Job Title: Program Specialist, Gender and Human Rights (NOC)

Duty Station: Accra, Ghana
Contract Type: Full-time (National Officer Category)
Application Deadline: 13 February 2026

About UNFPA

UNFPA ( United Nations Population Fund)  is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. We work to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. In Ghana, UNFPA partners with government, civil society, and communities to advance gender equality, protect human rights, and promote inclusive, rights-based development.

Position Purpose

The Program Specialist, Gender and Human Rights provides strategic leadership and technical expertise to advance UNFPA’s gender equality and human rights agenda in Ghana. The role leads the design, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of program that address gender-based inequalities, strengthen human rights protections, and promote gender-responsive policies and systems in line with national priorities and UNFPA’s strategic frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Management

• Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of gender and human rights program in alignment with UNFPA’s country program, strategic plan, and national development priorities.

• Ensure program apply rights-based, gender-transformative, and inclusive approaches.

• Manage program resources effectively, ensuring results are delivered on time and within approved budgets.

Policy, Advocacy, and Technical Advisory

• Provide high-level technical advice to government counterparts, UN agencies, and partners on gender equality and human rights.

• Support the development, review, and implementation of gender-responsive and rights-based policies, strategies, and legal frameworks.

• Contribute to national advocacy efforts to address harmful social norms, discrimination, and gender-based violence.

Partnerships and Coordination

• Strengthen strategic partnerships with government institutions, civil society organizations, academia, and development partners.

• Represent UNFPA in inter-agency coordination mechanisms, technical working groups, and policy forums related to gender and human rights.

• Promote effective collaboration across UNFPA program and with other UN agencies to ensure coherence and impact.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Learning

• Oversee monitoring and evaluation of program results, ensuring data-driven decision-making and accountability.

• Prepare high-quality narrative and analytical reports for internal management, donors, and partners.

• Document lessons learned and best practices to inform program improvement and knowledge sharing.

Capacity Strengthening

• Build the capacity of national institutions, implementing partners, and stakeholders on gender equality, human rights, and rights-based programming.

• Support staff learning and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Human Rights, Law, Public Policy, Development Studies, or a related discipline.

Experience

• At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience at the advisory and/or managerial level in managing gender and/or human rights programs.

• Demonstrated experience working with government institutions, civil society, and development partners.

• Strong understanding of gender equality, human rights frameworks, and international development processes.

• Proven ability to provide strategic leadership, manage complex programs, and influence policy processes.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent analytical, communication, and advocacy skills.

• Strong coordination and partnership-building abilities.

• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multi-stakeholder environment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the UNFPA online recruitment platform, including:

• A motivation letter outlining suitability for the role

• A current CV

Applications must be submitted no later than 13 February 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.