Expert to Develop Training Materials for GEDSI Mainstreaming in Trade Policy

Job Description

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Expert to Develop Training Materials for GEDSI Mainstreaming in Trade Policy
Sector: GEDSI
Duration/Level of Effort :  Short Term (24 November 2025-15 February 2026)
Position Location : Remote, with focus on DRC, Mozambique, and Zambia

1. Background

The Facilitating Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable Trade (FIRST) Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Cowater International, supports the Governments of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozambique, and Zambia strengthen the policy and institutional foundations for trade that is gender-responsive and inclusive. 
Trade is a key driver of economic transformation, job creation, and poverty reduction. However, without deliberate inclusion measures, trade policies can reinforce existing inequalities and exclude women, youth, and persons with disabilities from the benefits of regional and global markets. 

To address these disparities, the FIRST Project aims to strengthen institutional and policymaking capacity to mainstream Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in trade policy formulation, implementation, and monitoring. 
The development of GEDSI training materials will provide policymakers with clear guidance, tools, and templates to apply inclusion principles directly to trade policies and related processes—ensuring that women, youth, and persons with disabilities benefit in equal measure from economic opportunities generated through trade. 

2. Objective

To develop a user-friendly, step-by-step Guide to GEDSI Mainstreaming in Trade Policy, consisting of four concise modules supported by practical tools, exercises, PowerPoint presentations, and quizzes.  

The Guide will be designed for policymakers and trade-related institutions and will be applicable to national, regional, and continental trade policy frameworks, including in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 

3. Scope of Work

Under the direction of the FIRST Project Team Leader, the consultant will:  

1. Design four step-by-step training modules on GEDSI mainstreaming in trade policy, each featuring clear learning objectives, concise guidance, practical tools and templates, illustrative case studies and country examples (DRC, Mozambique, Zambia), and interactive exercises with short quizzes.
2. Develop accompanying PowerPoint presentations for each module, using clear, accessible, and action-oriented language suitable for policymakers in the DRC, Mozambique and Zambia.

• Prepare participant handouts and facilitator guides, including structured discussion prompts, timing guidance, and group activity instructions to support effective delivery and learning outcomes.

1. Conduct a review and validation process with the FIRST Project team and national stakeholders to ensure technical accuracy, contextual relevance, and alignment with project objectives.
2. Finalize and submit the complete training package, incorporating feedback and ensuring that materials are ready for implementation and adaptation across the DRC, Mozambique and Zambia.

4. Training Modules

Module 1: Understanding GEDSI in Trade Policy

• Introduce the core concepts of GEDSI and establish a shared understanding of why inclusion is essential to effective trade policy and competitiveness.

Module 2: Conducting a GEDSI Trade Policy Analysis

• Equip policymakers with a practical, step-by-step framework for applying gender and inclusion analysis to trade policy, strategies, and institutional reforms.

Module 3: From Analysis to Action: Integrating GEDSI in Policy and Implementation

• Translate the findings of GEDSI analysis into concrete policy reforms, institutional arrangements, and inclusive implementation plans.

Module 4: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) for GEDSI in Trade

• Strengthen the capacity of policymakers in the DRC, Mozambique and Zambia measure, report, and learn from progress on GEDSI integration using results-based monitoring and learning tools.

Each module will feature practical examples, country-based case studies, interactive exercises, and self-assessment quizzes designed to reinforce learning and enable participants to apply GEDSI principles in trade policy design, implementation, and monitoring. 

5. Deliverables

• Four training modules with practical exercises, country-based case studies, interactive exercises, and self-assessment quizzes.
• Four PowerPoint slide decks and participant handouts aligned with the training modules.

6. Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, gender studies, or a related field is required.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in gender-responsive trade policy, trade and development research, or gender mainstreaming in economic policy.
• Proven track record in designing and delivering training materials or capacity-building programmes for policymakers, preferably in the context of trade and gender policy.
• In-depth understanding of regional and continental trade frameworks, including the AfCFTA, and their implications for inclusive and sustainable development.
• Familiarity with disability inclusion frameworks, youth economic empowerment, and intersectional approaches to inclusive policy design.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, with fluency in English.
• French and/or Portuguese (both written and spoken) an asset.
• Prior work experience in Mozambique, the DRC, and/or Zambia is an asset.

APPLICATION PROCESS  

Candidates are encouraged to apply by Sunday, October 26, 2025. 
For your application to be considered, please send in one PDF a: 

• CV
• Cover Letter
• Brief Methodology (maximum two pages) describing how you will deliver the assignment
• Financial Proposal

For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.

We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

About the Organization

ABOUT US
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2017.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.