GESI Project Officer ~ Initiative for Stabilization, Transition and National Development (I-STAND)
Duty station: Mogadishu, Somalia
Position title: Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Project Officer
Reporting to: Programme Manager
Duration: 12 months
Contract type: Full time
- Background
The Nordic International Support Foundation (NIS) first established its presence in Somalia in late 2011 with the implementation of a pilot solar street lighting project in Mogadishu designed to increase the legitimacy of the local administration by increasing its capacity to deliver public services. The success of the pilot project attracted donor interest in NIS’ approach to stabilization and NIS was able to develop and diversify its project portfolio to include a variety of infrastructure delivery programs.
The Initiative for Stabilization, transition and National Development (I-STAND) is a program contracted by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The goal of I-STAND is to increase legitimacy for and trust in government institutions at varying levels (local, regional, and federal). The I-STAND Program is Built around a comprehensive Theory of Change (ToC), that suggests investing in the government’s ability to deliver small-scale infrastructure projects will directly improve local residents’ trust in Somali authorities, which in turn will enhance government legitimacy and, ultimately, increase stability in the target districts. This is realized by assisting local governments in delivering small-scale infrastructure projects, such as the installation of Solar streetlights, hospital solar electrification, creation of a technical and vocational training center; rehabilitation of roads; and investment in sports facilities among others. While some projects will have a gender transformative framework, all should have gender mainstreamed throughout in a gender sensitive way.
2. Essential Functions
Reporting to the Programme Manager with close working with NIS M&E Manager and the GESI Expert, the GESI Project Officer is responsible for the establishment and running of the baseline and periodic assessments and analyses of I-STAND, optimizing the PESA and other start up reports to align the operating strategies and plans of core I-STAND functions with GESI principles (i.e. programme implementation, MEL, thematic assessment, and communications).
The GESI Project Officer begin with a thorough handover from the GESI expert to ensure continuity after start-ups, including training and mentorship. The Project Officer will be tasked with keeping the I-STAND team focused on the proper integration of GESI strategies across all programme activities. The GESI Project Officer is expected to understand global best practice on implementing GESI strategies and principles in programmes and to have strong technical understanding of gender equality and social inclusion in complex situations, and particularly cultural practices and social structures in different parts and communities of Somalia. The GESI Project Officer is expected to play a key role in building awareness and sensitivity for social and gender imbalances and a culture of GESI excellence within the I-STAND team.
3. Main Responsibilities
· Reporting to the Programme Manager, oversee smooth functioning, quality control and compliance of all programmatic aspects relating to GESI.
· Manage the GESI programmatic input, maintaining and building upon the work started by the GESI expert, to ensure practical programming solutions which are aligned to the programme strategy and ensure compliance with donor standards, equality and international best practice.
· Provide any necessary trainings, including the delivery of technical guidance, best safeguarding practices and monitoring performance to the I-STAND team.
· Maintain strong communication with local women’s groups to increase paths forward for women within career, leadership, and community.
· Develop and lead the thematic assessments of four selected project areas that have been deemed to present the strongest outcomes for women.
· Provide ongoing support during periodic reviews and assessments throughout the three-year term of the programme to ensure the delivery of effective and responsive programming that reflects global lessons in gender equality and social inclusion within Somalia.
· Provide contextual analysis relating to gender equality and social inclusion and remain abreast of national and global practice and policy relating to gender equality and social inclusion.
· Undertake periodic project site visits to monitor and confirm agreed GESI strategies are institutionalized and implemented.
· Adhere to NIS codes of conduct, handbooks, guidelines, and policies
· Other tasks as may be required by I-STAND and NIS Senior Management.
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4. Desired qualifications
· Degree in Gender and human rights, Sociology, International Development, Anthropology or equivalent.
· At least 5 years’ experience with at least 2 years of MEL experience internationally and in cross-cultural, international organizations with a specific focus on gender equality and social inclusion.
· Comprehensive understanding of gender equality and social inclusion opportunities and challenges in Somalia or a similar context.
· Demonstrated understanding of MEL processes and best practices.
· Sound knowledge of risk management and conflict sensitivity.
· Demonstrated skill in translating evidence and theory to innovative practical initiatives and outcomes.
· Demonstrated ability to communicate with multiple stakeholders in complex environments.
· Experience working in transitional environments and with donor programmes.
· Strong networking skills with an ability to create synergies between individuals, organizations, and initiatives.
· Team player with the interpersonal skills to engage, motivate and empower team members
· Strong communication skills essential, Somali and/or Arabic language skills preferred.
5. Deliverables
· Develop a feasible, safe and innovative career & leadership action plan together with local women’s groups
· Develop thematic assessments, GESI tools & guidelines for target projects
· Provide input to the M&E manager to ensure a GESI focus is taken within the PESA
· Provide contextual analysis relating to gender equality and social inclusion
· Periodic project site visit reports for the implementation of GESI strategies.
· Provide incoming GESI officer with mentoring and coaching through training development plan and strategies for skills transfer/ institutionalization.
**Note:***NIS is committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organization and the I-STAND programme. We welcome and encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, and people from ethnic minority groups and other diverse backgrounds*
