Gender, Equity, Diversity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Specialist

Job Description

Dutystation: Yangon, Myanmar

Functional responsibilities

Key Functions

1. GEDSI Mainstreaming in Programme Design and Implementation
2. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
3. Policy Advocacy and Partnership Building
4. Monitoring and Reporting on GEDSI
5. Risk Mitigation and Social Safeguarding

GEDSI Mainstreaming in Programme Design and Implementation

• Lead the integration of GEDSI principles into the design, planning, and execution of LIFT projects.
• Conduct gender and social inclusion analyses to ensure that all programmes are inclusive and responsive to the needs of marginalized groups, including women, youth, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.
• Recommend adapting projects to ensure compliance with national and international GEDSI standards.
• Collaborate with programme managers and technical teams to embed GEDSI-impactful indicators into project frameworks and reporting mechanisms.

Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Sharing

• Develop and deliver capacity strengthening sessions for LIFT staff and implementing partners on GEDSI mainstreaming.
• Create tools, resources, and training materials to enhance understanding and application of GEDSI principles across the organization.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange on GEDSI best practices within LIFT and among external partners.

Policy Advocacy and Partnership Building

• Provide technical support for policy advocacy efforts related to gender, equity, social inclusion, and diversity at national and local levels within the LIFT strategy.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to promote LIFT’s GEDSI-related initiatives.
• Support the development of strategic partnerships with organizations working on gender, diversity, and inclusion to support LIFT’s objectives.

Monitoring and Reporting on GEDSI

• Together with the MEAL team, contribute significantly in developing monitoring frameworks to track progress on GEDSI-related outcomes and ensure results are aligned with LIFT’s overall goals.
• Regularly review and update GEDSI indicators to reflect changing conditions and emerging priorities within the programme context.
• Prepare high-quality reports, policy briefs, and case studies on LIFT’s contributions to GEDSI objectives for internal and external stakeholders.

Risk Mitigation and Social Safeguarding

• Identify and mitigate risks related to gender, equity, and social exclusion across the programmes.
• Ensure that safeguarding mechanisms are in place to prevent sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEA), and all LIFT initiatives comply with UNOPS social safeguarding principles and policies.
• Provide technical input on developing social mechanisms to protect vulnerable populations and promote equity in project outcomes.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• A Master’s degree preferably in Gender Studies, Social Inclusion, Sociology, Public Policy, International Development is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) with an additional 2 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in intersectionality and GEDSI in project design, implementation, and technical assistance preferably in the following sectors: food security, livelihoods, nutrition, economic growth, agriculture, climate, or other related fields, is required.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (e.g. MS Office newer versions, Google Suite Applications) is required.
• Experience contributing to or developing GEDSI strategies and operationalizing them in donor-funded programs and projects is a significant asset.
• Experience in project management is an asset.
• Experience working with the UN or international organizations is highly desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.
• Proficiency in Burmese is required.
• Proficiency in other Myanmar languages is an asset.

About the Organization

TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

We are proud of our people and embrace diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunities. Our workforce brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners. Spread across 80 countries from a range of backgrounds, and languages and have different gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.

We encourage women and candidates from underrepresented groups in UNOPS to apply. These include candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.