Project Gender & Safeguards Specialist [open To Internal And External Applicants]

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) focuses on environmental protection and climate change adaptation, supporting international commitments and sustainable natural resource management. The "Accelerating PNG’s Sustainable Blue Economy" project, funded by GEF-8, aims to strengthen marine conservation, governance, and sustainable economic activities in key coastal areas. This role supports the mainstreaming of gender equality and environmental & social safeguards within this project.

Job Purpose

The Project Gender & Safeguards Specialist will provide strategic and technical leadership to ensure the integration of gender equality and environmental and social safeguards throughout the planning, implementation, and monitoring phases of UNDP's "Accelerating PNG’s Sustainable Blue Economy" project. This involves developing and implementing gender strategies, ensuring compliance with UNDP and GEF policies, and overseeing the application of environmental and social standards. The role also focuses on capacity development for project teams and partners, contributing to policy dialogues, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration to achieve sustainable development outcomes in PNG's marine and coastal areas, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for integrating gender equality and environmental/social safeguards into project planning, implementation, and monitoring. Lead the design and execution of gender equality strategies and Gender Action Plans (GAPs), ensuring compliance with GEF and UNDP policies, and providing technical advice on gender analyses and responsive frameworks. Oversee the application of UNDP's Social and Environmental Standards (SES) and Environmental and Social Screening Procedure (ESSP), ensuring alignment with international frameworks and the development of Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs). Design and facilitate capacity-building programs on gender and safeguards for project teams and partners. Contribute expert input to project reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of gender and safeguards indicators. Engage in national policy dialogues and contribute to integrating safeguards and gender dimensions into planning and investment decisions.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience (with a Master's degree) or 7 years (with a Bachelor's degree) is required. This experience should include integrating gender and/or safeguards into development or environmental projects, and applying SES, ESMPs, and gender action plans.

Skills

System Thinking, Communication, Result-Based Management, Working with evidence and data, Knowledge Facilitation, Gender Communication and Advocacy, Gender Monitoring and Evaluation.

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