Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Adviser

Job Description

Duration: Up to 50 days between 10 April 2020 to 30 June 2021.

ARF Group/Level: Up to Group B, Level 3

Location: Remote, and in-country visits as agreed with Team Leader and Program Manager.

Reports to: R4D2 Team Leader

The Project

The Roads for Development Phase 2 (R4D2) is an AUD12 million, three-year road development program funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to support the Public Works Department (PWD) in Vanuatu under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU).

Its long-term objective is that “People in Vanuatu benefit from a well-maintained, affordable and integrated road network.” Contributing to this long-term goal is the End of Program Outcome: “MIPU PWD manages the road network of Vanuatu more effectively and efficiently resulting in sustainable improved connectivity.”

Within the program there are three streams of support consisting of a set of activities and outputs – Road Network Operations (Stream A); Sector Finance and Road Network Management (Stream B), and Transformational Partnerships and Investments (Stream C). Each of these work streams are intended to deliver road works, decrease the funding gap in the road sub-sector, improve MIPU-PWD’s organization performance, and strengthen delivery of Australian aid in the country.

The program works nationally, based in Port Vila and supporting the six Divisional offices of PWD across Vanuatu. The program is managed by Adam Smith International (ASI) and reports to Australian High Commission (AHC) in Port Vila.

Assignment objective:

To support the R4D2 Team and PWD in managing the implementation of the R4D2 GESI Plan.

The GESI Plan responds to specific requests made by PWD leadership. In 2019 the GESI plan was formed, building on existing GESI-related momentum within PWD. The GESI Adviser will support both R4D2 and PWD Teams to implement the activities within, while monitoring progress against the GESI outcomes and End of Program Outputs.

The GESI Adviser will work with the R4D2 Team to adapt approach where necessary in response to emerging GESI-related opportunities. The Advisor will respond to AHC and PWD requests, and feed into the R4D2 regular and ad hoc reporting.

Tasks:

1. Support R4D2 Team in managing the implementation of the R4D2 GESI Plan and implementation of GESI-related interventions across the program;
2. Ensure provision of gender and social inclusion in the design and implementation of R4D2’s activities, including addressing gender gaps in all aspects of implementation;
3. Work with PWD-named counterpart(s) to oversee and support the implementation of the following activities:
   • Support the formal establishment of the Social and Environmental Safeguards Unit, empowering it to lead continuous improvements and integrate GESI into PWD operations
   • Develop and/or update the Social and Environmental Safeguards Unit procedures, documents and operational instruments for overall improvement and the integration of GESI
   • Support the recruitment of Community Partnerships Officers to be based in each province, and contribute to their resourcing, training and on-going mentoring
   • Support the integration of GESI into PWD project planning, selection, design, procurement, implementation, compliance monitoring, and evaluation procedures and documents
   • Identify and update specific contract and project types within which to mandate employment quotas, including non-payment for non-compliance
   • Provide GESI inputs and collaborate with MIPU, other ministries and agencies to the development of the National Infrastructure Social and Environmental Safeguards Framework
   • Recruit and train a majority women workforce to complete road condition reports
   • Identify and support the establishment of a mechanism(s) to facilitate the recruitment, professional development and advancement of women, young people and people with disability within PWD.
4. In-country consultations with AHC, the R4D2 Team, and key PWD counterparts to analyse the Vanuatu context and structures relevant to update the Gender and Social Inclusion Plan;
5. As part of the ongoing structural support to the PWD Social and Environmental Safeguards Unit, provide general guidance and support to PWD on advancing other social safeguards measures beyond GESI;
6. Ensure provision of support, mentoring, training and refresher training as required, on gender equity principles, Gender-Based Violence, and other GESI-related areas to R4D2 Team and PWD.

Deliverables:

• Flash Reports;
• Quarterly Reports;
• 2020 Annual Report; and
• 2021 Annual Working Plan.

Skills and experience required:

• Relevant degree qualifications or equivalent experience relating to gender, research and/or social development.
• At least 5 years’ relevant work experience in the Pacific or a similar developing country context.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering complex analysis and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience in the establishment of GESI plans and GESI program design.
• Understanding of the social, cultural, political and institutional factors affecting development in Vanuatu.
• Ability to work independently, while adhering to the requirements of the Terms of Reference.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.

The following skills/experience could be an advantage:

• Experience in Roads and Transport sectors
• Bislama language skills.
• Experience working on Australian Aid-funded projects.

How to apply

Interested applicants are requested to submit a CV and a short covering note with the subject “Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Adviser” to Rami.Alkhatib@adamsmithinternational.com. Unfortunately, due to high application volume, we won’t be able to respond to unsuccessful applicants. Applications close Tuesday 31st of March 2020.

About the Organization

ASI is committed to continually improve the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention and development of a diverse range of talented people. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.

# Happy to talk flexible working

Adam Smith International is a strategic development company that helps people prosper by making economies stronger, societies safer, and governments more effective. Our clients are governments, international organisations, companies, and foundations. They come to us to develop strategies and to design, deliver and evaluate programmes that, in turn, stimulate growth, stability and good governance.

Our core team of managers and technical experts, in offices around the world, ensures the quality of delivery and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. We bring together a global network of specialist experts, who contribute their experience and know-how, where and when it is needed.

ASI is owned and operated by its employees, and we are all dedicated to making a meaningful difference in complex, challenging situations. We are committed to corporate integrity and a triple bottom line of social, environmental and financial performance.