Editor for Gender and Rio+20 Sustainable Development Publication

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has a longstanding commitment to mainstreaming gender equality into development policy and promoting women’s economic, social and political empowerment. As the UN’s lead development agency, UNDP also facilitates the integration of gender equality principles into major multilateral environmental dialogues through innovative approaches in close collaboration with government and civil society organizations at the community, national, and global levels. UNDP has strengthened the integration of gender equality principles into its environment, climate change and energy programming, including through the UNDP/GEF Adaptation portfolio, UN-REDD, Community-Based Adaptation, Global Gender and Climate Alliance, Low-Emission, Climate Resilient Development Strategies, and the Africa Adaptation Programme. UNDP is also leading initiatives to provide integrated programming that recognizes and leverages synergies between policies for gender equality, poverty reduction, governance, and inclusive, climate-resilient growth. The demand for such integrated technical advice and services has grown, particularly from country offices and national partners. In response to this demand, and following its mandate to mainstream gender in international responses to sustainable development, UNDP is leading several initiatives designed to influence the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. The event will take place in Brazil from 4 - 6 June 2012. It marks the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, and the 10th anniversary of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. Rio+20 offers a strategic platform to advocate key messages around the gender and sustainable development nexus and an opportunity to showcase innovative solutions. UNDP and partners are working to ensure that gender equality principles are integrated in the Rio+20 Outcome Document and programming through a series of policy advocacy publications, consultations and high-level side events, including a volume of edited papers from leading development thinkers on the links between gender equality, growth and sustainable development. UNDP is now seeking to recruit a gender and environment consultant to edit the volume of Rio+20 papers.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Policy Advisor on Gender and Environment the consultant will be responsible for the following: Deliverable: an edited volume of innovative thought papers on gender and sustainable development. Coordinate the development of an edited volume of innovative thought papers on gender and sustainable development in preparation for Rio +20 by April 2012; Identify leading thinkers in gender, poverty and environment who can prepare the papers; Coordinate the peer review process; Comment on the abstract, first and second/final drafts of each paper; Advise on selection of papers for inclusion in edited volume; Compile and edit final volume of papers; Draft and finalize introduction to edited volume.

Competencies

Functional/Technical Competencies: Knowledge and technical expertise in the following issues: environment, poverty reduction, sustainable development, climate change finance mechanisms, payments for environmental services, gender equality and women’s empowerments; Experience drafting and editing scholarly papers; Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships, advocate effectively and communicate to various constituencies; Excellent analytical skills of substantive as well as organizational issues; Ability to establish priorities for self and others, and to work independently; Ability to perform a variety of research and logistical support tasks in a fast-paced and highly pressured environment; Excellent analytical, writing, presentation, advocacy and communications skills; Ability to prepare succinct, analytical publications and reports. Behavioral Competencies: Ability to work in a complex environment requiring liaison and collaboration with multiple actors; Excellent team-building, diplomatic and inter-personal skills; Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with people at all levels from a wide variety of organizations; Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback. Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN values; Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP; Knowledgeable of UN/UNDP corporate rules, regulations, policies, procedures and practices; and Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Master’s degree in Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Gender Equality, International Development or a related field. Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience of international development, programme development, partnership building, consultancy and analytical work in development issues; Knowledge of environment, gender issues and related sustainable development themes; Prior experience conducting research and analysis in the areas of gender equality, sustainable development, and climate change; Experience building partnerships with a range of UN agencies, governments and CSOs; Prior experience coordinating programmatic work with multiple implementing partners, including program oversight and monitoring financial and substantive reporting; Experience with climate finance mechanisms such as the Adaptation Fund, Climate Investment Funds, CDM or other is an advantage; Familiarity with the Rio +20 preparatory processes would be an advantage; Knowledge of UNDP and UN system policies and programming in gender equality and women’s empowerment and/or relevant experience in managing programme and projects using the existing UN/UNDP implementation modalities would be an advantage. Language Requirements: Excellent communication and drafting skills in English. Working knowledge of other UN official languages would be an asset.

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UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Editor for Gender and Rio+20 Sustainable Development Publication