Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Specialist
ICIMOD is actively seeking a Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) Specialist who embodies resourcefulness, results-driven commitment, and a strong motivation to make a positive impact. This senior-level position offers a compelling opportunity for individuals dedicated to driving transformative changes in the lives of individuals, particularly marginalized groups. As ICIMOD enters the implementation phase of its Strategy 2030, you will assume a pivotal role in advising and ensuring the full integration of gender equality and social inclusion across the portfolio of Strategic Group 1: Reducing Climate and Environment Risks. https://www.icimod.org/icimods-medium-term-action-plan-v-2023-2026/
The GESI Specialist will be instrumental in supporting the endeavors of Strategic Group 1, with a focus on Reducing Climate and Environmental Risks. SG1 encompasses two Action Areas: A-Managing Cryosphere and Water Risks and B-Stimulating Actions for Clean Air. The GESI Specialist will closely collaborate with the Strategic Group Lead, Action Area Coordinators, Intervention Managers, and ICIMOD’s GESI Lead. They will also engage with other relevant ICIMOD strategic Groups and Action Areas to ensure the effective integration of gender and social inclusion considerations across various activities and initiatives.
Responsibilities
The GESI Specialist is responsible for delivering results in line with the commitments laid out in our Strategy 2030: Moving Mountains and our Medium-Term Action Plan V (2023-2026): Embracing Change and Accelerating Impact. Specific duties include:
- Incorporation of GESI Considerations within Strategic Group on Climate and Environment Risks and its Action Areas:
- Provide high-quality technical guidance on GESI for all plans and activities within both Action Areas of Strategic Group 1, ensuring that 2023 GESI targets are met.
- Offer specific guidance and insights on GESI aspects of climate and environmental risks related to cryosphere, disaster risk reduction, water management, and air quality management.
- Facilitate the comprehensive integration and representation of GESI aspects within SG1 and its Action Areas and interventions. This involves establishing suitable mechanisms to ensure GESI-responsive approaches and outcomes.
- Contribute directly to GESI-related matters in specific interventions and activities.
- Support the development of GESI delivery strategies, research methodologies, data analysis, and reporting on GESI-related issues.
- Capacity Development:
- Identify capacity requirements for staff and partners within Strategic Group 1 and support GESI training initiatives.
- Develop and conduct training programs, workshops, and resources to enhance the capacity of project staff and partners in comprehending and mainstreaming GESI concepts.
- Provide guidance to project teams on collecting sex-disaggregated data and conducting gender and social analysis.
- Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Collaborate with the Strategic Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (SPMEL) Unit to design gender-responsive indicators and monitoring tools for work within Strategic Group 1, assessing the impact of interventions on gender and social inclusion outcome targets.
- Assist in conducting regular reviews and assessments to track progress towards GESI-related targets within both Action Areas.
- Strategic Partnership and Collaboration:
- Support the identification of strategic partnerships at both the national and regional levels to advance GESI objectives in the areas of water, cryosphere, and air pollution risks in the context of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH).
- Engage with relevant partners and stakeholders, including community members, local organizations, and government agencies, to ensure their meaningful participation in delivering the 2026 targets within respective interventions.
- Communication, Engagement, and Outreach:
- Assist in preparing comprehensive reports and documentation on GESI-related activities, outcomes, and lessons.
- Contribute to the preparation of donor reports, project proposals, and communication materials by providing inputs related to GESI.
- Document existing knowledge, best practices, and data relevant to GESI while identifying areas where knowledge gaps exist.
- Utilize innovative communication methods to ensure the achievement of results targets.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- A Ph.D. degree in social sciences or a related field (e.g., gender and women’s studies, sociology, anthropology, development studies, geography, and environmental studies) with three years of relevant experience. A master’s degree in gender studies, social sciences, or a related field with five years of experience in research and development will be accepted in lieu of the Ph.D. degree.
- Strong experience in applying GESI concepts, analysis, and approaches in development programs, particularly in the fields of climate change, air pollution, disaster risk reduction, river basin management, and water governance, and experience in qualitative and quantitative GESI research methods and the development and implementation of gender analysis and conceptual research frameworks.
- Strong understanding of gender-responsive methodologies and approaches and conducting gender and social analysis that delivers meaningful outcomes and impacts.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary and diverse teams and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Experience working with various communities in South Asia or the HKH region.
- Motivated and able to travel to remote areas of the HKH mountain region as required.
Preferred
- Demonstrated expertise in interdisciplinary approaches, with hands-on experience at both field and policy levels, and a deep understanding of mountain development and GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) issues within the Hindu Kush Himalayan region.
- Authored publications or managed large-scale communications on GESI and development issues in climate change, environment, water, disaster risk reduction, and air pollution.
Reporting and Supervising
The GESI Specialist will report to the Strategic Group 1 Lead while primarily contributing to the work and activities of the two Action Areas within Strategic Group 1. The GESI Specialist will receive guidance from the GESI Lead, particularly regarding institutional GESI work and compliance with GESI standards at ICIMOD. The specialist will collaborate with various other teams, including other Strategic Groups, Action Areas, and units as relevant.
Location
This role will be based at ICIMOD’s headquarters in Kathmandu, Nepal, providing a cross-cultural, impact-oriented work environment. Frequent travel within the HKH region will be a requirement.
Kathmandu offers a vibrant and exciting living environment, featuring friendly locals, affordable living costs, a variety of delicious local and international cuisines, good local and international schools, and a low crime rate. Nepal also offers fantastic trekking trails, white-water rafting, safaris, and a rich cultural scene.
Duration
The initial contract is for three years, with a probationary period of six months. The possibility of extension is subject to performance and ICIMOD’s future funding levels.
Remuneration
This is an international position at ICIMOD. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. ICIMOD offers competitive salaries and benefits compared to other international organizations. The comprehensive benefits package includes a provident fund, health insurance, severance pay, children’s education grant, and paid leave (30 holidays and 10 public holidays per year). For expatriates, there is a tax exemption in Nepal, and they are responsible for their home country’s tax payments. Expatriate staff are entitled to a housing allowance, an annual home leave ticket, shipment of personal effects, and an installation and removal allowance.
ICIMOD’s Core Values
ICIMOD’s core values include integrity, neutrality, relevance, inclusiveness, openness, and ambition. These values are foundational to ICIMOD’s work and behavior.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Safeguarding
ICIMOD is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in its human resource selection process. The organization provides equal opportunities to applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, including but not limited to gender, age, national origin, religion, race, caste, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or social status. ICIMOD strongly encourages applications from all eligible applicants, especially women, from all parts of the HKH region.
ICIMOD is dedicated to establishing a safe and nurturing work environment where all employees can participate fully and meaningfully without fear of violence, harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. The organization does not condone or tolerate any form of abuse or harassment, including sexual misconduct, by its staff, representatives, or stakeholders.
Background to ICIMOD
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal, is the leading institute for the study of the HKH. As an intergovernmental knowledge and development organization with a focus on climate and environmental risks, green economies, and sustainable collective action, ICIMOD has worked in its eight regional member countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan – since its foundation.
As ICIMOD celebrates its 40th year, it is well-positioned to support the transformative action required for the HKH to address the escalating effects of climate change, pollution, water insecurity, increased disaster risk, biodiversity loss, and widespread socioeconomic changes. ICIMOD aims to raise its ambition to support transformative action through 2030.
Method of Application
Applicants are requested to apply online before October 27, 2023 (11:59 PM Nepal Standard Time) through the ICIMOD Vacancy Application Portal.
To apply for this position, please visit apply.icimod.org.
