Project Management Specialist - Women’s Economic Empowerment (Private Sector)
Organizational Context
UN Women (UNW) is dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women globally. In the State of Palestine, UN Women has been active since 1997, focusing on advancing gender equality in line with national priorities. The office works to mainstream gender in governance, peace, and security; support women's economic security and rights; and promote women's protection against violence. Its work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, aiming to enhance economic opportunities, social services, and accountable governance for Palestinians.
Job Purpose
The Project Management Specialist will lead the planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring, and reporting of UN Women's Horizon-funded interventions in Gaza, specifically focusing on women's economic empowerment within the private sector and light industry. This role involves managing project activities, ensuring delivery against work plans and budgets, and coordinating with implementing partners, service providers, and businesses. The specialist will provide technical guidance on women's economic empowerment, conduct market assessments, build partnerships with enterprises, and promote decent work principles. The aim is to enhance women's access to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economic opportunities, contributing to their livelihoods and overall empowerment in the region.
Responsibilities
Lead comprehensive project management, including planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring, and reporting for women's economic empowerment initiatives in Gaza. Ensure project delivery aligns with approved work plans, budgets, and indicators. Coordinate effectively with implementing partners, service providers, businesses, and relevant stakeholders, actively tracking deliverables, risks, and dependencies. Prepare and maintain essential project documentation such as work plans, results frameworks, budgets, and progress reports. Conduct field monitoring and quality assurance to validate progress and address operational or programmatic issues. Provide technical guidance on women's economic empowerment, focusing on private-sector development, market linkages, entrepreneurship, value chains, and light industry employment. Support data collection and assessments on market opportunities and barriers for women's participation. Foster partnerships with businesses, producer groups, and financial service providers. Promote decent work, safe working conditions, disability inclusion, and safeguarding principles throughout project activities.
Work Experience
Requires at least 7 years of progressive experience in project or programme management, encompassing planning, implementation, partner coordination, budget oversight, and reporting. Essential technical experience or knowledge in areas such as employment, women's economic empowerment, private-sector development, entrepreneurship, market systems, value chains, or light industry is necessary. Desirable experience includes engaging with businesses and business associations, and managing projects in humanitarian, recovery, or crisis-affected settings.
Skills
Key competencies include professionalism, integrity, teamwork, respect for diversity, commitment to continuous learning, planning and organizing, and strong communication skills. The role requires the ability to manage information objectively, build effective partnerships in a multicultural environment, and adapt to challenging conditions. A genuine commitment to the principles of voluntary engagement and UN Women's mission is essential. Expertise in administration, economics, poverty reduction, livelihoods, gender, and women's rights is also relevant.