GEDSI Capacity Building Specialist

Job Description

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: GEDSI Capacity Building Specialist
Sector: GEDSI
Position Type : Full Time 
Duration/Level of Effort :  Short Term Consultant (20 October – 20 December 2025)
Position Location : Remote, with focus on DRC, Mozambique, and Zambia 

1. Background 
The Facilitating Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Trade (FIRST) Project is a five-year initiative (2024-2029) funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by Cowater International. The project supports the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and regional trade agreements through a gender-responsive, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable approach. A key objective of FIRST is to strengthen the participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in small-scale cross-border trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozambique and Zambia. Achieving this requires evidence-based policymaking supported by research institutions that can generate and apply gender-and inclusion-sensitive trade data.  

To this end, FIRST seeks an experienced consultant to assess institutional Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) capacity and develop tailored GEDSI Capacity-Building Plans for selected research institutions in each target country. 

2. Objective of the Assignment 
To design and deliver practical, context-specific GEDSI Capacity-Building Plans that enable national research institutions to integrate GEDSI considerations into trade policy research, data collection, analysis, and reporting. 

3. Scope of Work
Working in close collaboration with FIRST field teams in the DRC, Mozambique, and Zambia, the consultant will: 
3.1 Conduct Institutional GEDSI Capacity Assessments
Assess the current capacity of three partner research institutions (one per country) to mainstream GEDSI considerations in research, data collection and training materials. 

3.2 Undertake GEDSI Capacity Needs Analysis
Identify institutional gaps, strengths, and priority needs through structured assessments and consultations with: 

• Institutional leadership and management teams 
• Gender focal points and inclusion officers 
• Academic and technical staff engaged in trade-related research 
• Relevant government ministries and agencies 
• Civil society and advocacy organizations working on gender, disability, and inclusion 
• Private sector and trader associations 

3.3 Develop Tailored GEDSI Capacity-Building Plans 
Design institution-specific plans with actionable measures, implementation timelines, and monitoring frameworks to ensure ownership and sustainability. 

4. Deliverables and Timeline
The assignment will be conducted remotely between 20 October-20 December 2025. Deliverables are structured as follows: 

Phase 1: Inception

• Inception Report DRC, Mozambique, and Zambia. A consolidated methodology, detailed work plan, and refined timeline. 

Phase 2: GEDSI Capacity Needs Assessments

• Capacity Needs Analysis Reports for DRC, Mozambique, and Zambia. Each report will provide a structured assessment of institutional gaps, strengths, and priority needs. The analysis will be informed by comprehensive evaluations and in-depth stakeholder consultations, ensuring that findings capture both the technical and contextual dimension of GEDSI capacity. 

Phase 3: Tailored GEDSI Capacity-Building Plans

• GEDSI-specific Capacity-Building Plans for DRC, Mozambique, and Zambia. Each plan will outline actionable recommendations, an implementation roadmap and a monitoring framework to track progress and ensure sustainability. 

5. Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in communications, documentation, knowledge management, or institutional development, with demonstrated expertise in GEDSI capacity-building and training. 
• Proven experience in conducting institutional assessments and designing tailored capacity-building plans, including implementation roadmaps and monitoring frameworks. 
• Substantive knowledge of trade and development policy in African contexts, with the ability to link GEDSI priorities to trade policy research, data collection, and analysis. 
• Prior work experience in Mozambique, the DRC, and/or Zambia is an asset. 
• Demonstrated facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, including consultations with government institutions, research organizations, civil society and private sector actors. 
• Strong writing and analytical abilities, with the capacity to translate technical inputs into clear, actionable, and context-appropriate outputs. 
• Bilingual fluency in English and French, or English and Portuguese (written and spoken) is essential. 
• Familiarity with the AfCFTA, regional governance frameworks, or inclusive trade initiatives is an asset. 

APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply by October 6, 2025.

Please send your CV, financial proposal and Cover letter to the Team Leader (nadira.bayat@first-trade.ca) and to the Project Manager (patrick.peixe@cowater.com)

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.