Gender & Social Inclusion Officer
Organizational Context
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a UN specialized agency and financial institution dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. IFAD invests in rural people and agricultural development, providing financing and support to governments and partners. Its work focuses on food security, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, market access, and empowering vulnerable rural populations. The Office of Technical Delivery (OTD) ensures project quality and promotes innovation, with the ECG division leading efforts in gender, climate, environment, and social inclusion.
Job Purpose
This role supports IFAD's mission to reduce rural poverty and hunger by investing in rural communities and agricultural development. The Gender and Social Inclusion Officer will provide technical guidance and support to IFAD projects, focusing on gender equality and social inclusion within the Office of Technical Delivery's ECG division. The position involves contributing to program development, facilitating knowledge sharing, and strengthening policy environments. The officer will play a key role in ensuring IFAD's projects are high-quality, sustainable, and inclusive, addressing complex rural development challenges through innovation and global knowledge.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Regional Technical Lead and the Lead Technical Specialist - Gender and Social Inclusion, the Gender and Social Inclusion Officer will provide technical guidance on gender and social inclusion for project design and implementation support. Responsibilities include ensuring consistency and synergy in technical advice, supporting program development by facilitating knowledge flows and building communities of practice. This involves operational aspects, policy environment strengthening, monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management, and partnership building. The role also entails providing capacity building for IFAD colleagues at the regional level, producing analytical reports, capturing and disseminating knowledge from IFAD's portfolio, and undertaking travel within the East and Southern Africa region.
Work Experience
Requires at least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in gender and social inclusion issues within rural development initiatives. Demonstrated technical expertise in gender equality and social inclusion for development projects, with a solid understanding of issues related to youth, indigenous peoples, and people with disabilities in rural contexts. Experience in project management tools, interdisciplinary approaches, and strong analytical, reporting, writing, presentation, and facilitation skills are essential.
Skills
Key competencies include a focus on results, integrity, professionalism, and respect. Skills in developing business, working collaboratively, and achieving results are important. Expertise in project management, programme development, strategy, and community development is required. Strong analytical, reporting, monitoring, documentation, and communication skills are also necessary.