Farm Radio International is a non-profit communication-for-development organization dedicated to serving African rural communities through the innovative use of radio and mobile phones. Together with our broadcasting and project partners, we reach tens of millions of small-scale farmers with life-changing information and enable them to have a stronger voice in their own development. FRI is committed to Gender Equality and Inclusion as a central element and essential outcome of its communication-for-development efforts. We engage with media partners, governments, civil society organizations and others in facilitating ongoing dialogue that contributes to the transformation of harmful gender roles, norms, and relations of power and the advancement of women’s rights. Through our efforts, rural radio programs enable women, men and gender diverse people to: share and access information; gain and exchange practical knowledge on agriculture, food and nutrition security, health, education, climate change adaptation; contribute to community and societal transformation; and have their voices heard.

The Specialist, Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI), leads and coordinates the GEI team, which also includes GEI officers and focal points across FRI’s offices and various teams and departments. Working closely with the Head of Project Implementation, project implementation teams, as well as other managers, the Specialist, GEI will:

1. Strengthen and lead FRI’s GEI Team to advance FRI’s organizational objectives regarding gender equality and inclusion
2. Develop and advise on the implementation of project-specific GEI strategies for all projects across Sub-Saharan Africa
3. Develop and advise on the integration of FRI’s gender equality and inclusion vision into program strategies and proposals

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strengthen and coordinate FRI’s GEI Team to advance FRI’s organizational objectives regarding gender equality and inclusion

• Provide guidance on the constant improvement and implementation of FRI’s Gender Equality Policy and action plans
• Manage and coach GEI officer(s) and focal points and GEI consultants
• Serve as a resource and mentor for program staff on gender equality and inclusion approaches
• Contribute to the development and implementation of FRI’ strategic intention on gender equality and inclusion, also focusing on diversity, equality and inclusion, including monitoring its annual work plan
• Design and deliver relevant training sessions for FRI staff and partner radio stations on gender equality and inclusion
• Develop approaches, tools, and processes for project implementation that enable our radio partners to model and deliver programs that contribute to gender equality and transformation, inclusion, and empowerment
• Oversee the GEI Team budget and Cost Center, including invoicing and planning alongside the Finance Team
• Provide input for communications material including briefs, reports, website posts/ blogs

Develop and advise on the implementation of project-specific GEI strategies for all projects across Sub-Saharan Africa

• Provide Gender Equality and Inclusion technical inputs and deliverables across FRI projects at all stages of implementation. This may include the following:
  • Lead, coordinate, support, and/or conduct gender-based analyses
  • Participate in the review of project design plans and documents, including key reports, from a gender equality and inclusion perspective.
  • Develop and oversee the implementation of project-focused GEI strategies
  • Assist project staff in integrating GEI into project management approaches
  • Advise on specific gender equality and inclusion indicators and targets
  • Provide technical feedback on project reports to funders
  • Collect and document lessons learned and best practices related to GEI
• Develop tools, frameworks, and resources to enable better GEI integration in projects
• Monitor, assess and advise on FRI’s compliance with FRI GEI policy and overall progress towards achieving the integration of gender equality and inclusion considerations in projects
• Facilitate the use of GEI data to promote evidence-based learning, reflection, and decision-making within the project

Develop and advise on the integration of FRI’s gender equality and inclusion vision into program strategies and proposals

• Provide technical advice on how to integrate GEI principles into concept notes and project proposals
• Attend brainstorming sessions around new opportunities to explore the GEI vision for new projects
• Contribute to various sections of proposals by including specific gender equality analysis/assessments
• Participate in networking and working relationships with different funders and other partner organizations focusing on GEI
• Develop new tools and resources, as well as lead on capacity building to support the integration of FRI’s GEI vision into project proposals as well as FRI’s compliance with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

• Fluency in French and English is required
• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in gender equality, feminist studies, media studies, communication for development studies, or other relevant discipline; a Master’s degree in a relevant field is an asset
• Minimum of 3 years’ of solid work experience, preferably in the development sector (NGOs, CSOs), in women’s empowerment, and/or gender equality, and/or social inclusion
• Experience in or significant exposure to media development and/or communication for development
• Significant experience in program management at a senior level, including results-based management, financial planning, contract negotiation, project reporting, and staff oversight, will be an asset
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in mainstreaming gender in program design, management, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation
• Good experience in establishing gender-sensitive monitoring systems
• Good understanding and/or experience in social & behaviour change communication programming
• Understanding of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy
• Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Excellent communication and writing skills, including experience in working effectively across cultures and with diverse audiences
• Ability to work under pressure yet deliver multiple tasks on time with attention to detail and accuracy