Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist

Closure Date: 26/Mar/2025, 4:44:00 AM
Organizational Unit: FANEP – FAO Representation in Nepal
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
Grade Level: N/A
Primary Location: Nepal-Kathmandu
Duration: 3 months with possible to further extension
Post Number: N/A
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices:

(i) advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate.
(ii) provide technical assistance and deliver core services.
(iii) assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation.
(iv) position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation.
(v) ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

In this context, The Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Specialist will play a key role in strengthening gender mainstreaming and social inclusion across programmes and projects. The specialist will support the integration of gender and social inclusion considerations in all initiatives, ensuring they are responsive to the diverse needs of communities. This role involves identifying gender-specific needs and barriers to social inclusion in agriculture, food security, and rural development; supporting the development and implementation of gender-sensitive programs in alignment with global gender strategies and national policies; strengthening stakeholder engagement, particularly with government agencies, development partners, and local communities; ensuring effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of gender-related outcomes using appropriate indicators; and building the capacity of staff and partners through training and knowledge-sharing on gender and social inclusion. This dedicated position at the Country Office will contribute to ensuring that interventions are equitable, inclusive, and effective in addressing gender disparities and social inequalities.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of FAO Representative, and in close consultation with the Country Programme and Administration team, Gender Officer in Regional Office and Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP) in the Headquarters will undertake the following tasks.

Technical Focus

Provide needful M&E support to the FAO country programme/office in Nepal to carry out tasks as envisioned in the Terms of Reference (TOR).

Tasks and responsibilities

The Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist (GESI Specialist) will be responsible to carry out the following tasks:

1. Implementation of Gender Mainstreaming Across Programs:

•  Integrate gender equality considerations into the design, implementation, and monitoring of FAO’s country and regional programs, ensuring they align with FAO’s Gender Policy (2020-2030) and the Country Programming Framework (2023-2027).
• Support to review and update the project documents aligning with FAO gender policy and guidelines.

2. Technical inputs to FAO Teams:

• Provide direct technical inputs to program teams in mainstreaming gender and social inclusion in all phases of program/project implementation.
• Develop gender-sensitive indicators and ensure their integration into the program’s results frameworks, monitoring and evaluation systems.

3. Capacity Building and Training:

• Develop and deliver gender equality and social inclusion training sessions for FAO staff, implementing partners, and stakeholders.
• Organize workshops to build technical capacity on gender mainstreaming in the agriculture, climate change, and food security sectors, ensuring relevant staff can apply gender-responsive approaches.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

•  Regularly monitor and evaluate the progress of gender mainstreaming in FAO’s country programs, identifying gaps and making actionable recommendations to improve integration and outcomes.
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports that detail progress on gender equality goals, track the achievement of gender-related results, and document challenges faced, and solutions implemented.

5. Develop and Update Gender Strategy Documents:

• Assist in the development and periodic updating of the Gender Strategy and Action Plan, ensuring alignment with FAO’s global gender priorities and the specific needs of the country or region.
•  Monitor the implementation of the Regional Gender Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2025) and ensure it is aligned with national gender strategies.

6. Advocacy for Gender Integration:

• Advocate for gender equality within FAO’s internal processes, highlighting the importance of gender-sensitive policies and actions.
• Promote the integration of gender equality and social inclusion into national policy frameworks, including through active participation in policy dialogues and consultations.

7. Knowledge Sharing and Best Practices:

•  Collect, document, and share case studies, lessons learned, and best practices from FAO’s projects to inform future programming.
•  Develop communication materials such as reports, newsletters, and social media content to disseminate success stories and best practices in gender equality and social inclusion.

8. Resource Mobilization for Gender Equality:

• Support efforts to mobilize resources for gender equality initiatives by preparing gender-focused project proposals and supporting donor engagement on gender equality and social inclusion issues.
• Ensure that gender-responsive budgeting is included in project planning and resource allocation processes.

9. Provide Gender Analysis for Policy Development:

•  Conduct gender analysis to assess the differential impacts of policies and programs on women, men, and marginalized groups, ensuring recommendations are integrated into FAO’s country-specific strategies and projects.
• Provide technical advice on the design and implementation of gender-sensitive climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation policies.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

Liaison with the OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, appropriate review and clearance processes.

All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology: http://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).

Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• A master’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, International Development, Agriculture, Environment Sciences, or a related field.
•  At least 5 years of experience in gender equality, gender mainstreaming, and social inclusion, especially in development contexts such as agriculture, climate change, or food security.
• Working Knowledge of Nepali and English
• National of Nepal or resident in the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

•  Results Focus
• Teamwork
•  Communication
•  Building Effective Relationships
•  Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•  Gender Mainstreaming and Analysis
• Capacity Building and Training
• Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy
• Policy Development
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
•  Knowledge Management
• Resource Mobilization
•  Effective Communication
•  Coordination and Cooperation for project management

Selection Criteria

•  Professional Certification in Gender Mainstreaming or Gender Equality and Social Inclusion is an added advantage.
• A Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Specialist should possess expertise in integrating gender perspectives into programs, conducting gender analyses, building stakeholder capacity, engaging diverse stakeholders, developing inclusive policies, monitoring and evaluating gender-sensitive initiatives, managing knowledge dissemination, mobilizing resources for equality projects, and communicating effectively on complex gender issues.
•  Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, database analysis and power point) and knowledge and experience of report writing and technical document preparation Strong understanding of gender mainstreaming strategies and the ability to integrate gender into program design, implementation, and evaluation.
•  Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of gender-sensitive policies and strategies in a development context.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to develop reports, training materials, and advocate for gender equality with stakeholders.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact: Careers@fao.org
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

•  To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
•  Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
•  We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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