Gender and GBV Project Specialist – Advancing Women’s Rights and Empowerment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

March 31, 2025

11 minutes read

This job posting is for the role of Gender and GBV (Gender-Based Violence) Project Specialist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Here’s a breakdown of what the role entails:

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Gender Mainstreaming:
- Serve as the gender focal point within the Stabilization and Resilience Unit.
- Ensure that gender perspectives are integrated into all programs and projects.
- Align gender-related activities with UNDP’s global strategies and frameworks, including SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Project Supervision on GBV Prevention & Response:
- Oversee two major GBV-related projects:
  a) UN Joint Program JAD, funded by the Government of Canada.
  b) Holistic GBV Prevention and Response Project, supported by KOICA (co-implemented with UNFPA).
- Supervise project managers, ensuring timely delivery and financial compliance.
- Ensure a survivor-centered approach in GBV response strategies.
Partnership Development & Advocacy:
- Build relationships with government agencies, civil society organizations, donors, and international partners.
- Represent the UNDP in gender-related forums and working groups.
- Advocate for gender equality and women’s role in peacebuilding.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:
- Develop monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks for gender and GBV projects.
- Ensure accurate reporting on project outcomes to donors and UNDP leadership.
- Conduct field visits when necessary to assess project impact.
Resource Mobilization & Knowledge Sharing:
- Identify new funding opportunities for expanding GBV-related projects.
- Lead the development of policy briefs, reports, and advocacy materials.
- Provide capacity-building training to UNDP staff and partners on gender integration.

Job Requirements:

Education:
- Master’s degree in International Development, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, or a related field (or a Bachelor’s with 7 years of experience instead of 5).
Experience:
- At least 5 years (Master’s) or 7 years (Bachelor’s) of experience in project management and development coordination.
- Minimum 3 years of experience specifically in gender equality and GBV programming.
- Experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and program implementation.
Languages:
- French (required)
- English (preferred but not mandatory)
Additional Skills (Preferred but Not Required):
- Experience in multisectoral GBV response programs.
- Knowledge of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development programming.
- Previous experience working with UN agencies or international organizations.
- Understanding of the DRC context or other conflict-affected areas.

Contract Type & Duration:

Contract: International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA-10).
Duration: 1 year (renewable based on performance and funding).
Location: Kinshasa, but oversight may include other provinces.

Application Requirements:

Updated CV/P11 form (including details of past roles, duration, and references).
Motivation Letter (max 1 page) explaining why you are a good fit.
(If requested) Supporting documents like reports, publications, or presentations.

Why This Job Matters:

This role is crucial because gender inequality and gender-based violence (GBV) remain major barriers to peace, stability, and development in DRC. UNDP is committed to integrating gender considerations into all its projects to empower women, support survivors of GBV, and contribute to peacebuilding efforts. The Gender and GBV Project Specialist will play a key role in ensuring that these goals are effectively implemented.

Would you like help crafting your application or understanding how to position yourself for this role?

Sure! Here’s a detailed explanation of the job, covering all aspects of the role, responsibilities, qualifications, and significance of the position in the context of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Gender and GBV Project Specialist – UNDP (Kinshasa, DRC)

Overview of the Position

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a highly experienced and motivated professional to fill the role of Gender and GBV (Gender-Based Violence) Project Specialist in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This position is situated within the Stabilization and Resilience Unit and plays a crucial role in ensuring that gender considerations are integrated into UNDP’s stabilization, peacebuilding, and resilience programs. The role is also responsible for leading and coordinating key projects that focus on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and addressing gender-based violence (GBV).

This position requires a strategic thinker and program manager with extensive knowledge and experience in gender mainstreaming, GBV prevention and response, policy advocacy, and development programming. The specialist will work closely with various UN agencies, government ministries, civil society organizations, international donors, and grassroots women’s groups to develop and implement sustainable solutions for gender-related challenges in the DRC.

As the Gender and GBV Project Specialist, the incumbent will ensure the effective design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of gender and GBV-related projects. They will also contribute to capacity building, advocacy, knowledge-sharing, and resource mobilization efforts to strengthen UNDP’s gender portfolio in the country.

Context: Gender and GBV Challenges in the DRC

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been experiencing decades of conflict, political instability, and humanitarian crises, which have disproportionately affected women and girls. Some of the key gender challenges in the DRC include:

High Levels of Gender-Based Violence (GBV): The country has one of the highest rates of GBV in the world, including sexual violence as a weapon of war. Women and girls in conflict-affected areas face rape, domestic violence, forced marriages, and other forms of exploitation.
Limited Access to Justice for GBV Survivors: Many survivors face challenges in accessing legal, medical, and psychosocial support due to stigma, lack of resources, and weak judicial systems.
Low Representation of Women in Leadership & Decision-Making: Women are significantly underrepresented in politics, governance, and public administration, making gender-responsive policymaking difficult.
Economic Inequality: Women face systemic discrimination in employment, land ownership, and access to financial services, limiting their economic independence.
Barriers to Education and Health Services: Many girls drop out of school due to early marriage, pregnancy, and gender-based discrimination. Health services, including maternal care and reproductive health services, remain inadequate.

To address these challenges, the UNDP works with local and international partners to strengthen gender-responsive policies, improve service delivery for GBV survivors, and promote women’s economic and political empowerment. The Gender and GBV Project Specialist will play a key role in ensuring that these efforts are effectively implemented.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. Gender Mainstreaming & Strategic Leadership

Serve as the gender focal point within the Stabilization and Resilience Unit, ensuring that all UNDP projects integrate gender equality principles.
Develop strategies, policies, and frameworks to ensure that gender considerations are fully integrated into UNDP’s stabilization and peacebuilding programs.
Align gender-related activities with global and regional frameworks, including:
- Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 – Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
- Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 – Promote peace, justice, and strong institutions.
- The UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
Provide technical guidance to project teams, ensuring gender-sensitive project planning, implementation, and evaluation.

2. Supervision of GBV Prevention & Response Projects

The Gender and GBV Project Specialist will oversee two major GBV-related programs:

a) UN Joint Program JAD (Funded by Canada)

A multi-agency initiative aimed at strengthening GBV prevention and response mechanisms.
Focuses on legal reforms, survivor services, and community awareness campaigns.

b) Holistic GBV Prevention and Response Project (Funded by KOICA, co-implemented with UNFPA)

Addresses the psychosocial, legal, and economic reintegration of GBV survivors.
Strengthens multisectoral GBV service delivery in partnership with health, legal, and social protection actors.

Key Duties in Project Supervision:http://Gender and GBV Project Specialist – UNDP, Kinshasa, DRC

Provide strategic oversight and ensure that project activities align with UNDP’s broader goals.
Supervise and support project managers in the timely implementation of activities.
Ensure projects meet donor requirements and UNDP financial regulations.
Oversee the development of monitoring tools, indicators, and impact assessments.
Ensure a survivor-centered approach, emphasizing confidentiality, dignity, and non-discrimination.

3. Partnership Development & Advocacy

Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with:
- Government agencies (Ministry of Gender, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Affairs).
- Civil society organizations (CSOs) and women’s rights groups.
- International donors and multilateral organizations.
Represent UNDP in national and international gender forums, policy dialogues, and working groups.
Advocate for policy reforms and legal protections for GBV survivors.
Promote gender-responsive budgeting and increased funding for women’s empowerment programs.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Develop M&E frameworks to assess the effectiveness of gender and GBV projects.
Conduct field visits to project sites to evaluate progress and challenges.
Lead data collection and reporting for donor agencies, UNDP leadership, and government stakeholders.
Identify gaps and best practices, ensuring continuous improvement in program implementation.

Identify new funding opportunities and lead the development of project proposals.
Produce policy briefs, research papers, and best practice documents on gender and GBV.
Organize training and capacity-building workshops for UNDP staff and local partners.
Promote South-South cooperation, facilitating knowledge exchange with other countries facing similar challenges.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education:@vacancyspaces.com

Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, International Development, Human Rights, Political Science, or a related field.
A Bachelor’s degree with 7 years of relevant experience can be considered instead of a Master’s with 5 years of experience.

Experience:

Minimum 5 years of experience (with a Master’s) or 7 years (with a Bachelor’s) in project management and development coordination.
At least 3 years of direct experience in gender equality and GBV programming.
Experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), impact assessments, and donor reporting.
Knowledge of international gender frameworks (CEDAW, UNSCR 1325, SDGs, etc.).
Prior experience working in conflict-affected settings or fragile states is an advantage.
Strong understanding of peacebuilding, humanitarian response, and governance programming.

Languages:

French (mandatory).
English (preferred but not required).

Why This Role Matters

This position is critical for advancing gender equality and addressing GBV in the DRC. By ensuring that gender considerations are effectively integrated into UNDP’s stabilization and peacebuilding efforts, the Gender and GBV Project Specialist will play a key role in:

✅ Empowering women and girls in conflict-affected areas.
✅ Strengthening access to justice and survivor services.
✅ Advocating for gender-responsive policies and laws.
✅ Mobilizing resources and building sustainable partnerships.

Would you like assistance in preparing your application, drafting a cover letter, or refining your resume for this role?

Sure! I’ll expand further on this role by providing additional details about the UNDP’s broader role in gender and GBV programming in the DRC, key challenges and opportunities in implementation, case studies of similar projects, success stories, and future prospects for gender-focused development in the country.

Expanded Analysis: Gender and GBV Project Specialist – UNDP (Kinshasa, DRC)

1. The Role of UNDP in Gender and GBV Programming in the DRC

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the leading development organizations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Its role extends beyond humanitarian assistance to supporting long-term governance, economic recovery, human rights, and conflict stabilization.

UNDP’s gender-focused work in the DRC includes:

a) Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks

Supporting the Government of the DRC in integrating gender-sensitive policies into national laws.
Advocating for legal reforms to protect women’s rights and GBV survivors, including efforts to criminalize child marriage, strengthen anti-rape laws, and promote gender-inclusive governance.
Working with the Ministry of Gender, Family, and Children to ensure the implementation of international treaties such as CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women).

Facilitating skills training, financial literacy, and access to microcredit for women in post-conflict zones.
Supporting women’s cooperatives, entrepreneurship initiatives, and vocational training programs to help women gain economic independence.
Promoting women’s access to land and property rights, which remain major issues due to traditional patriarchal structures.

c) GBV Prevention and Response Initiatives

Implementing multi-sectoral approaches to tackling GBV, including the medical, legal, psychosocial, and economic reintegration of survivors.
Partnering with UN agencies like UN Women, UNFPA, and UNICEF to create GBV referral pathways and safe spaces for survivors.
Promoting men’s engagement programs, which encourage men to challenge gender stereotypes and promote respectful relationships.

d) Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda

Implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which calls for increased women’s participation in peace negotiations, conflict resolution, and security sector reforms.
Training women mediators and peacebuilders to take active roles in post-conflict stabilization.
Advocating for higher representation of women in political leadership at both local and national levels.

2. Key Challenges in Implementing Gender and GBV Programs in the DRC

While the UNDP and other international actors have made progress, several persistent challenges continue to hinder efforts to advance gender equality in the DRC.

a) Deeply Rooted Patriarchal Norms and Cultural Barriers

In many parts of the DRC, gender roles remain rigid. Women are often viewed as subordinates to men and have limited decision-making power.
Some customary laws conflict with national laws, making it difficult to enforce women’s rights protections.

b) Weak Judicial and Law Enforcement Systems

Survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse often face corruption and impunity in the legal system.
Cases of rape and GBV-related crimes are frequently settled informally through traditional mechanisms, which can pressure survivors to accept compensation rather than justice.

c) Limited Access to Services for GBV Survivors

Health centers, legal aid offices, and shelters for GBV survivors are scarce, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas.
Stigma and fear of retaliation often prevent women from reporting abuses or seeking help.

d) Ongoing Armed Conflict and Political Instability

Armed groups continue to use sexual violence as a weapon of war, particularly in eastern provinces like North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri.
The lack of a stable government presence in many regions makes it difficult to provide protection and services to women and girls.

3. Opportunities and Strategies for Overcoming Challenges

Despite these challenges, there are several opportunities for strengthening gender programs in the DRC:

a) Strengthening Partnerships and Community Engagement

Collaborate with traditional leaders, religious institutions, and local communities to promote gender equality at the grassroots level.
Encourage youth involvement in gender advocacy to change attitudes among younger generations.

b) Expanding Economic Opportunities for Women

Provide job training, entrepreneurship programs, and small business grants to help women become economically self-sufficient.
Support agriculture and agribusiness programs that empower rural women farmers.

c) Leveraging Technology for GBV Prevention and Response

Develop mobile apps and SMS-based helplines for reporting GBV cases confidentially.
Use radio programs and social media campaigns to raise awareness about women’s rights.

d) Policy and Legal Reforms

Advocate for stronger legal protections and stricter enforcement of anti-GBV laws.
Push for mandatory gender training for law enforcement and judicial officers.

4. Case Studies & Success Stories

Case Study 1: The Panzi Foundation (Led by Dr. Denis Mukwege)

The Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, South Kivu, provides medical and psychological support for survivors of sexual violence.
The hospital has treated over 50,000 survivors and has become a global symbol of GBV response and women’s empowerment.
Dr. Denis Mukwege, the founder, won the Nobel Peace Prize (2018) for his work in helping GBV survivors.

Case Study 2: UNDP’s Women’s Economic Empowerment Project in Goma

A UNDP-supported initiative in North Kivu helped over 1,500 women start small businesses after displacement due to conflict.
Participants received skills training, startup capital, and mentorship, leading to long-term economic independence.

Case Study 3: The “Tuzali” Community Engagement Project

Funded by UNDP and the European Union, this project uses radio talk shows, theater performances, and school debates to change societal perceptions about gender equality and GBV.

5. Future Prospects for Gender and GBV Programs in the DRC

Looking ahead, the Gender and GBV Project Specialist will play a pivotal role in shaping future strategies for gender mainstreaming and GBV prevention in the DRC. Some key priorities include:

Scaling Up GBV Services:
- Expanding access to legal aid clinics, psychosocial support centers, and economic reintegration programs.
Promoting Gender-Inclusive Governance:
- Encouraging more women to participate in elections, political leadership, and decision-making roles.
Integrating Gender in Climate Change Adaptation Programs:
- Ensuring that women are included in climate resilience and disaster response planning.
Strengthening Data Collection on Gender and GBV Issues:
- Establishing national gender observatories to monitor progress on SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
Increasing Funding for Gender Programs:
- Mobilizing donor support and public-private partnerships to sustain long-term gender initiatives.

Final Thoughts

The Gender and GBV Project Specialist at UNDP will have an impactful role in shaping the future of gender equality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By integrating policy reforms, service delivery, community engagement, and economic empowerment, the specialist will contribute to a more inclusive and just society where women and girls can thrive.

Would you like assistance in crafting a tailored application, preparing for an interview, or refining a project proposal related to this position?

March 31, 2025

11 minutes read