monitoring, evaluation, and communication, with specific responsibilities including:
– Monitoring progress in implementing the Gender Action Plan (GAP) and meeting
targets, ensuring that targets are fully met, and the reporting requirements are
fulfilled.
– Oversee/develop/coordinate implementation of all gender-related work.
– Contribute to the promotion of gender equality by reaching, involving and
benefiting both women and men in project activities (gender mainstreaming)
ensuring gender disaggregated data available.
– Encourage awareness and promotion of gender equality among project staff and
partners.
– Ensure that gender analysis is part of every substantive analysis and report of the
project.
– Review the Gender Action Plan annually, and update and revise corresponding
management plans as necessary.
– Work with the project Knowledge Management Expert, project Communications
Assistant and the project Safeguards Expert (once hired) to ensure reporting,
monitoring and evaluation fully address
the gender issues of the project.
The Gender Specialist will be recruited based on the following qualifications
• Master’s degree in gender studies, gender and development, environment,
sustainable development, international relations, international studies,
public administration, management, or any related area.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues related to gender and sustainable
development; at least 3 years of practical working experience in gender
mainstreaming, women’s empowerment or sustainable development in
relevant Country/Region/Area of Work.
• Experience in gender issues in Central Asia.
• Previous experience with UN projects and/or GEF-funded projects will be a
definite asset.
• Demonstrated understanding of the links between sustainable development,
social and gender issues.
• Experience in gender-responsive capacity building.
• Experience with project development and results-based management
methodologies is highly desired/required.
• Excellent analytical, writing, advocacy, presentation, and communications skills.
• Excellent language skills in English language and very good working proficiency in Russian
language (writing, speaking and reading).
Competencies
• Culturally sensitive with friendly and effective communication skills, conducive to impactful
presentations, networking, and building trust necessary for task completion.
• Ability to cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders, focusing on stakeholder impact
and results, and responding positively to feedback; consensus oriented.
• Highly developed interpersonal, negotiation, and teamwork skills, with the ability to thrive
in a multicultural environment.
• Demonstrated excellence in communication and interpersonal skills.
• Extensive experience in implementing gender-related technical activities in collaboration
with various subnational stakeholder groups, including communities and government
entities.
• Proficient in drafting, presenting, and reporting skills.
• Sound understanding of the political, socio-economic, and environmental context relevant
to the Central Asian protected area system, particularly from a gender perspective.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English language.
• At least very good working proficiency in Russian language (writing, speaking and reading).
Experience
• Master’s degree in gender studies, gender and development, environment,
sustainable development, international relations, international studies, public
administration, management, or any related area.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience conducting gender assessments and
mainstreaming in projects within environmental or public sector initiatives.
• Understanding of environmental issues, climate change impacts, water
vulnerability challenges, and opportunities for resilience building.
• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is mandatory, with strong
written and presentation skills using clear and concise language.
Deliverables:
1. Integration of Gender Considerations:
– Documented guidelines or frameworks for mainstreaming gender considerations into
project activities and reports.
– Reports demonstrating equitable participation and gender-sensitive practices in project
activities.
2. Gender-related Monitoring and Knowledge Management:
– Regular reports or databases containing gender-related monitoring data and insights,
showcasing trends, challenges, and successes.
– Knowledge management products summarizing key gender-related findings, lessons
learned, and best practices, disseminated to project stakeholders.
3. Quarterly Targets and Activities:
– Quarterly plans detailing specific gender-related targets and activities from the Gender
Action Plan, including progress reports on their implementation and achievements.
4. Implementation of Gender Action Plan:
– Comprehensive reports on the implementation of the Gender Action Plan, outlining actions
taken, results achieved, challenges encountered, and lessons learned.
– Updated Gender Action Plan documents reflecting revisions or updates based on annual
reviews and feedback.
5. Coordination with project Knowledge Management Expert, project
Communications Assistant and the project Safeguards Expert (once hired):
– Joint reports or assessments integrating gender considerations into project
implementation, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation activities.
– Communication materials or training resources developed collaboratively to raise
awareness and understanding of gender issues among project staff and partners.
Note to the applicants:
Please send the following documents to apply:
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae.
• A statement indicating how the candidate’s qualifications and experience make him/her
suitable for the assignment.
• An indication of the approach the candidate would adopt to carry out the assignment,
including any inputs that may be required from UNESCO.
• The overall cost of the assignment should be expressed as an overall lump-sum.
The proposals and any supporting documents should be in English. The proposals should be
submitted by e-mail not later than 15 December 2024 a.kulzhabayeva@unesco.org.
Should you be interested in this work assignment, please send us your written proposals by
indicated deadline. We would be also grateful for further sharing of this call with other suitable
candidates through your professional networks.
