Programme Analyst, Ending Violence Against Women – UN Women JPO Opportunity in Dakar, Senegal (2026 Intake)

The Programme Analyst, Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW) position under the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) programme with UN Women represents one of the most impactful early-career international development opportunities available in 2026.

Based in Dakar, Senegal, this role is designed for young professionals who are committed to advancing gender equality, eliminating violence against women and girls, and contributing to global development efforts through the United Nations system.

This opportunity is managed through the Nedworc Foundation, which coordinates Junior Professional Officer placements across various UN agencies.

Applications for this prestigious role close on 28 June 2026.

Overview of the Opportunity

The Programme Analyst position sits within UN Women’s Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW) Section, which focuses on designing and implementing programmes that address violence against women and girls across Africa.

Violence against women and girls remains one of the most widespread human rights challenges globally, and this role contributes directly to regional and continental solutions.

The selected candidate will work on:

• Programme planning and implementation
• Policy development and advocacy
• Multi-country and regional coordination
• Partnerships with governments, UN agencies, and civil society
• Monitoring and evaluation of gender-based violence programmes
• Support for large-scale global initiatives such as the Spotlight Initiative

A major focus of the role is contributing to the Spotlight Initiative, a landmark partnership between the United Nations and the European Union aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls.

Key Responsibilities

The Programme Analyst will be expected to contribute to multiple areas of work within the EVAW Section:

1. Programme Development and Implementation

• Supporting the design of EVAW programmes across Africa
• Assisting in the implementation of regional and country-level initiatives
• Ensuring alignment with UN Women’s strategic objectives

2. Policy and Advocacy Work

• Supporting policy reforms related to gender equality
• Assisting governments in strengthening legal frameworks on gender-based violence
• Contributing to advocacy campaigns and awareness initiatives

3. Partnership Coordination

• Collaborating with UN agencies and development partners
• Engaging with civil society organizations and women’s rights groups
• Supporting multi-sectoral coordination efforts

4. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Collecting and analyzing programme data
• Assessing programme impact and effectiveness
• Contributing to reporting and documentation processes

5. Support to Global Initiatives

• Assisting in implementation of the Spotlight Initiative
• Supporting EVAW flagship programme development
• Contributing to multi-country programming strategies

Development Focus Areas

This role contributes to several interconnected development priorities across Africa:

Ending Violence Against Women and Girls

The primary focus is to prevent and respond to all forms of violence affecting women and girls, including:

• Domestic violence
• Sexual violence
• Harmful traditional practices
• Institutional and systemic gender inequality

Reproductive and Maternal Health Collaboration

The EVAW Section works with UN partners on broader health-related programming, including:

• Reproductive health access
• Maternal and neonatal health
• Child and adolescent health services

Multi-Agency UN Collaboration

The role also contributes to initiatives such as:

• Muskoka Initiative
• H6 partnership framework
• Cross-agency gender equality programming

Why This Opportunity Matters

The Junior Professional Officer programme is one of the most respected entry routes into the United Nations system.

This role offers:

• Direct exposure to international development programming
• Hands-on experience with UN policy and field operations
• Opportunities to work with global experts and policymakers
• Experience in high-impact gender equality programming
• Strong career progression pathways in international organizations

Application Deadline

The closing date for applications is:

28 June 2026

Early application is strongly recommended due to high competition.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria:

Age Requirement

• Must be born after 1 January 1994
• Must be 32 years or younger by 31 December 2026

Educational Requirements

Applicants must hold either:

Master’s Degree

• Gender Studies, Development Studies, Economics, Sociology, International Relations, or related fields
• Minimum 2 years relevant experience

OR

Bachelor’s Degree

• Minimum 4 years relevant professional experience

Academic Background Requirement

• A significant portion of academic studies must have been completed in an eligible country listed by the programme

Nationality Requirement

• Applicants must be nationals of eligible countries only
• Nationals of Senegal are not eligible due to the duty station being in Dakar

Who Should Apply

This opportunity is ideal for individuals who:

• Are passionate about gender equality and women’s rights
• Have experience in development, social policy, or human rights work
• Are interested in UN systems and international cooperation
• Have strong analytical and communication skills
• Are committed to addressing gender-based violence globally

Eligible Applicants: Region and Background

Geographic Eligibility

Applications are open to candidates from:

• Eligible countries listed under the Nedworc Foundation JPO scheme
• Countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and other developing regions (excluding Senegal for this post)

Professional Background

Strong applicants typically come from:

• Gender Studies
• International Development
• Sociology
• Political Science
• Law or Human Rights
• Economics or Social Policy

Application

Learn more and apply here

Category of Opportunity

Job (Junior Professional Officer – UN Women Programme Analyst Position)

Category of Qualified Candidates

• Early-career professionals (typically under 32 years old)
• Holders of Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in social sciences or development-related fields
• Candidates from eligible countries listed under the UN JPO programme (excluding Senegal for this posting)
• Individuals with 2–4+ years of relevant professional experience depending on qualification level
• Professionals interested in gender equality, human rights, and international development careers

For more information, visit the official website