Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Officer(Maternity Cover)

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.

In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.

Now, and for the future.

Mercy Corps has been operating in Ethiopia since 2004. In partnership with civil society organizations, academic institutions, private sector, and the government, Mercy Corps Ethiopia has reached more than five million Ethiopians with interventions to save lives and build secure livelihoods. Our programs emphasize market-driven solutions, reinforce social bonds, and help communities build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Currently in six regional states – Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, and South Nations, Nationalities and People's Region (SNNPR), and in Dire Dawa Administration and the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa – Mercy Corps Ethiopia is driven by the mission to contribute to the emergence of a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Ethiopia which is inclusive of youth and women. Our strategic directions focus on promoting inclusive and dynamic markets; promoting peace and social cohesion through strengthening formal/informal governance structures and citizen engagement; improved natural resource governance; and integrated humanitarian response.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps in partnership with WFP is implementing a comprehensive Climate-Proofing Food Security in Ethiopia's Drought Prone Lowland Areas in Dollo Ado and Dollo Bay woreda. This ambitious program is designed to revitalize the local food systems, ensuring that they are robust, sustainable, and capable of supporting the nutritional and economic needs of both refugee and host community populations. By integrating a variety of support mechanisms—ranging from agricultural enhancement to financial inclusion, market connectivity, and livelihood augmentation—the intervention is meticulously crafted to foster resilience and improve nutritional outcomes. The initiative is not a one-size-fits-all solution; rather, it is a carefully orchestrated series of actions, each one building upon the other, to address the unique challenges and leverage the strengths of the households it serves. For instance, agricultural beneficiaries will not only receive support but will also be encouraged to form cooperatives, engage in savings and loan associations, and tap into microfinance opportunities, thereby weaving a strong fabric of communal support and financial empowerment.

The project's vision extends beyond immediate aid, setting its sights on long-term development and self-reliance. Recognizing the untapped potential of agriculture in the region, hindered by water scarcity and inadequate infrastructure, the intervention aims to transform these challenges into opportunities. By providing access to irrigated land and modernizing agricultural practices through the introduction of solar pumps and regenerative techniques, the project aspires to unlock the full potential of local agriculture. This holistic approach includes not only the provision of quality seeds and inputs but also the cultivation of knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable farming practices. Training in climate-smart agriculture and business acumen is a cornerstone of this strategy, equipping households with the tools to thrive independently and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

General Position Summary

The GESI Officer will be based in Dollo Ado & Dollo Bay woredas and works under the direction and guidance of the GESI Advisor and Project Manager. The GESI Officer will be responsible for the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the GESI integrations to Enabling Food Systems Transformation and IFTIIN program activities at the community level.

He/she bridges the link between the project field team and the communities and local government representatives and engages in community/institutional capacity building activities.

In collaboration with local level government stakeholders and community members, the GESI Officer is responsible for the day-to-day planning and implementation of Gender activities at the community level.

Location: Dollo Ado

Position Status: Temporary-Four Months (Maternity Cover)

Salary Level: as per organization scale

Current Team Member (s): No

Safeguarding Risk level: Low

Essential Job Functions

1. Provide follow-up, conducting meetings and Gender group dialogues with Business groups and the gender mixed groups in the project intervention area.
2. Implement and coordinate field level activities with other program teams to ensure quality and timely delivery of planned activities.
3. Provide support for Gender Equality activities.
4. Build the capacity of woreda government staff, civil society, and key influential figures to facilitate intra and inter-community dialogues related to the program's objectives.
5. Develop Activity ToR to ensure that GEDSI principles and gender transformative ideas are integrated and implemented across GEDSI in the project.
6. Ensure all project activities are delivered at the highest standards possible.
7. Ensure effective and timely monitoring, documenting, and reporting on all GEDSI project activities as per the policies and practices of Mercy Corps, the donor, and the government.

Program Implementation

1. Build the capacity of regional and sub-regional government staff, civil society, and key influential figures to facilitate inter and intra-community dialogues, gender and GBV issues linked to peace building work through the training of local peace committees, traditional leaders, female peace agents, and woreda-level government officials.
2. Ensure the delivery of timely and accurate progress reports for information and decision-making purposes to the country office management team, donors, stakeholders, and local governments. Facilitate the development of a research and learning agenda linked to gender, peace, and conflict.
3. Lead effective coordination, collaboration, and integration among all program and operational support teams and gender groups.
4. Liaise with local government officials, local NGOs and civil society organizations, local religious leaders, and other notables to ensure support for and acceptance of Mercy Corps programs.
5. Attend local coordination meetings as assigned.
6. Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

STRATEGY & VISION

1. Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
2. Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives and contribute to countrywide strategy development.
3. Develop and organize activities to secure resources for programs and convince stakeholders to provide support.

SECURITY

1. Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
2. Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING

1. As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO BENEFICIARIES

1. Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
2. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps' policies, procedures, and values always and in all in-country venues.

Accountability
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: The GEDSI Advisor

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: The Project implementation team.

Knowledge And Experience

1. BA in sociology, Gender Study, Development studies, and Social Science.
2. Three years of work experience in Gender, Protection, and GBV with similar organizations. Prior experience working with pastoralist communities in Ethiopia, especially in the Somali region.
3. Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills.
4. Ability to work comfortably, effectively and creatively in areas of variable security.
5. Multi-tasking, organization, and prioritization skills.

Success Factors

1. Fluent in English and Somali languages (capable in all required basic skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing).
2. Business-minded, entrepreneurial, adaptive, curious, great problem-solving skills, unafraid to ask questions, and results motivated.
3. He/She will be a tolerant and flexible individual able to work in difficult and stressful environments and follow procedures.
4. Computer literate, especially in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world's most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening, and evolving to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status, or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants, or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

All qualified individuals are invited to apply for the advertised position. All applications, including a CV, three references, and all applicable official papers, must be sent electronically.

Only candidates that are short-listed will be acknowledged and called for interviews.

"Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity, and diversity. Qualified female and young candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to empowering women and youth."

DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: 18 January, 2024
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