Achieving parity in traditionally male-dominated areas in the international NGO sector

People working in international development should be representative of the people whose needs are being served. In too many places, that’s not the case - and in particular, women are underrepresented. So how was UNOPS able to improve the gender balance in their workforce across 80+ countries?

Without gender parity, UNOPS cannot ensure the long-term sustainability and success of its projects. If women are not adequately represented on project teams, that hinders UNOPS’ ability to meet the needs of all beneficiaries. Having gender-balanced teams can help provide long-term socio-economic opportunities for people, local communities and countries alike.

UNOPS achieved gender parity by strengthening its culture, leadership and behaviors, working environment, and HR policies and practices across recruitment, performance and development. Elyse will share examples from Nepal, where UNOPS set up a women’s network that connects UNOPS recruiters with women working in the construction industry; and from Haiti, where the team managed to recruit heavy equipment female drivers.

UNOPS also took concrete actions to recruit more women into senior roles and did not shy away from recruitment targets. Elyse will also stress the importance of leadership commitment, and change management to address resistance.

Speakers

Elyse Ruest-Archambault Diversity & Inclusion Specialist at UNOPS