Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Gender Specialist (Building Design and Construction Focus) will be responsible for the following duties:

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.

Construction Monitoring and Supervision (Subject to needs):

• 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.

Community Engagement and Consultation:

• 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:

• 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.