Governance, Gender & Inclusion Technical Facilitator
Job Description
Job Description
Governance, Gender & Inclusion Technical Facilitator
What is GERES?
Founded in 1976, Geres is an international development NGO working to improve living conditions and fight against climate change and its impacts. As a grassroots actor, Geres sees the energy transition as a key driver of its work. To foster ambitious societal change, the organization promotes the development and dissemination of innovative local solutions, supports local climate and energy policies, and mobilizes all stakeholders around the concept of climate solidarity—encouraging them to take action and support the most vulnerable.
For more information: https://www.geres.eu/en/
CONTEXT and projects OF GERES IN Sierra Leone
In West Africa, Geres implements projects in Benin, Togo, Mali, Senegal and more recently in Sierra Leone. Teams are also deployed on an ad hoc basis to other countries in the sub-region on consultancy assignments. Sierra Leone is a new country of intervention for Geres (starting in April 2025).
The opening project will:
- Ensure an energy sizing is aligned with the productive uses connected to the grid, and, where necessary, support additional investments in energy production equipment (generators, solar panels…);
- Propose innovative financing mechanisms to facilitate entrepreneurs ’investment in productive equipment (mills, dehullers, efficient refrigerators…);
- Strengthen local mini-grid developers’ understanding of the challenges related to electrifying productive energy users, building on Geres’ experience from EBA projects and its technical assistance to private Mini Grid Operators;
- Empower productive energy users through a comprehensive entrepreneurship support and capacity-building program.
Ad term Geres team in Sierra Leone will consist of around 20 people for the implementation of the first project. The national representation is based in Freetown, although most of the activities will be developed in rural areas of the country.
Mission and objectives of the position
The Governance, Gender & Inclusion Technical Facilitator (GGI-TF) reports directly to the Deputy Governance, Gender & Inclusion Manager (DM-GGI). He/she ensures the implementation on the field of the activities of his/her thematic.
- He/She works closely with other Thematic teams, the MEAL Officer, all the Support team and the Field teams in Sierra Leone;
- He/She is the field focal point for his/her theme.
- Ensure all field activities contribute to gender-transformative outcomes
- Consistently apply safeguarding principles and ethical engagement at all times
LOCATION
The Governance, Gender & Inclusion Technical Facilitator (GGI-TF) is based at the Geres office in Freetown. He/She will be required to travel regularly (70% to 90%, depend of the period / season) in the project areas, particularly in the branch offices (SL rural Districts), and in any new intervention zones developed as part of future projects (mainly in the same regions).
HIERARCHICAL AND FUNCTIONAL LINKS
- Hierarchical link up: the Deputy Governance, Gender & Inclusion Manager (DM-GGI) and, in his/her absence, the Project Manager.
- Hierarchical link down: none at the start in the position, but for temporary mission or for others projects, some field positions could be added (Field Facilitator, Technician, Surveyor…).
- Functional link: Project Managers, all DM (thematic & support), other TF thematic, MEAL Officer…
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES
1/ Pilot and carry out governance, gender & inclusion (GGI) activities in the field:
- Support local actors (local authorities, final beneficiaries) in identifying and implementing a governance model adapted to their projects and objectives;
- Support local authorities to improve the participation of each social group in their local governance;
- Accompany the municipalities in identifying stakeholders to be involved in the governance bodies of committees and groups related to their projects and objectives;
- Accompany the members of governance bodies in defining and adopting their mission;
- Facilitate inter-actor relations in the territories of the Geres projects, especially with the operators of Mini Grid, women, youth and other social organizations, etc.
- Participate in the definition of the support strategy for territorial actors on governance, women & youth representativity and participation;
- Actively participate in the establishment and functioning of EBA (https://www.geres.eu/en/news/project-news/inauguration-green-business-area-mali/) governance bodies;
- Strengthen the members of local EBA monitoring committees on understanding their role and responsibilities;
- Set up monitoring and management tools adapted to the governance of EBA;
- Accompany EBA managers in mastering and using management and governance tools;
- Support the proper functioning of the local monitoring committee (CMS) and ensure the adoption of good practices;
- Provide technical support for the activities of very small businesses in close collaboration with the partners involved and the team formed;
- The establishment of Geres on its intervention areas, will lead you to frequent meetings of information and exchanges with local authorities, financial institutions, equipment suppliers, etc.
- Support the development of women’s leadership and agency through activities/engagements within community structures.
2/ Contribute to the GGI theme & activities:
- Contribute to define activities related to the governance, gender & inclusion by establishment and functioning of governance bodies, technical skills strategies, governance management (especially for women & youth) and establish or propose the planning with the DM-GGI;
- Strengthen the capacities of the agents (intern & extern) involved in governance, gender & inclusion;
- As transversal theme, GGI-TF have to contribute, support and integrate thematic approaches in the others themes and activities developed by Geres in Sierra Leone;
- Implement a mapping of gender & inclusion initiatives and support structures (public and private);
- Accompany the Mini Grid operators and other Geres’ partners to integrate GGI approaches in their activities;
- Contribute to the adaptation and improvement of GGI tools and approaches based on field realities, lessons learned and community feedback;
- Support capacity building of partners, stakeholders, community structures on practical integration of governance, gender and inclusion principles;
- Demonstrate and promote inclusive, respectful and accountable behavior in compliance with Geres’ gender policy
3/ Contribute to Geres activities & objectives:
- Support communities and social groups in organizing workshops aimed at developing/updating/influencing good governance issues (especially for women & youth) in their territories;
- Contribute to the MEAL Officer data management and support him/her for the data collection;
- Contribute to knowledge management and the capitalization of project achievements;
- Support in drafting reports, terms of reference and other important documents;
- Support the implementation and monitoring of the Gender & Inclusion Action Plan of Geres Sierra Leone;
- The post holder may also perform any other tasks related to his/her skills as assigned by their Manager.
- Timely identification, documentation and reporting GGI related risks, challenges and mitigation strategies to the line manager
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Training/Expertise, Skills & Competencies:
- Diploma/Bachelor’s degree and/or significant professional experience in a field related to human sciences, especially in governance (social sciences, public policy, law…), gender & inclusion;
- Ability to work in partnership with local authorities and build consensus;
- Experience on the theme required (minimum 2 years);
- Further training and/or experience on gender and inclusion be an asset;
- Proficiency in office software/ Very good level of English and mastery of local languages;
- Interest in rural economic development, renewable energy, climate change and sustainable development;
- Field experience in relationships and the implementation of territorial approaches (communities, institutions, social groups, etc.), gender-based approaches, etc.
- Ability to convince and work in partnership, autonomy, honesty, diplomacy, rigor, ability to work within a multicultural team.
- Ability to work effectively with informal rural women-led groups in communities
Non-priority skills that would be highly valued:
- Knowledges in gender issues and women’s economic empowerment in West Africa, particularly in rural areas;
- Knowledge of the dynamics of the social and solidarity entrepreneurship sector;
- Knowledges in renewable energy sector;
- Ability to lead inclusive change management workshops with teams and organizations.
CONDITIONS AND APPLICATION
- Status: Sierra Leonean fixed-term contract;
- Remuneration: Category D1 or D2 on internal Geres Sierra Leone salary grid, depending on profile;
- Contract duration: 12 months (renewable subject to satisfactory results);
- Desired starting date: 5th of January 2027 (or before if available).
APPLICATION DEADLINE (CLOSING DATE OF SUBMISSION)
On or before the 6th November 2026 at 23:59 GMT
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO APPLY
Geres has a General Security Policy (GSP) and security procedures specific to Sierra Leone. Geres also has an internal policy to against sexist behavior and sexual harassment. The incumbent will be briefed on these procedures on arrival at Geres.
