The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), an international non-governmental organization (NGO), has been providing relief and development services in the Horn of Africa since 1997. DRC promotes and supports solutions to the problems faced by refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and migrants. The organization has offices across the region and has been operational in Ethiopia since 2009. With funding from bilateral and multilateral donors, DRC is currently implementing a range of activities across Ethiopia and Djibouti, including WASH and shelter provision, child and youth protection, gender-based violence response, awareness-raising of migration risks, protection monitoring of migration routes, and livelihoods support for returning migrants or those at-risk of migration.

Overall Purpose of the Role: 

The Gender Specialist will be responsible for leading gender assessments, development of a Gender Equality Action plan, and mainstreaming gender considerations in project activities, proposals, and DRC operations. This includes working on gender specific activities within projects, but also ensuring that all aspects of DRC’s operations promote gender equality.

Reporting To: Head of Programmes

RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Leadership

• Support the gender analysis process, including technical guidance of consultancy, learning workshops, and implementation of the recommendations
• Provide ongoing technical support for the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs with gender equality outcomes
• Conduct regular site visits with MEAL, Area Managers and technical leads to review response implementation using a gender equality framework, to identify priority issues affecting the quality and effectiveness of DRC’s response
• Identify gaps in gender-sensitive programming and develop strategies to strengthen integration of gender equality across all programs
• Support the Senior Management Team to strengthen a gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory work environment, including promoting zero tolerance to SEA
• In coordination with Protection team, ensure all areas of operation maintain current GBV mapping of specialised service providers for referrals
• Lead staff capacity development on the application of the gender equality lens across the project cycle, as well as gender equality within DRC operations including facilitating trainings and development of gender training materials / curricula
• Provide analysis, guidance, and capacity building to strengthen gender analysis and gender equality efforts internally, including HR processes, MEAL, grants, and partnership development
• Support the HR unit and hiring managers to promote gender equity in recruitment, retention and career development processes, including systematic integration into job descriptions and performance reviews
• Contribute to the development of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to promote gender and PSEA awareness raising with staff and communities
• Provide strategic advice on current gender issues, and take lead on opportunities for gender awareness raising initiatives, i.e. 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence.
• Lead the documentation of gender considerations in lessons learnt, best practice and case studies to contribute to wider humanitarian community and DRC learning
• In coordination with Communications & Advocacy Coordinator, ensure inclusion of gender-specific considerations in communications and advocacy messaging;
• Contribute to policy briefs and position papers as and when required.

Program Development

• Analyse donor priorities and positions on gender equality and GBV; identifying institutional funding opportunities and developing/maintaining contacts with potential donors, partners and key technical agencies
• Participate in proposal development, including provision of contextually-specific gender analysis to inform project design and ensure compliance with Gender minimum standards, IASC gender equality and GBV mainstreaming guidance;.
• Support mainstreaming of gender equality into program activities, budgets, and workplans
• Participate in project review, monitoring, and reporting to measure success towards gender equality outcomes

External Coordination, Networking and Representation

• Participate in external technical working groups on issues related to gender equality, gender-based violence, and inclusive development, including serving as PSEA focal point
• Active participation in the inter-agency PSEA network ensuring relevant information, resources and updates are shared internally within DRC program team and adapted as relevant for DRC operations
• Advocate with donors and other key stakeholders for prioritization and inclusion of gender related activities and gender mainstreaming in program/project delivery.

REQUIREMENTS

Experience and Technical Competencies: (include years of experience)

• Minimum 3 years working for an INGO in a role focusing on gender; experience working in a technical capacity would be a distinct advantage.
• Experience developing and delivering gender-sensitive trainings and guidance materials to broad audiences
• Experience working with national partners, local/government authorities, and UN organizations
• Experience designing project proposals and gender analysis for donors such as SDC, GAC, ECHO, and BPRM will be an advantage
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated understanding of gender, protection, and human rights

Education (include certificates, licenses etc.):

• University degree in social work, gender, or other relevant social science
• Relevant Master’s degree would be an advantage

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

• Excellent verbal and written proficiency in Amharic and English;
• Proficiency in local languages would be an advantage

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Acting in line with DRC’s vision and values