Background:
Women’s equal participation in political life plays a pivotal role in the general process of the advancement of women. Equal participation of women in decision making is not only a demand for simple justice or democracy but can also be seen as a necessary condition for women’s interests to be taken into account. Without the active participation of women and the incorporation of women’s perspectives at all levels of decision making, the goals of equality, development and peace cannot be achieved. Until gender parity is reached in governance, women cannot reach full equality with men in any sphere. The absence of women’s voices in shaping the most fundamental political instruments—the most critical of which is the national budget—has ensured the preservation of gender inequity even with regard to women’s health and security in their own homes.
In Montenegro, women are not underrepresented I politics and decision-making bodies. Despite the fact that more and more women are highly qualified and labor market participation of women is on the increase, women are still largely outnumbered by men in positions of responsibility in politics and business, particularly at the top level. According to the database of the Department of Gender Equality within the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, 39.5% of all employees are women, out of whom only 7.2% are performing managerial tasks.
Given the slow speed at which the number of women involved in Montenegrin politics is growing, there are increased calls for more efficient methods to reach a gender balance in political institutions. The introduction of electoral quota systems for women represents a qualitative jump into a policy of exact goals and means. Because of its relative efficiency, specifically in the countries of the Western Balkan Region, there is strong hope for a dramatic increase in women's representation by using this system.
The last general elections were held in Montenegro on 29th March 2009 and resulted in a very poor participation of women in Parliament despite the fact that Montenegro that year re-ratified CEDAW and reassured a number of International Organizations that there would be more women on the lists and more women in Parliament.
Making sure that advocacy work fully relies on the in-depth assessments and complex political and social analyses of the overall political and social system, the two studies have been conducted in the first Programme year: 1) a desk survey of best EU practices, that shows a politically popular and justifiable path for the empowerment of women, and 2) assessment of Montenegrin political parties’ platforms, architecture, programmes and statutes, as well as educational needs. Also the Programme decided to undertake assessment of gender sensitivity and responsiveness of political programs to needs of voters, which is expected to be completed by the end of June 2012. Those tree instruments will serve as a base for advocacy for effective and substantial way of reaching the target of 30% participation of women in politics before the next parliamentary elections.
Competencies
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UN/UNDP;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
- Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills;
- Demonstrates ability to manage complexities and work under pressure, as well as conflict resolution skills.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
University degree.
Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of relevant working experience in the field of Gender equality;
- Certified trainer for trainers for political parties;
- Excellent communication and presentation skills and ability to operate under pressure.
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English language (both written and spoken);
- Fluency in Montenegrin/Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian language is a distinctive asset.
Deadline: 3 May 2012
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