National Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist

The National Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist will lead the integration of gender equality and social inclusion across all components of the ADAPT Jamaica project. The role involves supporting inclusive project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting to empower vulnerable groups in climate-resilient agriculture initiatives in Jamaica.

Responsibilities

• Support project decision-making mechanisms and processes, ensuring gender and inclusion considerations are integrated into strategic planning and oversight.
• Contribute to the development and review of project methodologies and tools integrating GESI dimensions into vulnerability assessments and surveys.
• Lead the implementation of the project’s Gender Action Plan (GAP) across all components and activities, monitoring progress and adjusting activities as needed.
• Lead the implementation of gender analysis in the project’s target areas and analyze data to inform project strategies.
• Provide technical support on gender-responsive planning and budgeting, advising on resource allocation and ensuring financial plans reflect GESI priorities.
• Ensure policy alignment with FAO’s and GCF’s gender policies and Jamaica’s national gender equality and social protection frameworks.
• Design and deliver training sessions on gender sensitization, women’s empowerment, and prevention of GBV/SEAH for project staff, partners, and beneficiaries.
• Facilitate inclusive stakeholder engagement ensuring participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
• Coordinate with designated Gender Focal Points from relevant ministries and partner institutions for systematic gender integration.
• Promote gender-equitable participation and partnerships with local cooperatives, women’s associations, CBOs, NGOs, and government entities.
• Develop and implement tools for sex-disaggregated data collection and analysis within the project’s M&E system.
• Contribute to regular project reporting integrating gender and social inclusion aspects, documenting results and best practices.
• Support the implementation of the project’s Grievance Redress Mechanism with attention to gender-based violence and harassment issues.
• Identify gender-related risks affecting project success and propose mitigation strategies.
• Work with the Communications Specialist to develop communication materials promoting gender equality and social inclusion.
• Collaborate with other technical specialists to ensure GESI integration in their work streams.
• Perform any other project-related tasks as required.

Requirements

• University degree in social sciences, gender studies, development studies, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in development projects or programmes focusing on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and social inclusion.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.
• National of Jamaica.
• Excellent knowledge of gender equality and social inclusion concepts, and familiarity with tools for gender mainstreaming in agriculture/rural development projects.
• Proven ability to plan and facilitate participatory workshops, focus groups, and training sessions with diverse stakeholders (including women, youth, and vulnerable groups).
• Demonstrated capacity to coordinate with multiple stakeholders (communities, government, NGOs) and build effective partnerships for GESI outcomes.
• Experience working with FAO, other UN agencies, or similar international development organizations on gender mainstreaming and social inclusion is highly desirable.
• Experience working in Jamaica and/or the context of the Caribbean is a plus.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills in English, including ability to document best practices and lessons learned in a clear and concise manner.
• High level of interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and integrity, with the ability to act with discretion when handling sensitive information.

Skills

• Gender Equality
• Social Inclusion
• Gender Mainstreaming
• Workshop Facilitation
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Partnership Building
• Report Writing
• Project Planning
• Training Facilitation
• Monitoring and Reporting
• Women’s Empowerment
• Vulnerable Group Engagement
• Agriculture Development Projects
• Climate-Resilient Agriculture
• Development Project Management
• Communications Skills

Languages

English