Programme Specialist – Women, Peace & Security

About the role

UN Women is recruiting a Programme Specialist to lead the implementation of its Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in South Sudan. The role supports the 2023‑2027 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and the UN Women Strategic Note, ensuring gender‑responsive peacebuilding, protection and recovery initiatives across the country.

Key responsibilities

• Operationalise the four pillars of UNSCR 1325 – participation, protection, prevention and relief/recovery – in national policies and programmes.
• Support the development, costing and adoption of the second National Action Plan on WPS (NAP II) in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare.
• Champion gender‑responsive implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R‑ARCSS), including affirmative‑action targets for women’s leadership.
• Coordinate with government ministries, civil‑society organisations, UN agencies and donors to mainstream gender considerations in budgets, plans and humanitarian response.
• Monitor progress, produce analytical reports and provide strategic advice to senior UN Women and government officials.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in gender studies, international relations, peace and security or a related field.
• Relevant professional experience in gender equality, peacebuilding and UN programme implementation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of UNSCR 1325, national action plans and gender‑responsive security sector reform.
• Strong analytical, coordination and communication skills, with the ability to work in a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment.

Required skills