Specialist in Social and Gender Norms

Organizational Context

UNFPA has been active in Nicaragua since 1974, focusing on integrating population dynamics, youth, sexual and reproductive health, and gender-based violence into public policies. While progress has been made in reducing maternal mortality and incorporating reproductive rights, challenges like high adolescent pregnancy rates persist. UNFPA works to enhance maternal and newborn care, comprehensive sexuality education, and measures to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, aiming to leverage the country's "demographic dividend".

Job Purpose

The Specialist in Social and Gender Norms will support UNFPA Nicaragua's Country Program, specifically Outcome 3, which aims to strengthen capacities for transforming social and gender norms that hinder gender equality. This role involves providing technical support and monitoring the implementation of work plans with key government ministries (Education, Family Affairs, Health). The specialist will contribute to a gender-sensitive, generational, inclusive, and intersectional approach to prevent gender-based violence and promote informed decisions regarding sexual and reproductive health, ultimately supporting the achievement of program objectives.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Assistant Representative and in coordination with the GBV/CSE Program Analyst, the specialist will provide technical assistance to institutional teams from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Family Affairs, and Ministry of Health for activities related to social norms transformation. Responsibilities include supporting program monitoring and reporting, facilitating capacity-building sessions on comprehensive sexuality education and positive masculinities, and contributing to GBV prevention activities. The role also involves supporting the review of technical products, participating in situation analyses, assisting with planning and data gathering, and providing technical assistance for emergency preparedness and response to GBV. Coordination of inter-institutional work and adherence to PSEA codes of conduct are also key duties.

Work Experience

Requires 3 years of relevant experience in programs focused on transforming inequitable social and gender norms, including prevention of gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, comprehensive sexuality education, and positive masculinities. Experience working with government agencies is essential, and experience with the UN system is desirable. Skills in group facilitation, training, and utilizing educational methodologies are also important.

Skills

Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, building trust, commitment, motivation, creativity, empowering others, ethics, values, integrity, leadership, planning, organizing, professionalism, and self-management. Expertise in community development, social work, and development programs is also relevant. A clear understanding of UNFPA's mandate on SRH/GBV/Data and evidence is necessary.

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