The United Nations Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is hiring a Gender Equity and Diversity Consultant. Details follow:

The Division of Human Resources Management (DHRM) at the United Nations Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is committed to systematic examination and assessment of the effectiveness of UNHCR human resources policies. UNHCR has adopted a two-pronged approach to gender equality: mainstreaming gender and promoting targeted actions to address gender and diversity issues. Recognizing that our operational effectiveness is highly dependent on our staff, it is crucial that our staff reflect both gender and diversity in order to best respond to our persons of concern. Therefore, ensuring that human resources policies take into account gender equity, are family friendly and cognizant of LGBTI, are major priorities for DHRM. Following the launch of the Policy on Achieving Gender Equity in UNHCR Staffing on 7 March 2007 and with the goal of achieving a 50/50 gender distribution in UNHCR in all positions in the Professional category and above, work is still needed to implement relevant aspects of the policy in an effective manner. The policy should therefore be comprehensively reviewed, in order to introduce necessary actions to address gender equity, including among national staff. A dedicated person with significant experience in gender and diversity in a HR context is needed to drive the process and ensure the involvement of relevant stakeholders and continuous commitment from senior management.

Title: Consultant (Gender Equity and Diversity)

Supervision: Director of the Division of Human Resources Department (DHRM), with the support of the Division of International Protection (DIP)

Location: Geneva, Switzerland. Key stakeholder interviews will be carried out on-site

Duration of the assignment: 6 months full time, starting as soon as possible

Tasks and responsibilities:

The consultant will draft a comprehensive strategy and framework to address gender and diversity in staffing in UNHCR. Tasks will include:

– Comprehensively review the implementation of the 2007 Gender Equity Policy which aims for UNHCR to achieve a 50/50 gender balance at all levels in the International Professional category, and recommend actions to achieve continuous progress on gender equity and greater diversity among all categories of staff

– Conduct an evaluation of other relevant UNHCR human resources policies (including policies and practices regarding appointments and assignments, staff welfare, training, accommodation, security, etc.) related to gender and diversity to identify good practices, gaps and inconsistencies, through global consultation with relevant UNHCR staff and offices

– Review the effectiveness of the spouse employment policy, in light of Article 101 of the UN Charter, and recommend actions for improved implementation

– Benchmark UNHCR policies and practices to achieve gender equity and diversity in staffing against those of other UN agencies and INGOs with deep field presence

– Review policies and practices on LGTBI and recommend improvements

– Recommend specific actions for the integration of gender and diversity into all relevant DHRM policies

– Develop a communications strategy on the Policy to achieve gender equity and diversity in UNHCR

– Recommend accountability mechanisms and incentives to encourage senior management’s commitment and action to achieve the gender and diversity targets

Qualifications: University degree in human resources or social or political sciences, preferably with specialization in gender studies and academic or professional training in social research methods

Experience: At least 10 years of relevant experience in programme management and social research; knowledge of gender equality at the institutional level; experience of leading the development of reports, particularly focusing on gender and diversity; experience working with the United Nations system and knowledge of UN structures and policies

Skills: Significant knowledge and experience of gender and diversity-related issues in a human resources context, as well as policy development and research. Strong strategy development, analytical thinking, organizational, and communication skills. Ability to work independently, against tight deadlines. Excellent written and oral skills in English, knowledge of second UN language is an asset

Deadline for application: 7 November 2014

To apply, please send a motivation letter, CV and P11 Form to HQPOLICY@unhcr.org.

The P11 Form can be downloaded at: http://www.unhcr.org/recruit/p11new.doc. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.