Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Advisor (GESI) in Caritas Switzerland

Caritas Switzerland (CACH) is one of the leading Swiss NGOs in the field of poverty reduction in Switzerland and abroad. International Cooperation programmes focus on humanitarian aid, income generation, climate change and migration. Caritas Switzerland works through local implementing partners in the Ukraine Crisis Response, focusing on providing technical value-added specifically in livelihoods, protection, shelter, and WASH.

Project: REMARKET - Recovery and Empowerment through Market Access and Resilient Economic Transformation in Ukraine

Position: Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Advisor (GESI)

Location: Kyiv and project locations

Duration: 1 year (with a possibility of extension)

Reporting to: Project Manager, Caritas Switzerland

1. Background Information

The REMARKET Project seeks to address the economic and social challenges faced by IDPs, returnees, and host community members in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict. The project emphasizes market access, economic empowerment, and social cohesion to foster sustainable livelihoods. Gender and social inclusion considerations are crucial in ensuring that the project’s interventions are inclusive and equitable, promoting the empowerment of women and other vulnerable groups.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has disproportionately affected women and girls, exacerbating existing gender inequalities. Women, particularly those from vulnerable communities, face barriers to accessing resources, economic opportunities, and decision-making processes. The GESI Advisor will play a key role in ensuring that gender equality and social inclusion is integrated into all aspects of the project, ensuring that women and girls or other groups facing barriers benefit equally from project interventions. The challenges faced by men, particularly in wartime, shall also be considered. 

2. Objectives

The primary objective of the GESI Advisor is to ensure that gender and social inclusion considerations are mainstreamed throughout the REMARKET Project’s design, implementation, and evaluation phases. The advisor will focus on promoting gender equality and social inclusion, empowering women and other vulnerable groups, and addressing specific barriers in economic and social activities.

Specific Objectives:

• Develop a gender equality and social inclusion strategy with a practical action plan that aligns with the project's goals.
• Ensure the integration of gender and inclusion considerations into Outcome 1 (Entrepreneurship and MSME support) and Outcome 2 (TVET and skills training) activities.
• Build the capacity of project staff and local partners to implement gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of the project on gender equality and inclusion for vulnerable groups.

3. Scope of Work

The GESI Advisor will work across all project components to ensure that gender and social inclusion considerations are integrated into the design, implementation, and evaluation of activities. The scope of work includes:

• Strategic Planning: Develop a detailed gender and social inclusion action plan that addresses the specific needs of women, girls, and vulnerable groups in the context of Ukraine.

Gender Analysis: Conduct gender and inclusion analyses to identify specific barriers and opportunities in the project’s target areas.

Provide training and support to project staff and local partners on gender and inclusion mainstreaming.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Support the MEAL team to develop gender and inclusion-related indicators and contribute to the overall M&E framework of the project.

4. Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the gender and inclusion strategy for the project, ensuring it is evidence-based and aligned with international best practices.
• Work with partners to ensure that gender and inclusion considerations are integrated into all project activities, particularly in MSME support and vocational training.
• Provide training to project staff, partners, and local service providers on gender equality, inclusion, and women’s empowerment.
• Develop gender-related indicators and contribute to the project’s M&E framework. Monitor and report on the progress of gender-related activities.

5. Duration & Timeline

The Gender Advisor will be engaged for the full duration of the project, from January 2025 to December 2026 equivalent to 28 days, with a focus on the following key milestones:

• • Year 1 (14 days): Develop the gender strategy and begin capacity-building activities.
• • Year 2 (14 days): Monitor progress, provide ongoing support, and adjust activities based on feedback. Evaluate the project’s impact on gender equality, integrate lessons learned, and develop recommendations on sustainability and handover plans for gender-related interventions.

6. Reporting Requirements and Sustainability

The GESI Advisor will be required to provide regular reports to the Project Manager, including:

• A report detailing GESI related activities, challenges, progress, and any necessary adjustments to the strategy or interventions (Year 1).
• Present findings from gender-related activities and discuss any changes needed to improve effectiveness. Submit a comprehensive report summarizing the impact of GESI related interventions, highlighting key achievements and challenges, and providing recommendations for future projects (Year 2).

As the project nears completion, the GESI Advisor will be responsible for developing a sustainability plan. This plan will ensure that gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches are maintained beyond the project’s lifespan, and that local partners are equipped to continue promoting gender equality and social inclusion independently.

7. Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Advanced degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field from a recognized institution.

Experience:

• Local Expertise: Minimum of 7 years of experience in gender mainstreaming and women’s empowerment in Ukraine, particularly in conflict-affected settings.
• Gender Analysis: Proven experience in conducting gender analyses and developing gender-sensitive interventions in development or humanitarian projects.
• Capacity Building: Demonstrated experience in training and capacity building of local staff, NGOs, and community leaders in gender-sensitive approaches.

Skills:

• Languages: Fluency in Ukrainian is mandatory. Proficiency in English is also highly desirable.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with beneficiaries, local partners, and stakeholders in conflict-affected areas.
• Gender Sensitivity: Experience in working in high-stress, high-risk environments with a focus on gender-sensitive approaches.

Competencies:

• Leadership: Ability to lead gender-related initiatives within a multi-disciplinary team, providing strategic direction and oversight for gender-sensitive interventions.
• Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability in responding to the changing needs of conflict-affected populations in Ukraine, with a focus on continuous learning and improvement.
• Ethical Standards: Commitment to upholding high ethical standards in gender-related work, including respect for cultural differences and promoting inclusive approaches.

8. Additional Considerations

• Risk Management: The Gender Advisor will be responsible for identifying and mitigating risks related to gender-sensitive activities, including addressing cultural sensitivities, access to services in conflict zones, and ensuring confidentiality and trust-building with beneficiaries.
• Inclusion: The Gender Advisor will ensure that all gender-related interventions are inclusive, taking into account the specific needs of vulnerable groups.

 However, any questions related to this opportunity can be addressed to: [email protected]