Policy Specialist – Ending Violence Against Women (P4)

About the role

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) is seeking a senior Policy Specialist to lead its Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW) portfolio in the West and Central Africa Regional Office based in Dakar, Senegal. Reporting to the Deputy Regional Director, the specialist will provide high‑level technical advice, support country offices, and coordinate regional initiatives to advance gender‑based violence prevention and response.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the development and implementation of programmes on Ending Violence Against Women for country office teams.
• Design and oversee an integrated strategy delivering technical assistance, policy advocacy and programme support across the region.
• Develop, contextualise and monitor regional programme documents, country strategies and knowledge products.
• Lead capacity‑building activities for country offices and partners, ensuring alignment with global norms and standards.
• Facilitate internal coordination within UN Women divisions and strengthen partnerships with regional organisations.
• Identify knowledge and implementation gaps, propose solutions and supervise the EVAW unit staff.
• Coordinate UN Women WCARO’s engagement in specific initiatives such as the Spotlight programme.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in gender‑based violence policy, programme design and implementation in West and Central Africa.
• Proven ability to provide technical advice to senior officials and to lead multi‑country teams.
• Strong background in capacity building, partnership development and knowledge management.
• Excellent analytical skills to assess regional trends and emerging issues.

Required skills