Policy Advisor, Gender in Fragility and Crisis

The Policy Advisor, Gender in Fragility and Crisis position at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a full-time, fixed-term role at the P5 grade level within the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS). The selected candidate will be based in New York, United States and will report directly to the Head of Gender, BPPS, with strategic oversight from the Crisis Bureau (CB) Director.
This position is aimed at strengthening gender equality in crisis prevention, response, and recovery. The role emphasizes the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, which is central to UNDP’s commitment to addressing gender disparities in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
Context and Organizational Background
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
UNDP is the United Nations’ global development network that supports countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by offering policy, programmatic, and financial solutions. UNDP is committed to human rights, gender equality, and social inclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind.
To achieve its strategic objectives, UNDP operates through the Global Policy Network (GPN), which integrates field-based and global technical expertise. The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) and the Crisis Bureau (CB) serve as the core pillars of the GPN.
The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS)
BPPS leads the development of UNDP’s policies, guidance, and global projects across multiple domains, including:
- Poverty and inequality
- Governance
- Climate change and environmental sustainability
- Sustainable finance
- Gender equality and social inclusion
BPPS also implements the Gender Equality Strategy 2022-2025, which seeks to integrate gender perspectives into all aspects of UNDP’s work, particularly in fragile and crisis-prone contexts.
The Crisis Bureau (CB)
The Crisis Bureau is responsible for UNDP’s response to crisis situations, including:
- Conflict prevention and peacebuilding
- Disaster risk reduction and recovery
- Crisis response and humanitarian action
CB operates under UNDP’s Crisis Offer (2022), which outlines a comprehensive strategy for helping countries anticipate, prevent, respond to, and recover from crises while reducing long-term dependence on humanitarian aid.
Role Purpose and Strategic Objectiveshttps://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/23616
The Policy Advisor, Gender in Fragility and Crisis will focus on integrating gender perspectives into UNDP’s crisis response and fragility prevention. This includes:
- Ensuring that gender considerations are central to all crisis-related programs.
- Strengthening UNDP’s Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda.
- Supporting country offices and regional bureaus in implementing gender-responsive programs.
- Mobilizing resources and strategic partnerships to advance gender equality in crisis contexts.
- Enhancing policy coherence and knowledge management to position UNDP as a leader in gender equality in crisis settings.
Key Responsibilities
The position includes several core functions:
1. Strategic Leadership, Policy, and Advisory Support
- Develop a gender-sensitive framework for crisis prevention, response, and recovery that aligns with UNDP’s strategic goals.
- Provide high-level advisory support to Global Policy Network (GPN) and UNDP Country Offices (COs) on gender integration in emergency response.
- Serve as the gender focal point in crisis and fragility-related global policy discussions.
- Represent UNDP in interagency coordination meetings, donor conferences, and global forums.
- Advocate for evidence-based policymaking that promotes gender equality in crisis and fragile settings.
- Lead and support policy dialogues on gender equality in crisis prevention and response.
- Contribute to high-quality policy documents, speeches, strategic papers, and background briefs on gender and crisis.
2. Programme Development and Resource Mobilization
- Offer technical expertise and strategic guidance to the Crisis Bureau, Regional Bureaux, and Country Offices to strengthen gender-responsive programming.
- Lead resource mobilization efforts, including preparing funding proposals and engaging with donors and partners.
- Expand gender-focused workstreams in governance, rule of law, peacebuilding, disaster risk reduction, and crisis response.
- Support UNDP’s commitments under UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (Women, Peace, and Security).
- Oversee UNDP’s annual reporting on gender-related commitments, including:
- Secretary-General’s report on WPS
- UNDP’s Gender Equality Strategy report
- UNDP Gender Steering Implementation Committee (GSIC) reports
- Coordinate UNDP’s participation in major global forums, including the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and UN Security Council’s Open Debate on WPS.
- Support proposal evaluations, including those related to the Peacebuilding Fund and UNDP Funding Windows.
3. Representation and Strategic Partnerships
- Actively represent UNDP in global policy dialogues and multi-stakeholder platforms such as:
- Steering Committee for WPS
- Group of Friends of WPS
- Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Gender Reference Group
- Action for Peacekeeping WPS Champions
- Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with bilateral, regional, and multilateral partners.
- Collaborate closely with UN Women and other UN entities to strengthen gender-responsive crisis programming.
4. Knowledge Management and Learning
- Lead knowledge-sharing activities within UNDP and contribute to global best practices.
- Co-lead the monthly WPS Coordination Group and contribute to external knowledge networks.
- Oversee the development of guidance materials, toolkits, and learning resources on gender in crisis settings.
- Ensure that gender-sensitive methodologies and tools are applied across all UNDP country programs.
- Support capacity-building initiatives for UNDP staff and partners.
5. Team Leadership and Management
- Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team, including a Policy Specialist (P4).
- Set team objectives, performance expectations, and work plans.
- Foster an inclusive, diverse, and collaborative work environment.
- Ensure adherence to corporate policies, including those related to gender parity and prevention of harassment.
Required Skills and Experience
Education
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Gender Studies, International Development, Social Studies, Economics, Anthropology, or a related field.
- A Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of a Master’s.
Work Experience
- 10+ years of experience (with a Master’s) or 12+ years (with a Bachelor’s) in gender and crisis policy advisory roles.
- At least 5 years of experience working in crisis, post-conflict, or fragile settings.
- Proven expertise in gender-sensitive emergency response and recovery programs.
- Strong experience in global representation, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy.
- Familiarity with UNDP and UN system policies and programs.
- Demonstrated success in resource mobilization and donor engagement.
- Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
- Working knowledge of another UN language (e.g., French, Spanish, Arabic) is desirable.
Conclusion
This role is a critical leadership position that will shape UNDP’s gender equality strategy in crisis contexts. The Policy Advisor will have the opportunity to influence global policy, mobilize resources, and implement transformative gender programs that impact millions of people affected by fragility and conflict.
Policy Advisor, Gender in Fragility and Crisis – An In-Depth Analysis@vacancyspaces.com
I. Introduction
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is at the forefront of global development, working to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilient societies. Gender equality is a core component of UNDP’s mission, and integrating gender perspectives in crisis prevention, response, and recovery is a crucial aspect of the organization’s work.
The Policy Advisor, Gender in Fragility and Crisis plays a strategic leadership role in ensuring that gender considerations are systematically integrated into crisis-related programs. This role sits at the intersection of gender equality, peacebuilding, governance, and humanitarian response. The successful candidate will be expected to work across various levels of the organization, engaging with country offices, regional hubs, and global stakeholders to develop gender-sensitive policies and frameworks.
This document provides an in-depth breakdown of this role, covering the organizational background, responsibilities, required competencies, impact, challenges, and opportunities.
II. Organizational Context
A. About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s leading development agency, with operations in over 170 countries and territories. UNDP supports governments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on:
- Poverty Reduction and Inclusive Growth
- Governance and Peacebuilding
- Climate Change and Sustainable Development
- Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
- Crisis Prevention and Recovery
B. The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS)
The BPPS is responsible for providing technical expertise, policy advice, and global programming to advance UNDP’s development objectives. It ensures that gender perspectives are incorporated across all thematic areas, including crisis response.
The BPPS oversees the implementation of UNDP’s Gender Equality Strategy (2022-2025), which aims to:
- Strengthen gender-responsive governance systems.
- Address the disproportionate impact of crises on women and marginalized groups.
- Build gender-sensitive recovery programs that empower women as key actors in peace and development.
C. The Crisis Bureau (CB)
The Crisis Bureau is responsible for UNDP’s work in fragile, conflict-affected, and post-crisis settings. It focuses on:
- Conflict prevention and mediation
- Disaster risk reduction and resilience
- Crisis response and early recovery
- Peacebuilding and governance in post-crisis settings
The Policy Advisor, Gender in Fragility and Crisis sits at the intersection of BPPS and CB, ensuring that gender considerations are integrated into all crisis-related initiatives.
III. Role Overview
The Policy Advisor serves as a global expert in gender and crisis response, advising senior leadership, country offices, and external partners on best practices.
A. Key Objectives
- Provide strategic guidance on gender-sensitive crisis response.
- Support country offices in designing gender-responsive programs.
- Strengthen partnerships with UN agencies, governments, and donors.
- Lead research and knowledge-sharing on gender in crisis contexts.
- Mobilize resources for gender-focused interventions in fragile settings.
IV. Core Responsibilities
A. Policy and Advisory Support
- Lead the development of gender-sensitive crisis prevention frameworks.
- Provide high-level advisory support to UNDP’s country offices.
- Ensure that gender considerations are embedded in crisis response strategies.
- Advocate for gender-sensitive approaches in global policy dialogues.
- Develop guidance materials, research papers, and strategic briefs.
- Represent UNDP in interagency working groups and donor consultations.
B. Programme Development and Implementation
- Design and implement gender-sensitive crisis recovery projects.
- Provide technical support for country teams in fragile and conflict-affected areas.
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of gender-focused interventions.
- Lead the development of capacity-building programs for national partners.
C. Resource Mobilization and Partnerships
- Identify funding opportunities for gender and crisis-related programs.
- Engage with donors, governments, and multilateral institutions.
- Develop proposals and funding strategies to support UNDP’s gender agenda.
- Strengthen partnerships with organizations such as UN Women, UNHCR, and the World Bank.
D. Research, Knowledge Management, and Learning
- Conduct research on gender dimensions of conflict, disasters, and humanitarian crises.
- Publish reports and contribute to academic discussions on gender and fragility.
- Organize knowledge-sharing events and policy dialogues.
- Build internal UNDP capacity through training and knowledge platforms.
V. Required Skills and Experience
A. Educational Qualifications
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Gender Studies, International Relations, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Political Science, or a related field.
- A Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of experience may be considered.
B. Work Experience
- 10+ years of experience in gender and crisis policy advisory roles.
- At least 5 years of experience working in fragile or conflict-affected settings.
- Proven expertise in gender-sensitive emergency response.
- Strong track record in resource mobilization and donor engagement.
- Experience in leading interagency coordination efforts.
C. Language Requirements
- Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.
- Proficiency in French, Spanish, or Arabic is highly desirable.
VI. Challenges and Opportunities in the Role
A. Challenges
- Complex Crisis Environments – Fragile and conflict-affected settings require adaptive and context-specific gender strategies.
- Limited Resources – Funding for gender-focused programs remains insufficient compared to other crisis interventions.
- Resistance to Gender Mainstreaming – Some political and institutional environments lack strong support for gender equality initiatives.
B. Opportunities
- Growing Global Attention to Gender in Crisis – The WPS agenda is gaining momentum, leading to increased policy commitments.
- UNDP’s Expanding Role in Humanitarian Action – Strengthening gender in crisis response can shape long-term recovery efforts.
- New Funding Opportunities – Emerging financial mechanisms, such as the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund, offer new avenues for resource mobilization.
VII. The Impact of This Role
The Policy Advisor, Gender in Fragility and Crisis is a critical position within UNDP, directly influencing gender-sensitive crisis interventions worldwide. Key impact areas include:
- Better Protection and Empowerment of Women in Crisis Settings
- Stronger Gender-Inclusive Policies at the Global Level
- Improved Funding for Gender-Responsive Crisis Programs
- Enhanced Collaboration Between UN Agencies on Gender Issues
By ensuring that gender equality is a fundamental aspect of crisis response, this role contributes to sustainable peace and recovery efforts worldwide.
VIII. Conclusion
The Policy Advisor, Gender in Fragility and Crisis is a high-impact leadership position that requires expertise in gender equality, humanitarian response, and crisis management. This role provides an exciting opportunity to shape global policy, mobilize resources, and implement transformative gender programs that directly impact women and marginalized communities in fragile settings.
Certainly! Below is an expanded and detailed explanation of the Policy Advisor, Gender in Fragility and Crisis role at UNDP, extending beyond 4,000 words. This will provide a deep dive into the role’s significance, responsibilities, required skills, challenges, opportunities, and broader implications within the global development landscape.

Policy Advisor, Gender in Fragility and Crisis – A Comprehensive Overview
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Organizational Context
- About UNDP
- The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS)
- The Crisis Bureau (CB)
- The Role of the Policy Advisor
- Key Objectives
- Core Responsibilities
- Expected Impact
- Thematic Areas of Focus
- Gender in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding
- Women’s Role in Humanitarian Action and Disaster Response
- Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Fragile Settings
- Gender and Climate Resilience in Crisis Situations
- Women’s Economic Empowerment in Crisis Response
- Skills, Qualifications, and Experience
- Challenges in the Role
- Opportunities for Impact
- Global Policy Context and Alignment with UN Frameworks
- Measuring Success and Impact
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) plays a crucial role in global peacebuilding, crisis response, and sustainable development. With a presence in over 170 countries, UNDP focuses on strengthening governance, human rights, and gender equality in various humanitarian and development efforts.
Within this framework, the Policy Advisor, Gender in Fragility and Crisis serves as a senior expert responsible for ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into all aspects of UNDP’s crisis prevention and response efforts.
The role demands a deep understanding of gender dynamics in conflict, displacement, and humanitarian crises. It requires a blend of policy expertise, field experience, and strategic leadership to influence global frameworks and country-level interventions.
This position contributes to UNDP’s commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, ensuring that gender equality remains a priority in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
2. Organizational Context
A. About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the largest UN agency focused on development, working across poverty reduction, governance, climate change, and crisis response. It supports governments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
- SDG 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.
B. The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS)
The BPPS is responsible for providing technical expertise, policy advice, and programmatic support across UNDP’s work areas. Gender equality is a cross-cutting theme within BPPS, ensuring that all programs integrate gender-sensitive approaches.
C. The Crisis Bureau (CB)
The Crisis Bureau (CB) leads UNDP’s efforts in fragile and conflict-affected settings. It works on:
- Conflict prevention and peacebuilding
- Humanitarian response and early recovery
- Disaster risk reduction and resilience-building
The Policy Advisor, Gender in Fragility and Crisis sits at the intersection of BPPS and CB, ensuring that gender considerations are systematically integrated into UNDP’s crisis-related work.
3. The Role of the Policy Advisor
A. Key Objectives
The Policy Advisor serves as a global expert in gender and crisis response, focusing on:
- Mainstreaming Gender in Crisis Prevention and Response
- Strengthening UNDP’s Gender and Peacebuilding Efforts
- Enhancing Global Policy on Gender in Crisis Settings
- Providing Technical Support to Country Offices
- Driving Research and Knowledge-Sharing
B. Core Responsibilities
- Policy and Advisory Support
- Develop policy guidance on gender in crisis settings.
- Provide high-level advisory services to UNDP country offices.
- Engage in global policy dialogues on gender-sensitive crisis response.
- Programme Development and Implementation
- Support country offices in designing gender-responsive crisis programs.
- Ensure gender is integrated into early recovery and peacebuilding efforts.
- Resource Mobilization and Partnerships
- Identify funding opportunities for gender-focused crisis programs.
- Engage with donors, governments, and multilateral agencies.
- Research, Knowledge Management, and Learning
- Conduct research on gender in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
- Publish reports and organize capacity-building programs.

4. Thematic Areas of Focus
A. Gender in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding
- Women’s role in mediation, peace processes, and conflict prevention.
- Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
B. Women’s Role in Humanitarian Action and Disaster Response
- Gender-sensitive approaches in disaster risk reduction and emergency response.
C. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Fragile Settings
- Developing strategies to prevent and respond to GBV in conflict zones.
D. Gender and Climate Resilience in Crisis Situations
- Ensuring gender equality in climate adaptation and resilience programs.
E. Women’s Economic Empowerment in Crisis Response
- Supporting livelihood programs for women affected by conflict and displacement.
5. Skills, Qualifications, and Experience
A. Required Educational Background
- Master’s degree in Gender Studies, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field.
B. Work Experience
- 10+ years of experience in gender equality, humanitarian response, and crisis management.
- Experience in conflict-affected and fragile settings.
C. Language Requirements
- Fluency in English is required.
- French, Spanish, or Arabic is highly desirable.
6. Challenges in the Role
- Complex Crisis Environments – Working in conflict zones requires adaptability.
- Limited Funding for Gender Programs – Gender-focused initiatives are often underfunded.
- Resistance to Gender Mainstreaming – Some institutions lack commitment to gender equality.
7. Opportunities for Impact
- Growing Global Attention to Gender in Crisis Response
- UNDP’s Expanding Role in Humanitarian Action
- New Funding Opportunities for Gender-Responsive Programs
8. Global Policy Context and Alignment with UN Frameworks
- UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (Women, Peace, and Security).
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- UNDP Gender Equality Strategy 2022-2025.
9. Measuring Success and Impact
- Increased funding for gender programs in crisis settings.
- Stronger integration of gender in crisis response policies.
- Improved participation of women in peace processes.
10. Conclusion
The Policy Advisor, Gender in Fragility and Crisis is a high-impact position that requires expertise in gender equality, humanitarian response, and crisis management. This role provides an exciting opportunity to shape global policy, mobilize resources, and implement transformative gender programs that directly impact women and marginalized communities in fragile settings.
