Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada

Gender Officer (Lilongwe Office)

Field Office | Lilongwe | Full Time

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Position Title:	Gender Officer
Reports to:	Gender Specialist - Malawi (Country Manager)
Contract Term:	2 Years (with possibility of extension)
Status:	Full-time
Annual Salary:	$17,000 to $20,000 CAD
Work Location:	Lilongwe, Malawi

Formed in 1947, the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) has focused its efforts on advancing self-reliant, member-owned co-operatives on a global scale. The strength of CDF Canada is grounded in its mission – Acting on Co-operative principles, we partner with communities to achieve sustainable economic and social development – and is at the heart of all strategic activities the organization undertakes. Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do! We recognize the immense value that different experiences and perspectives bring to our organization.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Gender Officer will support the implementation of gender equality initiatives within the Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture Malawi (IAAM) Project. Working closely with the Gender Specialist, the Gender Officer is responsible for promoting gender equality and ensuring the inclusion of gender considerations are effectively integrated into project activities at the field level. This includes conducting gender-based assessments, facilitating capacity-building sessions, and engaging with local communities and stakeholders to implement gender-sensitive approaches, monitor gender impacts and address gender related challenges. The Gender Officer will also assist in monitoring and reporting on gender-related outcomes and contribute to the overall gender strategy of the project..

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Field Implementation and Support (50%)

Assist in the implementation of the project’s Gender Equality Strategy (GES) at the field level, ensuring that gender considerations are integrated into all project activities.
Conduct gender-based assessments and participate in the development of tools and strategies to promote gender equality.
Provide technical support and guidance to project teams on gender issues.
Work closely with local communities to promote the participation and decision-making of women and girls in project activities.
Support the implementation of specific gender-transformational approaches, such as community mobilization and Social Behaviour Change Communication initiatives.
Collaborate with field staff and partners to ensure equitable access to project resources for women and girls.
Assist in the development and distribution of gender-sensitive data collection tools and reporting mechanisms.
Contribute to the preparation of monitoring reports and provide input on the gender aspects of quarterly and annual project reports.

Training and Capacity Building (25%)

Identify training needs related to gender equality and women’s empowerment, supporting the development and delivery of capacity-building sessions for project staff, stakeholders, community members and partners.
Assist in developing, preparing and disseminating gender-focused training materials, toolkits, and manuals.
Facilitate workshops and training sessions aimed at changing the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of project participants regarding gender equality.

Community Engagement and Advocacy (15%)

Engage with local communities to understand gender dynamics and barriers to women’s participation in agriculture and aquaculture.
Raise awareness about gender equality and promote the active involvement of women and girls in project activities.
Facilitate community discussions and support initiatives that promote gender equality and women’s leadership.
Support the Gender Specialist in building partnerships with local women’s organizations, NGOs, and other stakeholders to strengthen gender equality efforts.
Contribute to advocacy initiatives that promote gender equity at the local level, including participation in community discussions and events.
Ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all project participants.

Monitoring and Reporting (10%)

Develop gender-sensitive indicators and collect data to assess the impact of project activities on different genders.
Support the collection and analysis of gender-sensitive data and contribute to the project’s monitoring and evaluation processes.
Assist in preparing reports that capture the impact of gender-related interventions within the project and provide recommendations for improvement.
Contribute to the documentation of case studies, success stories, and lessons learned related to gender equality.

QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor’s Degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Community Development, Development studies or a related field, or equivalent field experience. A Master’s degree is an asset.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience on gender issues in development projects, preferably in agriculture or aquaculture.
- Experience in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiatives.
- Experience in gender-related work within community-based organizations, NGOs, or similar settings.
- Experience in implementing gender-sensitive programs and activities.
- Fluent in written and oral English; knowledge of local languages is an advantage.
- Familiarity with the social, cultural, and gender dynamics of Malawi.

COMPETENCY & SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

In-depth expertise in gender dynamics, with proven experience in designing and implementing gender-sensitive strategies and approaches.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Basic understanding of gender equality issues and their application within community-based development projects.
Experience working with and engaging local communities, particularly with women’s groups and other marginalized populations.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work with and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and time management skills.
Cultural sensitivity and the ability to use culturally appropriate approaches in interactions with project participants and partners.
Basic knowledge of data collection and reporting processes.

TO APPLY

We require all applications, including cover letters and resumes, to be submitted through CDF Canada's web portal.

https://cdfcanada-coop.hiringplatform.ca/processes/190838-gender-officer-lilongwe-office?locale=en

Application Deadline: Monday, October 7, 2024 4:00 p.m. CAT

Applicants must be Malawi Citizens or have legal authorization to work in Lilongwe, Malawi. Please note that we are unable to provide visa assistance or offer relocation support for this position.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, and unsolicited communication will not be accepted.

CDF Canada is committed to diversity and is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, or age.

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