UNESCO WWAP International Senior Gender Expert (Perugia, Italy)

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract :Consultant Contract

Level :Level 3 - Senior

Hiring Unit :Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station :Perugia

Work location : Remote

Duration of contract: 11 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+1 Time) :24/07/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW

Background

Since 2014, UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) has developed a comprehensive Water and Gender Component. With the goal of advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in water, WWAP´s main areas of activity related to water and gender include methodological approaches and evidence-based technical backstopping; wide-scale advocacy actions; capacity development, and on-the-ground project support. WWAP’s Water and Gender activities target government leaders and decision-makers, water practitioners, academia, and the general audience.

Within this framework, and under the direct supervision of the Water and Gender Programme Specialist, the International Senior Water and Gender Expert, is requested to develop activities with outputs related to support implementing the UNESCO WWAP Water and Gender approach in GEF Transboundary Water projects, and capacity development linked to the technical support agreed between UNESCO and UN Water- Integrated Monitoring Initiative (IMI) for the gender contextualization of SDG 6.

ASSIGNMENTS

Tasks and activities

The consultant will carry out tasks in the following categories:

1. WWAP publications

Support the editorial process of WWAP gender and water documents and publications including content-editing of selected text with emphasis on outcomes from the WWAP support to GEF Transboundary Water projects and other relevant water and gender technical assistance including within the WWAP-led Multistakeholder Coalition for water and gender.

1. Water and gender project implementation

Support the execution of project activities related to the WWAP water and gender component within the GEF/FAO projects “Enhancing Sustainability of the Transboundary Cambodia–Mekong Delta Aquifer (CMDA): Vietnam and Cambodia” and the Kilimanjaro Transboundary Aquifer System project (KTAS) as required. Activities may include assistance in the development of water and gender project documents and studies; support in the execution of project activities such as gender and livelihood analyses; development and implementation of WWAP training activities, and development of publications and project reports for donors and colleagues. Support the organization of project-related outreach and delivery or presentations when needed.

1. Water and gender advocacy and inter-agency collaboration

Develop the following tasks as part of the WWAP technical support to the UN Water – Integrated Monitoring Initiative (IMI) gender contextualization process:

1. • Support in coordinating and leading the Gender Working Group (GWG) meetings.
   • Promote awareness of gender as it relates to water and sanitation by developing and guiding regional webinars and other capacity development activities, and focused support to selected countries in their efforts to implement the IMI-SDG 6 gender contextualization process.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree in a relevant field e.g. environment, water or social sciences; MSc or above.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 10 years of professional experience, preferably in the fields of development in its intersection with natural resources, social sciences, gender.
• Field experience in implementing gender, education, capacity development and/or natural resources projects in contexts of diverse complexity.
• Proven experience interacting with diverse stakeholders, especially ministerial/ governmental parties.
• Experience with community selection and community mobilization.
• Experience in design and execution of quali and/or quantitative social studies, including gender analyses.
• Experience in design and implementation of training programmes and skill development.
• Experience in Asia and Africa.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Very good IT skills.
• Ability to prioritize and deliver meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work as part of a team, create networks and deal with participatory processes.
• Ability to travel abroad.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent command of English in written and oral communication with expertise in editorial processes.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now”, download and complete the following:

• Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information.
• A letter of intension indicating how your qualifications and experience are suitable for the assignment.
• A technical proposal for the assignment indicating conceptual and methodological approaches with key general activities (up to 700 words).
• A competitive fee for the assignment, which should be quoted in USD and expressed on a monthly basis.
• An updated CV

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.