Policy Specialist: Drug Policy and LGBTI+ Inclusion (Home-based)

Background
  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
  UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
  Job Purpose and Organizational Context   UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. The work of UNDP in HIV and Health is guided by the UNDP’s Strategic Plan (2022-2025) and the HIV and Health Strategy (2022-2025).   UNDP is a founding co-sponsor of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Under the UNAIDS division of labour, UNDP convenes work on law and policy reform support, support to key populations most at risk of HIV: men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people, people who use drugs, and people in prisons and other closed settings. UNDP works closely with Member States, communities, and other UNAIDS co-sponsors to advance the rights of key populations and ensure that HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support services, as well as access to justice and human rights, are delivered in ways that leave no one behind. UNDP is an implementing partner of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB, and malaria and a principal recipient of Global Fund grant in over 20 countries, collaborating closely with all stakeholders on HIV services to key populations. UNDP co-convenes the Interagency Working Group on Key Populations, supports the work of the Global Partnership for Action to Eliminate All Forms of HIV Stigma and Discrimination, the Global Prevention Coalition and supports the UN's Human Rights Reference Group in the context of law and policy reform and key populations.

In addition to the partnerships and policy engagements described above, UNDP is currently implementing two different global-level projects focusing on specific key populations.  In late 2023, UNDP received support from the Federal Republic of Germany for continuing and expanding the work on the LGBTI Inclusion Index and on capacity building for government and other stakeholders on safe and responsible LGBTI+ data collection. This project includes support to specific countries in Africa and Latin America, as well as related global level policy engagements and partnerships. Also in 2023, UNDP received support from the Open Society Foundations, to partner with all stakeholders, including UNAIDS, OHCHR, WHO and UNODC on advancing the International Guidelines to support partnerships to deliver on the UN Common Position on Drugs on drugs worldwide.

 

 

Duties and Responsibilities
The UNDP HIV and Health Group is seeking to engage a Policy Specialist to manage the LGBTI+ Inclusion Index project described above, related data, as well as to coordinate LGBTI+ re