Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Officer

January 20, 2025

Job Overview

  • Date Posted
    January 20, 2025
  • Expiration date
    January 27, 2025
  • Experience
    2 Years
  • Qualification
    Bachelor Degree
  • Organization
    Goal
  • Required Languages
    English, Krio

Job Description

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INTERNAL & EXTERNAL 

GOAL has been present in Sierra Leone since 1999, with an overall aim to contribute to poverty and vulnerability reduction through  the implementation of integrated, multi-sectoral interventions, with a primary focus on improving Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal,  Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) specifically addressing teenage pregnancy. GOAL is also improving rural water supply, and  urban WASH focusing on faecal sludge management and promoting social inclusion, empowerment through systems-based  programme approaches and community-led social and behavioural change. The Urban WASH programme currently operated in solid  and liquid waste management as well as works to bring about systemic changes to the WASH services delivery in the Health care  Facilities in Five rural districts. GOAL SL has initiated its new blue economy program that is focused on food and nutrition security  and livelihood improvement. It currently implements varied artisanal fishery improvements projects in Western Rural and Urban as  well as Kambia Districts. Moreover, GOAL is in the process of implementing a new Central Business District regeneration project  with funding from FCC and a partnership that includes FCC. GOAL currently operates in Western Area Urban (Freetown) and Rural,  Kambia, Bombali, Kono, Moyamba and Kenema Districts, with funding GOAL SL has from Irish Aid ICSP, Charity: Water; FCDO,  JOA, and CFI. GOAL SL has consciously overlapped and overlayed varied thematic programmes in each of the geographic areas it  operates with the purpose of bringing last changing and impact in the communities and the systems

scription of GOAL’s Work in Sierra Leone  

GOAL has been pOn this note, GOAL Sierra Leone would like to invite well experienced and professional applicants for the undermentioned  position: 

Job Title:  Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Officer (GESI)
Country:  Sierra Leone
Location:  Freetown 
Contract Duration:  11 months with possible extension
Start Date:  01 February 2024
Reports to:  Safeguarding and SBCC Coordinator (GESI focal point GOAL SL)
Responsible for:  Working across projects in GOAL SL

 

Summary of Responsibilities: 

The GESI Officer is responsible for ensuring that GOAL Sierra Leone Programmes and projects address the differential needs and  capacities of women, men, boys and girls as well as tackling discrimination and addressing issues of social exclusion on the basis  of disability, age, HIV-status, or other such characteristics. The role is designed to support the Safeguarding & SBCC coordinator  (GESI focal Point for GOAL SL) in delivering the GOAL SL programme and project activities in ways that are at least gender-sensitive  and, ideally, gender transformative as well as promoting the inclusivity agenda. 

The GESI Officer will support technical program staff to integrate gender and inclusion of marginalized groups throughout project  implementation. The GESI Officer will work with the previously developed Gender and Inclusive Development Action plan. The GESI  officer will assists other staff members to assess where gender gaps exist, define the different risks and vulnerabilities of men,  women, and other vulnerable groups; and implement specific approaches and strategies to mitigate social discrimination in the  programmes and projects of GOAL SL.  

GOAL SL closely works with Global advisors based in HQ. The GESI officer will be supported technically by the global GESI Advisor  as well as other relevant advisors like the SBCC advisor. The selected candidate will work closely with the GOAL Sierra Leone Assistant WASH and CC Coordinator, FCC team, SLRA team, SLRSA team, Sierra Leone Police, and various other stakeholders to  implement the project objectives. 

Key Responsibilities:

 

  • Based on the strategic guidance and leadership from the S&SBCC Coordinator, Providing support to ensure that all project  activities consider gender and related power dynamics, and that the projects maximise opportunities to empower women and  other marginalized or socially excluded groups;  
  • Collaborate with monitoring, evaluation, and learning staff and program staff to ensure monitoring systems appropriately capture  GESI outcomes, monitor potential unintended consequences, and assist program staff and partners to take corrective action,  as needed; 
  • Ensure that GESI activities are planned and implemented in a gender sensitive and inclusive manner and that all implementing  partners are sensitized and trained in gender and social inclusion;  
  • Support the identification and selection of beneficiaries of the project, ensuring that the most vulnerable people, including socially, economically and politically excluded women are benefiting from the project activities;  
  • Support M&E and Learning Officer and other project staff in the development of monitoring and evaluation systems and tools  (including baseline and end line tools) to ensure that appropriate indicators that measure gender related dynamics, social  inclusion and women’s empowerment are used by staff and partners; 
  • Using relevant approaches like the rights based approach, ensure that all project beneficiaries receive key messages and  information on their rights, especially with relation to GOAL’s code of conduct, procedures and policies on gender based violence. 
  • The GESI officer will collaborate at all times with the M&E staff to ensure that all information captured is sex-disaggregated and  that monitoring is done taking gender differentials into account; 
  • Developing and nurturing excellent relations with key government and CSO stakeholders at district level in relation to promotion  of gender equality and social inclusion;  
  • Ensure the quality of activities aimed at supporting gender and social inclusion are executed in accordance with acceptable  quality standards;  
  • Document experience and impact in relation to gender equity, women’s empowerment and social inclusion with particular  attention to documenting lessons learnt, what works, what needs to improve and the evidence of change; 
  • Undertake capacity development activities in the area of GESI for project beneficiaries especially those involved in livelihood  actions /Micro entrepreneurs (MEs), associations and Business Service Providers; 
  • Promote sharing of knowledge and experience, and actively works towards continued personal learning and development; 
  • Participate in development of detailed project implementation plans and related budgets to ensure gender is taken into  consideration throughout the project life-cycle; 
  • Under the management of the Safeguarding and SBCC Coordinator, lead activities identified in Gender and Inclusive  Development Action 
  • Support staff to effectively integrate a gender equality and social inclusion framework within programme and project activities,  budgeting, communications, and M & E; 
  • Support other project staff, stakeholders, and partners to streamline GESI considerations in all project activities in collaboration  with Community Mobilization & SBCC officers and others; 
  • Contribute to gender integration into all training materials, public awareness, and outreach strategies, project communications,  and other key activities; 
  • Contribute to work plans, success stories, progress reports, research evaluation panels and reports, communications materials,  and event planning and facilitation; 

SAFEGUARDING  

  • Maintain a safe working environment for all staff/beneficiaries. 
  • Ensure risk mitigation measures are in place and adhered to. 
  • Ensure staff/beneficiaries fully understand Safeguarding reporting procedures.

 

  • Ensure Safeguarding measures are implemented within areas of responsibility. 
  • Ensure do-no-harm to children and vulnerable adults we meet. 
  • Follow-up, and address, Safeguarding issues appropriately. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education: 

  • The candidate must have at least a graduate qualification in a Gender Studies, Social work, anthropology or anyother relevant social science field.  

Experience: 

  • 0-2 years of experience in mainstreaming gender and social inclusion 
  • Experience in integrating GESI in the programme cycle 
  • An understanding of gender and social inclusion in the development discourse 
  • Ability to learn quickly and adapt 

Essential: 

  • A problem solving attitude: ability to define why, when and how things are to be done 
  • Good communication skills, including writing reports and presenting complex problems to a range of stakeholder groups. Excellent interpersonal skills. 
  • Excellent in working as a group. 
  • Capable of producing reliable and timely reports. 
  • Ability to work effectively under guidance 

Desirable: 

  • Fluency in written and spoken English. 
  • Fluency in Krio 
  • Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time efficiently. 
  • Ability to work independently. 
  • Strong motivation and organizational skills. 
  • Flexible with the ability to cope with stressful situations. 
  • Honest and transparent in all dealings. 
  • Ability to work as a team player. 

Other Requirements: 

  • Commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. 

General terms and conditions. 

GOAL has a Staff Code of Conduct and a Child Protection Policy, which have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of  programme participants and children from exploitation. GOAL also has a confidentiality policy ensuring the non-disclosure of any  information whatsoever relating to the practices and business of GOAL, acquired in the course of duty, to any other person or  organisation without authority, except in the normal execution of duty. Any candidate offered a job with GOAL will be expected to  adhere to these policies any job offers made are also subject to police clearance. GOAL is an equal opportunity employer.

 

Children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with GOAL as a result of our activities must be safeguarded to the maximum  possible extent from deliberate or inadvertent actions and failings that place them at risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, injury and any  other harm. One of the ways that GOAL shows this ongoing commitment to safeguarding is to include rigorous background and  reference checks in the selection process for all candidates. 

Safeguarding 

Children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with GOAL as a result of our activities must be safeguarded to the maximum  possible extent from deliberate or inadvertent actions and failings that place them at risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, injury and any  other harm. One of the ways that GOAL shows this on-going commitment to safeguarding is to include rigorous background and  reference checks in the selection process for all candidates.  

Accountability within GOAL 

Alongside our safeguarding policy, GOAL is an equal opportunities employer and has a set of integrity policies. Any candidate offered  a job with GOAL will be expected to adhere to the following key areas of accountability: 

  • Comply with GOAL’s policies and procedures with respect to safeguarding, code of conduct, health and safety,  confidentiality, do no harm principles and unacceptable behaviour protocols. 
  • Report any concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult or any wrongdoings within our programming area. Report any concerns about inappropriate behaviour of a GOAL staff or partner. 
HOW TO APPLY 

Interested candidates should apply with: 

An application letter clearly justifying how they meet the selection criteria. 

Recent Curriculum Vitae including names and full contact addresses of three (3) referees, one of  whom must be their current or most recent employer. 

Candidates must state the position of each referee and his/her relationship to the candidate.

A copy of a valid labour card must be attached to ALL applications (written or electronic) Police Clearance will be required from the successful candidate. 

 

If you have these skills and interested in joining our committed and dynamic Team, please send your cover letter and up-to-date  CV to jobs@sl.goal.ie. on or before 5:30 pm – 27th January, 2025 please note that a copy of the application letter must be sent  to the NGO Desk Officer, Ministry of Labour, New England or emailed to: employmentdesk71@gmail.com 

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview. 

GOAL provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, colour, religion,  sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability. 

“FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY”