United Nations Population Fund is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA advances universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), promotes gender equality, and supports evidence-based policies that improve the lives of women, girls, adolescents, and young people worldwide.
The Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.0 aims to eliminate Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and harmful practices while addressing their linkages with Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Jointly implemented by UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, and UNDP, the programme works closely with the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, national institutions, and civil society organizations to strengthen evidence generation, policy influence, and accountability mechanisms across Africa.
The Gender Data Analyst (International UN Volunteer) will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa, within the UNFPA East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO). The role focuses on strengthening gender data systems, supporting evidence generation on violence against women and girls, harmful practices, and SRHR, and enhancing data-driven decision-making across the region.
Key Responsibilities
1. Gender Data & Evidence Generation
- Support the review and updating of harmonized tools, methodologies, and indicators related to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Harmful Practices (HP), and SRHR.
- Strengthen regional and national data systems to improve collection, analysis, reporting, and dissemination of gender-related data.
- Support development of evidence-based knowledge products and analytical reports to inform policy and programming.
2. Research & Data Analysis
- Conduct analysis of data related to adolescent girls, young people, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations.
- Support research on child marriage, gender norms, school-related barriers, teenage pregnancy, menstrual health and hygiene, and school-related gender-based violence.
- Analyze data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), censuses, GBVIMS, HMIS, and other relevant sources.
3. Capacity Development & Technical Support
- Support capacity strengthening of National Statistics Offices, government institutions, research organizations, civil society organizations, and implementing partners.
- Serve as a resource person during training workshops, consultations, and technical meetings on gender data and evidence-based planning.
- Contribute to development of learning materials and knowledge-sharing platforms.
4. Knowledge Management & Data Systems
- Support development and maintenance of gender data systems and databases, including GBV Information Management Systems (GBVIMS).
- Contribute to dashboard development, data visualization, and analytical tools that improve access to gender-related information.
- Facilitate knowledge exchange and dissemination of best practices across countries and institutions.
5. Advocacy & Policy Influence
- Support advocacy efforts that use gender data to influence policy development, resource allocation, and programme design.
- Develop policy briefs, technical papers, bulletins, and communication products that strengthen evidence-based decision-making.
- Support regional monitoring of SDG targets and African Union gender commitments.
Required Qualifications
Education
- Master’s degree in Demography, Statistics, Social Studies, Population Studies, or a related field.
Experience
Minimum 5 years relevant experience, including:
- Gender data, demographic analysis, statistics, or population studies
- Data related to VAWG, SGBV, harmful practices, and SRHR
- Data collection, analytics, dashboard development, and data utilization systems
- Capacity building of government institutions, research organizations, and civil society partners
- Development of analytical reports, policy briefs, and advocacy products
- Experience working with DHS, MICS, census data, GBVIMS, HMIS, and other statistical systems
- Proficiency in statistical software, data visualization tools, and Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and regional environment
Languages
- English: Fluent (required)
- Basic knowledge of French is an asset
Volunteer Living Allowance:
UN Volunteers serve full-time in their professional expertise, supported by a benefits package, including a monthly living allowance to ensure a secure standard of living at their duty stations. These allowances are not intended as compensation, reward, or salary for the volunteer's service.
Check out UNV's Entitlement Calculator on UVP, the Unified Volunteer Platform, and learn more.