Outcome NPL_O_4

Nurturing an empowered workforce and advancing an inclusive UN-Women culture

This output is on track with some progress. In 2023, UN Women Nepal Country Office (NCO) strengthened its Human Resources, reinforcing its status as an employer of choice, characterized by a unique and inclusive culture. This achievement aligns with the objective of promoting a diverse and high-performing cadre of personnel representing UN values. Key achievements include: Enhanced self-directed leadership among 36 UN personnel (28 females, 6 males, 2 persons with disabilities) was achieved through 'Democratization of Leadership Training' in April 2023. Participants from various UN agencies, including UN Women personnel from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, as well as UNRCO and UNDP, benefited from this regional capacity-building initiative. Tangible outcomes in team engagement, effectiveness, and productivity were reported, contributing significantly to the professional development of participants. UN Women NCO's commitment to staff development was demonstrated by 100 percent completion of Performance Management Development and 86 percent personnel participating in career development and learning opportunities. This was further emphasized through the selection of 'Professional Development and Growth' as the theme for 2023 in response to the Global Staff Survey. This focus was reinforced by follow-up presentations and dedicated sessions. Informative sessions on job swaps and detailed assignments further enhanced the performance management culture. Additionally, mandatory training completion reached 100 percent among all personnel. UN Women NCO's continued to remain as an organization of people representing diverse groups in Nepal, evidenced by a total 33 percent of the total personnel from excluded/under-represented groups. Further, the diversity strategy was advanced through leadership roles in initiatives like the 'Women on Wheels' project and the PSEA task force, including the recruitment of a PSEA coordinator. Moreover, the landmark recruitment of the only female ICT personnel among the UN Country Team Nepal, underscored UN Women NCO's dedication to promoting women in non-traditional sectors. Continuation of duty of care initiatives was prioritized, with regular check-ins and counseling sessions on managing stress, anxiety, and mental health, facilitated by external consultants/stress counselors. This approach ensured the safety and motivation of personnel and partners in achieving program results

Nurturing an empowered workforce and advancing an inclusive UN-Women culture

Some progress has been made toward this output. An inclusive work culture and performance of personnel was further enhanced, thus contributing to the corporate commitment to be an employer of choice among UN agencies. UN Women among UNCT Nepal remains as an organization of people representing diverse groups with 45.71 percent of the total personnel from excluded/under-represented groups. Further, the diversity strategy was advanced through leadership roles in HR Task Force in initiatives like 'Women on Wheels' project and joint recruitment and mobilization of a PSEA consultant. Delivering on its commitment to diversity, UN Women continued to participate in the UN Traineeship Programme, successfully hiring two female trainees in 2024. UN Women Nepal’s commitment to staff development was demonstrated by 100 percent completion of Performance Management and Development (assessment for 2023 and Plan for 2024) and 86 percent personnel participating in career development and learning opportunities. This was further emphasized through the UN Women Nepal 2.0 discussion in the staff retreat, which focused on the linkages between its Strategic Note and organizational structure, collective leadership, and UN values and competencies. Additionally, dedicated discussions by the Regional HR advisor on Performance Management, including informative sessions on job swaps and detailed assignments, contributed to these results. Mandatory training was completed by all personnel as of December 2024. Human resource of UN Women Nepal was further strengthened through the expansion with new team members in line with the recommendation from ‘Fit for Purpose’ exercise conducted in 2023 and further review in September 2024. Recruitment of 20 new positions (18 women and 2 men) across various roles (5-FTA, 6-SC, 7-UNV and 2-Trainees) was completed within the average of 18 weeks. With this strategic recruitment and contract management, the office was well-equipped to deliver on its mandate. Additionally, efforts to promote women in non-traditional roles, such as hiring a female driver, were sustained in 2024. Duty of care remained as a priority resulting in inclusive and safe working environment for all personnel. This was facilitated through regular check-ins and counseling sessions on managing stress, anxiety, and mental health.,. An informal committee for the staff well-being was also established in June 2024which further contributed towards supportive work environment by procuring indoor games and supporting tools such as footrest, laptop stand and cushion as per needs of the personnel.