Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada

Ethiopia - Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Advisor

3-6 months (In-country support)

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Overseas Volunteer Opportunity: Ethiopia

Volunteer Mandate Title: Gender Equality and Social Incusion Advisor

Location: Abaya Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Start Date: April 2026
Duration: 6 month or 3-month
Language Requirement: English (Mandatory);
Reporting to: Country Program Officer (CPO) – Ethiopia

The Project

The VOICE for Women and Girls project is a seven-year initiative (2020 – 2027) aimed at strengthening the performance of developing country partner (DCP) organizations to advance gender equality and economic empowerment of 50,000 women and men from marginalised communities, in particular young women (target: 60% women and girls), in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and Malawi with a focus on action areas of the Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), namely:

• Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls
• The growth that Works for Everyone

The Project responds to the needs identified by women and men of cooperatives and the entire members in the countries of operation and is designed to increase the capacities of individual producers and primary co-operatives to support more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth. Supporting institutions, including Parteners (EWNRA), Union and Coop supporting institutions to increase the capacity and prioritization of vulnerable groups.

Our Partner

Cooperative Development Foundation of Canada is working with Ethio Wetlands and Natural Resources Association (EWNRA), a leading local NGO in Ethiopia dedicated to sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and community development. EWNRA aims to be a vibrant and sustainable organization capable of providing quality leadership, technical expertise, and services to strengthen cooperatives and rural communities. The organization’s vision is to facilitate and coordinate initiatives that promote inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and economically resilient cooperatives in a competitive environment.

Assignment Purpose

The GESI Advisor will strengthen gender equality and social inclusion across all FY7 Ethiopia activities. The role focuses on updating the Gender Equality Strategy (GES), strengthening Gender Model Families (GMF), integrating gender into all volunteer mandates, and preparing partners for sustainable gender mainstreaming beyond project close.

Objectives

The main objective of this mandate is to ensure gender equality and inclusion are embedded in all FY7 planned activities, including cooperative strengthening, entrepreneurship, environmental initiatives, and value chain development. The volunteer will support catch-up on previous gender commitments and prepare a clear sustainability transition plan.

Deliverables

Conduct a context-based mini-survey to identify local gender biases and barriers

Update and refine the Gender Equality Strategy in alignment with national framework

Deliver gender sensitivity training to staff, volunteers, and cooperative leader

Facilitate a 2-day gender inclusion training for 100 women and 60 men

Support second round Gender Model Families (GMF) training and mentoring

Design and implement two innovative gender-climate initiatives targeting 70 women-led cooperative members

Implement two initiatives on climate change adaptation and financial literacy, reaching 105 beneficiaries (W65, M40), supported by GE/Financial Literacy and Environmental volunteers.

Awareness for 400 cooperatives members and non members (Community stakeholders) on GMF through innovative initiatives including cooperative level dialogue sessions, local radio, community and international events and information centers.

conduct one day training for 20 individuals from partner, stakeholders and Coop supporting institutions on National gender policy on women (year 1993).

Integrate gender components into all other volunteer session plan

Regular technical support, follow-up and data collection on GMF

Provide follow-up support followed by certification of graduated og GMF families.

Key Deliverables

▪ Gender Bias Assessment Report
▪ Updated Gender Equality Strategy
▪ Gender-responsive training manual
▪ GMF follow-up report
▪ Two implemented gender innovation initiatives
▪ Gender integration checklist tool
▪ Final gender exit and sustainability strategy

Qualifications

The successful applicant must possess the following skills, experiences, and personal characteristics: 

Degree or equivalent experience in gender theories, approached and practical experience in gender field activities

Experience and knowledge in gender strategy development, contemporary issues on gender in developing countries.

Knowledge and skills in collecting and analyzing data to update the gender strategy

Formal gender studies are a must.

Experience and knowledge of co-operatives. Proven experience in co-operative development in a developing country’s context will be an asset.

Excellent facilitation and interpersonal skills

Excellent capacity to analyze, develop recommendations and capture lessons learned

Ability to travel to and live in remote locations where services are minimal

Ability to work autonomously, be flexible and analytical

Knowledge in community participation methodologies.

Experience facilitating group learning/training sessions or focus groups.

Demonstrated ability and interest in communicating and interacting effectively with people of a different culture.

Must be able to work alone as well as with the credit union and coops

 Ability to transform complex concepts and information into plain language reports

 Demonstrated experience working internationally, including rural and remote contexts

Engaging Canadians

Volunteers are encouraged to share their experiences through human interest stories, photographs, social media outreach, and public engagement activities in Canada to promote international development awareness.

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