Social Norms Programme Associate
Organizational Context
UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health and rights agency, operates in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean as part of the "Delivering as One" initiative. Its Sub-Regional Programme (2027-2031) focuses on addressing discriminatory social and gender norms, which are key barriers to gender equality, SRHR, preventing adolescent pregnancy and GBV, and ensuring sustainable development in Small Island Developing States. UNFPA supports gender-transformative approaches through advocacy, community engagement, and partnerships to promote equitable gender relations and violence-free lives.
Job Purpose
This UNV assignment supports UNFPA's Caribbean Sub-Regional Programme by laying the groundwork for implementing initiatives aimed at transforming harmful social and gender norms. The role involves contributing to evidence generation, mapping stakeholders, fostering partnerships, managing knowledge, and coordinating strategic actions across the Caribbean. A key focus will be supporting youth innovation initiatives, such as the Next Wave Climate Data Challenge, reinforcing UNFPA's commitment to meaningful youth participation as a driver of sustainable social change. The assignment aims to advance gender equality, SRHR, and GBV prevention by addressing underlying social and behavioral drivers of inequality.
Responsibilities
The Social Norms Programme Associate will support the planning, coordination, and implementation of activities to transform discriminatory social and gender norms using gender-transformative and human rights-based approaches. This includes preparing programme documentation, conducting research and evidence synthesis, and identifying best practices. The role involves supporting strategic partnerships by mapping and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government counterparts, civil society, and youth organizations. Additionally, the associate will support initiatives promoting youth leadership and meaningful participation, contributing to the implementation and documentation of youth-led innovation projects. Responsibilities also include developing knowledge products, supporting programme monitoring and reporting, and coordinating events. The associate will stay informed on relevant developments and promote gender equality and human rights principles throughout their work.
Work Experience
Requires 1 month of relevant experience. Demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to two years) in areas such as gender equality, social norms transformation, SRHR, GBV prevention, youth engagement, or international development is needed. Experience in research, stakeholder engagement, programme implementation, or communications is beneficial. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and strong organizational and interpersonal skills are essential.
Skills
Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, trust-building, client orientation, commitment to learning, communication, creativity, empowering others, ethics, integrity, judgment, knowledge sharing, planning, professionalism, respect for diversity, self-management, and teamwork. Technical skills in administration, communication, advocacy, public information, and community development are also important.