Gender Specialist (Buildings Design and Construction Focus)-(Homebased, Retainer)

Job categories Engineering

Vacancy code VA/2025/B5132/30657

Level ICS-10

Department/office ECR, AUMCO, Austria MCO

Duty station Home based

Contract type International ICA

Contract level IICA-2

Duration 6 months with possibility of extension

Application period 29-Aug-2025 to 20-Sep-2025

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

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Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS background

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

Organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been appointed as the implementation agency. At present, the UNOPS ETMC office is implementing and negotiating a number of projects in a range of sectors including infrastructure development, Procurement Support to Government Ministries and other UN agencies and HR support to UN agencies. The functional objective of UNOPS ETMCO is to deliver projects in an efficient and effective manner, to achieve the development outcomes sought by the Government of Ethiopia and the donor community, where capacity building is always considered and encouraged.

Austria multi-Country Office:

The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO), as part of the UNOPS Europe & Central Asia Region (ECR), is committed to enabling the achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through tailored interventions. AUMCO focuses on infrastructure, procurement, project management, HR and transactional services, grants management, and technical and advisory services in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia.

In Türkiye, UNOPS is partnering with the Government and others to support earthquake recovery efforts through its infrastructure and project management services. This includes the construction of public buildings and facilities, with a specific focus on providing shelters for vulnerable groups, based on assessments conducted in collaboration with UN partners.

UNOPS, in partnership with UN Women and with funding from the EU, is undertaking a project to construct four women's shelters across Türkiye (two in areas destroyed by the recent earthquake and the other two in high migration-receiving provinces). UNOPS will be responsible for the required infrastructure design and construction within the overall UN Women-led initiative that will be supporting the Ministry of Family and Social Services.

Job’s specific:

The incumbent will be working with a project team and project design firm/s to ensure that the design and construction of these shelters are truly gender responsive. UNOPS requires a Gender Specialist with specific experience in the construction sector and similar projects. This specialist will provide technical advice and guidance to the project team, ensuring that gender considerations are integrated into all aspects of the project, from initial design to final construction and handover. The Senior Project Manager will oversee the Gender Specialist.

** This is a Homebased position, meaning that the incumbent will not work from a UNOPS office. Therefore, the incumbent will need to use his/her own laptop and software. **

*** Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. **

Functional Responsibilities

Context and overall objective of the role The Gender Specialist (Buildings Desig...

Context and overall objective of the role

The Gender Specialist (Buildings Design and Construction Focus) will provide expert advice and technical support to the project team and the design firm/s on integrating gender considerations into the design, construction, and operationalization of the women's shelters. The specialist will ensure that the shelters are designed and built to meet the specific needs of women and girls, promoting their safety, security, and well-being.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Gender Specialist (Building Design and Construction Focus) will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Design Review and Input:

Review architectural designs and construction plans to ensure they are gender-responsive and address the specific needs of women and girls, including safety, privacy, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity.
Provide recommendations on design modifications to enhance the safety and security of the shelters, considering factors such as lighting, visibility, privacy, security and access control.
Advise on the selection of materials and technologies that are appropriate for women's needs and preferences.

2. Construction Monitoring and Supervision (Subject to needs):

Monitor construction activities to ensure that gender considerations are being implemented effectively.
Conduct site visits to assess the quality of construction and identify any potential gender-related issues.
Provide guidance to contractors and construction workers on gender-sensitive construction practices.

3. Community Engagement and Consultation:

In coordination with UN Women, facilitate consultations with women and girls in the affected communities to gather their input on the design and construction of the shelters.
Ensure that the voices of women and girls are heard and that their needs are reflected in the final design.

4.Capacity Building and Training:

Develop and deliver training programs for project staff, consultants and contractors, on gender equality and gender-sensitive construction practices.
In coordination with UN Women, promote the participation of women in the construction workforce.

5.Reporting and Documentation:

Prepare regular reports on the integration of gender considerations into the project.
Document best practices and lessons learned for future projects.

6.Coordination and Collaboration:

Work closely with UN Women and other partners including but not limited to the Ministry of Family and Social Services to ensure a coordinated approach to gender mainstreaming.

Impact of results:

The Gender Specialist's contributions will directly impact the quality and effectiveness of the women's shelters. By ensuring that the shelters are designed and built to meet the specific needs of women and girls, the specialist will contribute to their safety, security, and well-being. The specialist's work will also promote gender equality and women's empowerment in the affected communities.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) prefera...

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International ICA Contract level: IICA 2 / ICS 10 Contract durati...

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applic...

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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APPLICATION TIPS

How to send a good application:

TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

We are proud of our people. The UNOPS family brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf on our partners. Spread across 80 countries, our workforce is rich in diversity and culture – with inclusion at its core.

We understand the importance of balancing professional and personal demands and offer several flexible working options.

Explore what we offer here.