Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Manager - IFSLU Phase 2

Job Description

The Opportunity

Palladium is seeking a Gender, Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Manager for the anticipated FCDO Investments in Forests and Sustainable Land Use Phase 2 (IFSLU2) opportunity, expected to begin early 2025.

Building on the success of IFSLU1, IFSLU2 will mobilise private sector investment into forest protection and restoration, address deforestation associated with agricultural commodity production, scale up support to smallholder farmers and support jobs and strengthened livelihoods in poor rural communities.

The programme aims to mobilise at least £2bn in sustainable private investment, as well as supporting transformational change in tropical forest landscapes and the industries and supply chains – such as cattle (beef and leather), cocoa, coffee, maize, palm oil, rubber, and soy – which currently drive tropical deforestation in developing countries. At the same time as supporting producers – particularly smallholders – it will continue to generate demand for sustainable commodities in key consumer markets, using its evidence base and track record to engage more with growing producer and consumer markets such as Brazil, Indonesia, India and China.

The Position

The GESI Manager will be a key member of the programme team, leading on the integration of the programme’s GESI strategy, with a focus on targeting efforts that reach marginalised communities most impacted by deforestation and across our key value chains. The individual will support the team in addressing barriers to engagement with the aim of enhancing impact for women and girls, Persons with Disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, and other underrepresented communities.

The GESI Manager will be responsible for embedding GESI within programme design and delivery, including inception scoping and analysis, strategy development and implementation, coordination, project development, monitoring and evaluation, impact reporting, knowledge and communication management, and governance and leadership. The GESI Manager will report and be accountable to the M&E Lead and work closely with the Senior Management Team, Regional teams and technical experts.

The position will preferably be based in the UK however we will consider applicants outside of the UK who have good experience working on GESI interventions in the forestry or sustainable land use sector.

The role is offered full-time from programme inception through to close-out, anticipated to begin early 2025. We are willing to consider part-time or requests for flexible working and have arrangements in place to enable our team to balance their work and home commitments.

Person Specification

Essential

• Extensive experience leading interventions that reduce barriers to participation related to improvements in social or economic outcomes for marginalised groups including, women and girls, Indigenous Peoples, smallholders or Persons with Disabilities.
  
• Extensive experience developing, integrating and managing a GESI strategy in programme design and implementation, in the forestry or sustainable land use sector.
  
• Sound knowledge of the issues or barriers facing marginalised groups across the tropical forest belt.
  
• In depth understanding of relevant GESI frameworks, global initiatives, and standards.
  
• Experience mainstreaming GESI principles into existing methodologies and governance structures.
  
• Experience with FCDO-funded or other large international development programmes and familiarity with these donor GESI requirements and standards.
  
• Experience with research and monitoring and evaluation of GESI methodologies (including. Theory of Change design, GESI data disaggregation and mixed methods research) and ability to interpret data for decision making and inform GESI strategies and interventions.
  
• Demonstrable experience in reviewing GESI initiatives, business or operational plans, concept notes and budgets.
  
• Demonstrated GESI capacity building experience, including developing and facilitating trainings, mentorship and coaching across global teams.
  
• Cross-cultural sensitivity, with the ability to build and maintain constructive and collaborative relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders across different socio-cultural contexts.
  
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills with experience working in an open and collaborative manner across a diverse multi-disciplinary team.
  
• A high degree of personal resilience, flexibility and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.

Desirable

• Degree or equivalent qualification in relevant subject, including gender studies, anthropology, sociology, political science, international development or relations, or another related field.
• Experience leading on interventions addressing GESI issues in one or more IFSLU2 countries of operation.
• Knowledge of Spanish, Portuguese, French, Bahasa, Swahili or Akan language.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, therefore we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

This is an anticipated project, and all positions are contingent upon award.

About the Organization

Company Overview

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 3,000 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies and, most importantly, people's lives.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.

Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.

Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.