Job Vacancy: UNOPS Opens Applications for Gender Equality Advisor – Social Inclusion Role

The United Nations Office for Project Services has announced a vacancy for the position of Gender Equality Advisor & Social Inclusion under the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF), offering experienced professionals an opportunity to contribute to global gender equality, sanitation, and menstrual health initiatives.

The senior-level position is home-based and comes under an ICA retainer contract with an initial duration of one year, renewable based on performance and funding availability.

According to the vacancy announcement, the successful candidate will support SHF’s mission of improving access and affordability across sanitation economies and menstrual health markets, particularly for women, girls, and vulnerable communities.

Position Overview

Job Title

Gender Equality Advisor – Social Inclusion

Organization

United Nations Office for Project Services

Duty Station

Home Based

Contract Type

ICA – IICA Retainer

Contract Level

IICA 3

Seniority Level

Senior Level

Application Deadline

May 21, 2026

Contract Duration

One year, with possible extension based on performance and funding availability.

About the Role

The Gender Equality Advisor will play a key role in integrating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) strategies across SHF operations, investments, partnerships, and programmes.

The role involves working closely with SHF leadership and technical teams to strengthen inclusive and evidence-based approaches in sanitation and menstrual health initiatives globally.

The advisor will also support advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder coordination, strategic planning, and reporting activities related to GESI.

Key Responsibilities

The successful applicant will be expected to:

• Support strategic planning from a gender equality perspective
• Monitor and evaluate GESI indicators across SHF operations
• Develop advocacy strategies for sanitation and menstrual health inclusion
• Review funding and grant proposals using a GESI lens
• Draft reports, publications, and success stories
• Coordinate stakeholders and partnerships for inclusive sanitation initiatives
• Provide technical support on gender-sensitive programming

Qualifications and Experience Required

Applicants must possess:

• A Master’s degree in international development, economics, business administration, or a related field
• Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with additional relevant experience may be accepted
• Minimum of seven years’ experience in gender equality and gender-sensitive programming
• Experience in sanitation and/or menstrual health policy development

Desired qualifications include:

• Knowledge of global gender frameworks related to WASH
• Familiarity with the United Nations system
• Experience working in Africa and Asia Pacific
• Expertise in sustainable sanitation and menstrual health solutions

Language Requirements

• Fluent English is required
• Basic French knowledge is considered an advantage

About SHF and UNOPS Africa Operations

The Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF), a project under United Nations Office for Project Services, focuses on market-based sanitation and hygiene solutions in low- and middle-income countries.

The initiative aims to strengthen sanitation economies, expand menstrual health markets, and improve access to essential services for underserved populations.

Meanwhile, UNOPS Africa Regional Office, headquartered in Nairobi, oversees more than 250 projects across 40 African countries, supporting infrastructure, health, climate action, peacebuilding, and sustainable development initiatives.

Important Information for Applicants

UNOPS stated that:

• Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• The organization does not request payments during recruitment
• Background checks will be conducted on final candidates
• Diversity and equal opportunity remain key priorities within the organization

Interested candidates are advised to apply before the May 21, 2026 deadline.

APPLY HERE

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