📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Spécialiste de Programme, Genre, NOC, UNFPA, Conakry, Guinée
• Company: UNFPA
• Location: Conakry, Guinée
• Job Type: On-site
• Category: International Development, Gender Equality
• Date Posted: June 13, 2025
• Experience Level: 5-10 years
• Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

The Gender Program Specialist will lead the Gender Unit and manage the UNFPA Guinea Gender program, focusing on gender-based violence and providing strategic and technical leadership. Responsibilities include program design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and advocacy based on evidence.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

A. Leadership Programmatic and Technical

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for the design, planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Gender program.
• Supervise a team to ensure effective and timely achievement of results.
• Develop work plans focused on results.
• Ensure coherence between Gender program projects using a results-based management approach.
• Conduct regular situation analyses on gender equality.
• Propose innovative strategies to address violations of women's and girls' rights.
• Provide technical support and capacity building to partners.
• Collaborate with the Operations Unit to ensure efficiency, compliance, and accountability in fund use.

B. Evidence-Based Advocacy

• Identify policy gaps and formulate concrete recommendations.
• Represent UNFPA in national, regional, and international forums.

C. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Ensure systematic implementation of monitoring and evaluation.
• Prepare regular progress reports.
• Organize regular meetings with implementation partners.
• Conduct field visits.
• Document and share best practices, lessons, and replicable strategies.

D. Partnership Development

• Develop and maintain partnerships with UN agencies, national, and international partners.
• Develop high-quality funding proposals in the gender/VBG domain.

E. Supervision and Performance Management

• Mentor, train, and motivate team members.
• Implement the UNFPA performance management system.
• Foster a positive work environment without harassment, promoting work-life balance.

F. Transversal Integration of Gender and Emergency Preparedness

• Ensure integration of gender with other UNFPA components (reproductive health, youth, population).
• Integrate emergency preparedness into Gender programs.
• Integrate gender-based violence into emergency responses.
• Support the UN Resident Coordinator in coordinating the UN System's Gender Thematic Group.

G. Other Tasks

• Perform any other tasks assigned by the UNFPA Representative or Deputy Representative.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education

• Advanced university degree in gender studies, development studies, sociology, political science, international affairs, humanitarian affairs, or related social sciences.

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in development activities, preferably in gender or gender-based violence programming/project management.
• Proficiency in MS Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and web-based management systems.

Competencies

• Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply data to produce national and sub-national profiles and situation analyses.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in using computers and software (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and experience with web-based management systems.
• Excellent report writing skills and persuasive oral presentation skills.
• Knowledge of the UN system is desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in French is required, with excellent oral and written communication skills; knowledge of other local languages is desirable.

Values

• Integrity
• Commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
• Embracing cultural diversity
• Accepting change

Core Competencies

• Achieving results
• Accountability
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen
• Analytical and strategic thinking
• Teamwork and self-management, managing relationships

Functional Competencies

• Policy-focused advocacy and promotion
• Leveraging government resources and building strategic partnerships
• Results-based program management
• Internal and external communication and mobilizing results-based advocacy

Managerial Competencies

• Strategic orientation
• Engaging with internal and external stakeholders
• Leading, developing, and holding team members accountable, creating a performance-driven culture
• Decision-making and judgment

💵 Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits, as applicable.

🎯 Team & Company Context

A. Company Culture

Industry

• The UNFPA operates in the international development and gender equality sectors.

Company Size

• The UNFPA is a medium-sized organization with a global presence.

Founded

• The UNFPA was founded in 1969.

Team Structure

• The Gender Program Specialist will lead the Gender Unit and manage the UNFPA Guinea Gender program, working closely with the UNFPA Representative and Deputy Representative.
• The Gender Unit will consist of several team members, including program officers, monitoring and evaluation officers, and administrative staff.

Development Methodology

• The UNFPA uses a results-based management approach, focusing on achieving specific, measurable outcomes.
• The organization employs a project-based work management system, with regular progress tracking and reporting.
• The UNFPA promotes a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and evidence-based decision-making.

Company Website

• https://www.unfpa.org/

B. Career & Growth Analysis

Gender Program Specialist Role

• The Gender Program Specialist role is at the P4 level within the UN system, with a mid-level management focus.
• The role provides strategic and technical leadership for the UNFPA Guinea Gender program, with significant influence on gender-based violence prevention and response efforts.
• The Gender Program Specialist supervises the Gender Unit, managing team members and fostering a collaborative work environment.

Reporting Structure

• The Gender Program Specialist reports directly to the UNFPA Deputy Representative in Guinea and indirectly to the UNFPA Representative.
• The role works closely with other UNFPA program units, including reproductive health, youth, and population, as well as with external partners and stakeholders.

Technical Impact

• The Gender Program Specialist plays a crucial role in shaping the UNFPA Guinea Gender program's strategic direction, ensuring alignment with global best practices and UNFPA's global priorities.
• The role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with national and international stakeholders.

Growth Opportunities

• Technical Growth: The role offers opportunities to develop expertise in gender programming, advocacy, and emergency response, with potential for specialization in specific areas such as policy development, research, or capacity building.
• Leadership Development: The Gender Program Specialist role provides opportunities to develop leadership skills, mentoring team members, and contributing to the development of UNFPA's organizational culture.
• Architecture Decision-Making: The role involves making critical decisions regarding program design, implementation, and evaluation, with opportunities to influence UNFPA's global gender programming strategies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type

• The UNFPA Guinea office is a medium-sized, multi-floor facility located in the capital city of Conakry.
• The office provides a collaborative work environment, with open-plan workspaces and dedicated meeting rooms.

Office Location(s)

• The UNFPA Guinea office is located in the Dixinnoye neighborhood of Conakry, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.
• The office is situated in a secure compound, with 24/7 security personnel and access controls.

Workspace Context

• The Gender Program Specialist will have a dedicated office with sufficient space for team meetings and private work.
• The office is equipped with modern furniture, including a desk, chairs, and storage units.
• The workspace is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, including high-speed internet access, a computer, and a multi-line telephone.

Work Schedule

• The UNFPA Guinea office operates from Monday to Friday, with regular office hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• The Gender Program Specialist may be required to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet program demands and attend events or meetings.
• The role may also require occasional travel within Guinea and internationally to attend workshops, conferences, or to support program implementation.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process

1. Application Review: The UNFPA will review all applications and invite shortlisted candidates for an interview.
2. Technical Assessment: Shortlisted candidates will be required to participate in a technical assessment, focusing on their knowledge of gender programming, advocacy, and emergency response.
3. Behavioral Interview: Candidates will participate in a behavioral interview to assess their leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
4. Final Evaluation: The UNFPA will conduct a final evaluation, considering the candidate's technical expertise, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips

• Candidates should prepare a portfolio showcasing their experience in gender programming, advocacy, and emergency response.
• The portfolio should include examples of program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as any relevant publications, presentations, or reports.
• Candidates should highlight their ability to analyze data, develop evidence-based recommendations, and effectively communicate with stakeholders.

Technical Challenge Preparation

• Candidates should familiarize themselves with the UNFPA's global priorities, including the UNFPA Strategic Plan (2025-2030) and the UNFPA Guinea Gender program's specific objectives and targets.
• Candidates should brush up on their knowledge of gender-based violence, including its causes, consequences, and best practices for prevention and response.
• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with results-based management, advocacy, and partnership development, as well as their ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for the Gender Program Specialist position:

1. Submit your application through the UNFPA careers portal.
2. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience in gender programming, advocacy, and emergency response, as well as your technical skills and leadership potential.
3. Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience and achievements in gender programming, advocacy, and emergency response, focusing on your ability to analyze data, develop evidence-based recommendations, and effectively communicate with stakeholders.
4. Research the UNFPA's global priorities, including the UNFPA Strategic Plan (2025-2030) and the UNFPA Guinea Gender program's specific objectives and targets, to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission.
5. Prepare for the technical assessment, behavioral interview, and final evaluation by reviewing the UNFPA's core competencies and the specific requirements of the Gender Program Specialist role.

📝 Enhancement Note: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and UNFPA-specific information. All details should be verified directly with the UNFPA before making application decisions.