Gender Specialist (Buildings Design and Construction Focus)-(Homebased, Retainer)

Application period 29-Aug-2025 to 20-Sep-2025 Functional Responsibilities: Context and overall objective of the role The Gender Specialist (Buildings Design and Construction Focus) will provide expert advice and technical support to the project team and the design firm/s on integrating gender considerations into the design, construction, and operationalization of the women's shelters. The specialist will ensure that the shelters are designed and built to meet the specific needs of women and girls, promoting their safety, security, and well-being. Functional Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Gender Specialist (Building Design and Construction Focus) will be responsible for the following duties: 2. Construction Monitoring and Supervision (Subject to needs): 3. Community Engagement and Consultation: Design Review and Input:Review architectural designs and construction plans to ensure they are gender-responsive and address the specific needs of women and girls, including safety, privacy, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity. Provide recommendations on design modifications to enhance the safety and security of the shelters, considering factors such as lighting, visibility, privacy, security and access control. Advise on the selection of materials and technologies that are appropriate for women's needs and preferences. Monitor construction activities to ensure that gender considerations are being implemented effectively. Conduct site visits to assess the quality of construction and identify any potential gender-related issues. Provide guidance to contractors and construction workers on gender-sensitive construction practices. In coordination with UN Women, facilitate consultations with women and girls in the affected communities to gather their input on the design and construction of the shelters. Ensure that the voices of women and girls are heard and that their needs are reflected in the final design. Capacity Building and Training:Develop and deliver training programs for project staff, consultants and contractors, on gender equality and gender-sensitive construction practices. In coordination with UN Women, promote the participation of women in the construction workforce. Reporting and Documentation:Prepare regular reports on the integration of gender considerations into the project. Document best practices and lessons learned for future projects. Coordination and Collaboration:Work closely with UN Women and other partners including but not limited to the Ministry of Family and Social Services to ensure a coordinated approach to gender mainstreaming. Impact of results: The Gender Specialist's contributions will directly impact the quality and effectiveness of the women's shelters. By ensuring that the shelters are designed and built to meet the specific needs of women and girls, the specialist will contribute to their safety, security, and well-being. The specialist's work will also promote gender equality and women's empowerment in the affected communities. Education/Experience/Language requirements: Education: Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) preferably in gender studies, architecture, engineering, or a related field.Bachelor's degree in related discipline in combination with additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience working on gender equality and women's empowerment issues in the construction sector is required. Experience in designing and implementing infrastructure projects for survivors of violence against women and girls, with a focus on gender-sensitive construction is desirable Experience working with international organizations or NGOs is an asset. Experience working in Türkiye or similar cultural contexts is an advantage. Language: Fluency in oral and written English is required Knowledge of Turkish is an asset. Think big. Meet challenges head-on. Help people build better lives. UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunities. Our workforce is made up of people from varied nationalities, cultures and races. They speak a range of languages and have different gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We encourage women and candidates from underrepresented groups in UNOPS to apply. These include candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. Click apply and join us! Remarks: Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.