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

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.

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

• 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.