The Extended Gender Equality Facility (GEF) Coordinator is a highly specialized position within the Gender Responsive Governance (GRG) Programme at UN Women in North Macedonia. The role exists to ensure that the national government institutions effectively integrate gender equality principles, particularly in line with European Union (EU) standards and requirements.

With North Macedonia’s ongoing journey toward EU accession, aligning national policies with the EU Gender Equality Acquis is crucial. The Gender Equality Acquis is a set of legislative and policy commitments that all EU member states must meet to ensure gender equality in areas like employment, political representation, anti-discrimination measures, and violence against women.

By ensuring that gender mainstreaming is not just a formality but an actionable priority, this position directly influences the socioeconomic landscape of the country. The Coordinator will work closely with government bodies such as:

• Secretariat for European Affairs (SEA)
• Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP)
• State Statistical Office

Additionally, civil society organizations (CSOs) and international development agencies will be key partners in ensuring effective policy implementation.

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Key Responsibilities: What You’ll Be Doing Vacancieshttps://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/23616

The role is divided into several core functions, each requiring a different skill set.

1. Programme Coordination & Implementation

• Develop annual work plans for GEF-related activities.
• Ensure smooth execution of all gender mainstreaming interventions.
• Coordinate consultants and experts engaged in the project.
• Supervise the work of a Project Assistant assigned to this Outcome.
• Monitor budgets and spending efficiency.

2. Technical Support for Gender Mainstreaming in EU Integration

• Provide expert advice on aligning gender policies with EU standards.
• Ensure national laws and strategies reflect gender equality principles.
• Support government institutions in gender-responsive planning and budgeting.
• Collaborate with SEA and MLSP to track progress in implementing gender equality frameworks.

3. Monitoring, Reporting, and Knowledge Sharing

• Prepare quarterly and annual reports in line with UN Women and donor requirements.
• Maintain detailed documentation and filing systems for project accountability.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of GEF interventions and identify areas for improvement.
• Organize capacity-building workshops and training sessions for government officials.

4. Building Strategic Partnerships

• Engage with EU delegations, government agencies, CSOs, and UN entities.
• Advocate for gender-responsive policies at high-level government meetings.
• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts, ensuring long-term sustainability of the initiative.

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What Skills & Experience Are Needed?

This role demands a strong mix of technical expertise, leadership, and policy experience.

Minimum Requirements:vacancy spaces

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✅ Master’s Degree (or Bachelor’s + 2 years experience) in:

• Gender/Women’s Studies
• Development Studies
• European Studies
• Public Policy
• Law
• Public Administration
• Social Sciences

✅ Work Experience (Minimum 5 Years):

• Proven expertise in gender policy/program management.
• Experience in international development organizations (UN, EU, NGOs, etc.).
• Familiarity with public finance management and EU gender frameworks.
• Knowledge of North Macedonia’s policy landscape on gender equality.
• Ability to coordinate large-scale projects across multiple stakeholders.

✅ Technical Skills:

• Strong analytical and research skills (e.g., evaluating gender policies).
• Budget management and Results-Based Management (RBM).
• Excellent report-writing skills (for donor and government reports).
• Experience with EU funding mechanisms (like IPA – Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance).

✅ Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Macedonian (both spoken and written).
• Knowledge of Albanian or Serbian would be an advantage but is not required.

✅ Additional Assets (Desirable):

• Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or UNDP certification).
• Experience working directly with the UN system or EU delegations.
• Familiarity with data collection and statistical analysis for gender research.

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VACANCY

Challenges You May Face in This Role@vacancyspaces.com

This position comes with several challenges due to the complexity of gender integration in governance. Some key obstacles include:

1️⃣ Slow Institutional Reform

• Gender policies exist on paper, but implementation can be delayed due to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
• Some institutions may lack the technical expertise to integrate gender perspectives effectively.

2️⃣ Resistance to Gender Mainstreaming

• Deep-rooted patriarchal norms in society and government structures may slow progress.
• Gender equality might not always be seen as a priority in public finance.

3️⃣ Coordination Across Multiple Agencies

• Ensuring that ministries, CSOs, and international partners work together effectively can be a logistical challenge.
• Aligning different funding sources (EU, UN, bilateral donors) requires careful financial management.

4️⃣ Political Sensitivities in EU Integration

• Gender equality is an EU accession requirement, but political instability in North Macedonia could affect its prioritization.
• Changes in government could mean shifting priorities or even setbacks.

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How to Position Yourself as a Strong Candidate

If you’re considering applying, here are some key tips to make your application stand out:

✅ Demonstrate Hands-On Experience

• Highlight past work where you successfully implemented gender-responsive policies.
• Mention if you’ve worked with EU-funded projects or public finance reforms.

✅ Show Your Leadership & Coordination Skills

• Give examples of how you’ve managed multi-stakeholder projects.
• Detail your experience leading teams or supervising staff/consultants.

✅ Highlight Your Knowledge of EU Processes

• Mention experience with EU gender frameworks, IPA funding, or national gender strategies.

✅ Tailor Your CV & Cover Letter

• Use keywords from the job description to match the role’s requirements.
• Provide quantifiable achievements (e.g., “Successfully implemented gender budgeting policies in X ministries, increasing funding allocation by X%”).

✅ Prepare for the Interview

• Be ready to discuss your experience with gender equality policies in governance.
• Have a strong understanding of North Macedonia’s EU accession process.
• Showcase your ability to problem-solve and navigate bureaucratic challenges.

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Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Role for You?

This position is highly impactful for gender equality in North Macedonia, but it’s also demanding. If you’re someone with:

• Strong policy expertise in gender mainstreaming,
• Experience working with government institutions and EU projects,
• The ability to lead multi-stakeholder initiatives,

Then this could be an excellent opportunity for you! 🎯

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Expanding the Scope: Why This Role Matters on a Larger Scale

The Extended GEF Coordinator position is not just about fulfilling a job description—it plays a pivotal role in ensuring that North Macedonia’s gender policies align with EU standards.

1. The Role in North Macedonia’s EU Accession Process

As North Macedonia progresses toward EU membership, gender equality is a non-negotiable requirement under the EU’s acquis communautaire (the body of EU laws and policies).

• Gender mainstreaming is included in Chapter 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) and Chapter 19 (Social Policy and Employment) of the EU accession framework.
• The European Commission monitors gender policy progress annually, meaning that this position directly impacts the country’s evaluation and future funding opportunities.
• If North Macedonia fails to demonstrate progress in gender equality, it risks delays in EU integration or loss of financial support.

Thus, your work as a GEF Coordinator contributes to the country’s long-term development and international reputation.

2. Advancing Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) in Governance

Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) is one of the most critical areas where you will make an impact. GRB ensures that government spending actively promotes gender equality, rather than being gender-neutral.

• You will help ministries integrate gender-sensitive indicators into their budgets.
• You’ll work with the State Statistical Office to improve gender-disaggregated data collection.
• Your work will ensure that public funds support policies that benefit both women and men fairly.

A major challenge is that GRB is still underdeveloped in many ministries, and capacity-building efforts will be needed to train public officials.

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Key Technical Areas You’ll Work On

This role requires technical expertise in multiple domains, including:

1. EU Gender Equality Acquis Compliance

• Understanding the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025.
• Implementing gender mainstreaming in legal and policy reforms.
• Ensuring compliance with EU directives on gender-based violence, labor rights, and equal pay.

2. Public Administration & Policy Coordination

• Integrating gender-sensitive governance frameworks.
• Strengthening institutional accountability in gender policy execution.
• Supporting capacity-building for government officials and public servants.

3. Gender Data & Policy Monitoring

• Developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for gender-responsive policies.
• Overseeing gender impact assessments of major government programs.
• Enhancing data collection methodologies to track progress.

4. EU Funding & Grant Management

• Managing EU pre-accession assistance funds (IPA II and IPA III).
• Coordinating international donor funding for gender projects.
• Aligning national budget allocations with gender-responsive financing principles.

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Strategic Networking & Partnership Opportunities

As GEF Coordinator, you will have the chance to collaborate with high-level institutions, donor agencies, and policymakers, including:

1. Government & Public Sector

• Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (key gender equality policymaker).
• Secretariat for European Affairs (handles EU integration coordination).
• Parliamentary Committees (shaping gender equality laws).

2. International & Regional Organizations

• UN Agencies (UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF) for joint projects.
• European Commission Delegation (advising on accession requirements).
• OSCE & Council of Europe (monitoring compliance with international gender standards).

3. Civil Society & Private Sector

• Gender equality advocacy groups for grassroots implementation.
• Academic institutions & research bodies for policy recommendations.
• Private sector initiatives promoting women’s economic empowerment.

These partnerships will enhance your professional influence, allowing you to create real change in policy development and expand your career prospects.

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Career Growth & Long-Term Benefits

This position offers incredible opportunities for career advancement in:

1. International Development & Policy

• UN Women has a strong presence worldwide, so this experience opens doors to regional and global UN roles.
• After a few years, you could move into higher UN positions, such as Programme Specialist or Policy Advisor.

2. Government & EU Institutions

• Many professionals in similar roles transition into EU Delegation positions or work for the European Commission.
• This experience makes you a strong candidate for government roles in policymaking or diplomacy.

3. Consulting & Advocacy

• You could become a policy consultant for international organizations like OECD, World Bank, or bilateral donors.
• NGOs and think tanks often recruit gender policy experts for advocacy and research roles.

With this position, you gain high-level expertise in gender governance, making you a valuable asset for global development initiatives.

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Potential Interview Questions & How to Answer Them

If you apply for this role, expect questions that test your strategic thinking, policy knowledge, and leadership skills. Here are some examples:

1. “How would you integrate gender-responsive budgeting into national policies?”

✅ Key Answer Elements:

• Explain why GRB is crucial for gender equality.
• Give an example of how you would train government officials on GRB.
• Show that you understand EU funding mechanisms and budget planning.

2. “What challenges do you anticipate in implementing gender mainstreaming in government institutions?”

✅ Key Answer Elements:

• Discuss potential bureaucratic resistance and lack of capacity.
• Suggest strategies to gain political support and ensure accountability.
• Talk about using data-driven advocacy to push for gender reforms.

3. “Tell us about a time you coordinated a multi-stakeholder project.”

✅ Key Answer Elements:

• Describe how you managed diverse stakeholders (government, NGOs, donors).
• Mention how you solved conflicts or addressed challenges.
• Emphasize your leadership and negotiation skills.

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Final Thoughts: Are You Ready for This Role?

The Extended GEF Coordinator position is highly impactful, offering:
✔ A leadership role in shaping gender equality policies at a national level.
✔ An opportunity to influence North Macedonia’s EU accession process.
✔ Extensive networking with international organizations, government, and CSOs.
✔ A stepping stone to senior roles in the UN, EU, or government.

However, the role also comes with challenges, such as:
❌ Slow bureaucratic processes and political sensitivities.
❌ Resistance to gender mainstreaming in certain institutions.
❌ The need for strong advocacy and negotiation skills.

If you have the passion, expertise, and resilience to drive gender equality forward, this could be a career-defining opportunity!

A Comprehensive Guide to the Extended GEF Coordinator Role in North Macedonia

1. The Strategic Importance of This Role

The Extended GEF Coordinator position is crucial in ensuring gender equality policies align with EU standards, international conventions, and national development goals.

1.1. North Macedonia’s Gender Policy Landscape

• Gender equality in politics, employment, and education has improved, but structural inequalities remain.
• Women are underrepresented in decision-making roles and entrepreneurship.
• Gender-based violence remains a serious concern, requiring policy intervention.
• The Gender Equality Index for North Macedonia is still below the EU average.

Your role as GEF Coordinator will be to address these issues through policy reform, data-driven decision-making, and stakeholder engagement.

1.2. EU Accession & Gender Policy Integration

Gender equality is a core principle of EU accession. The European Union requires candidate countries to adopt:

• The EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025
• The Istanbul Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women
• The European Pillar of Social Rights

Your work will focus on aligning national policies, legislation, and governance structures with these frameworks to ensure compliance.

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2. Core Responsibilities of the GEF Coordinator

The role requires a multi-disciplinary approach, blending policy analysis, stakeholder coordination, and program implementation.

2.1. Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) Implementation

• Integrate gender-responsive budgeting into national policies.
• Train government officials in analyzing budgets from a gender perspective.
• Develop tools and methodologies to track gender-sensitive expenditure.

👉 Example:
A successful GRB initiative in Sweden led to increased funding for women-led businesses, boosting their economic participation. You will work on similar financial inclusion policies in North Macedonia.

2.2. Strengthening Institutional Gender Mainstreaming

• Support ministries in developing gender action plans.
• Ensure equal opportunities in public administration.
• Provide technical guidance on gender-sensitive policy development.

👉 Example:
In Austria, gender mainstreaming was successfully integrated into all government departments. The challenge in North Macedonia is that many institutions lack gender expertise, and you will bridge this gap through training and policy support.

2.3. Enhancing Gender Data & Policy Monitoring

• Improve gender-disaggregated data collection.
• Develop monitoring frameworks for gender policies.
• Strengthen statistical capacities to measure policy impact.

👉 Example:
The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) developed a Gender Equality Index, which you could help adapt for North Macedonia’s national gender assessment.

2.4. Coordinating EU & International Gender Equality Projects

• Work with EU Delegation, UN Women, and international donors.
• Align national programs with EU-funded gender projects.
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder partnerships for policy execution.

👉 Example:
The Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III) funds gender projects in Western Balkans countries. You will play a key role in ensuring North Macedonia maximizes its funding opportunities.

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3. Key Technical Skills & Knowledge Areas

To succeed as a GEF Coordinator, you must have expertise in:

3.1. Gender Policy & International Frameworks

• The UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
• The EU’s Gender Action Plan (GAP III).
• The Beijing Platform for Action and SDG 5: Gender Equality.

3.2. Public Policy & Governance

• Policy formulation and legislative analysis.
• Institutional capacity-building in gender-sensitive governance.
• Implementation of gender quotas and affirmative action policies.

3.3. Financial & Budgetary Analysis

• GRB methodologies (gender budget tagging, expenditure tracking).
• Public finance management from a gender equality perspective.
• Fund allocation strategies for women’s empowerment programs.

3.4. Project Management & Stakeholder Coordination

• Working with government ministries, NGOs, and donors.
• Managing gender-focused projects funded by the EU & UN agencies.
• Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) of gender programs.

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4. Major Challenges & How to Overcome Them

While this position is impactful, it comes with significant challenges:

4.1. Resistance to Gender Mainstreaming in Government

• Bureaucratic inertia and lack of political will can slow reforms.
• Solution: Engage political leaders, use gender data to justify policies, and secure international support.

4.2. Insufficient Gender-Disaggregated Data

• Many national statistics do not include gender dimensions.
• Solution: Work with the State Statistical Office to improve data collection methodologies.

4.3. Limited Funding for Gender Equality Programs

• Budget constraints often limit program implementation.
• Solution: Advocate for increased EU funding and explore donor partnerships.

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5. Career Growth & Future Opportunities

This position is a stepping stone to high-level careers in:

5.1. International Organizations

• Senior roles in UN Women, UNDP, World Bank, and OECD.
• Positions such as Gender Policy Specialist, Programme Manager, or Advisor.

5.2. Government & Public Sector

• Senior policymaker roles in ministries or EU integration offices.
• Advisory roles in gender-responsive governance.

5.3. Academia & Think Tanks

• Researcher roles in gender equality and public policy institutes.
• Teaching positions in universities specializing in gender studies.

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6. Interview Preparation: Sample Questions & Answers

6.1. “How do you approach gender mainstreaming in policymaking?”

✅ Key Points to Cover:

• Discuss the importance of gender impact assessments.
• Provide an example of a successful gender mainstreaming initiative.
• Explain how you would train government officials on gender-sensitive policies.

6.2. “How would you handle resistance to gender equality reforms?”

✅ Key Points to Cover:

• Identify sources of resistance (political, cultural, economic).
• Discuss advocacy strategies, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven policymaking.
• Emphasize the economic benefits of gender equality as a persuasive argument.

6.3. “Describe a time you managed a complex, multi-stakeholder project.”

✅ Key Points to Cover:

• Explain the project scope, stakeholders involved, and challenges faced.
• Highlight your negotiation, leadership, and coordination skills.
• Share measurable results, such as policy adoption or funding secured.

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Final Thoughts: Why This Role Matters

The Extended GEF Coordinator position is a unique opportunity to:
✔ Influence national gender policies at a strategic level.
✔ Play a role in North Macedonia’s EU accession process.
✔ Gain high-level exposure in government and international organizations.
✔ Develop expertise that can lead to global career opportunities.