Technical Specialist (Gender and Social Inclusion) –SB-4

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. The main aim of the FAO Representation in Cambodia is to assist government to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The Public-Social-Private Partnerships for Ecologically-Sound Agriculture and Resilient Livelihood in Northern Tonle Sap Basin (PEARL) is a six-year project (2023 – 2029), funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This adaptation project aims to enhance the climate resilience of farmers and local communities in the Northern Tonle Sap Basin (Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Preah Vihear and Oddor Meanchey) through public-social-private partnerships and improved access to growing segments of premium agricultural product market while ensuring climate-resilient practices.

Reporting Lines

The Technical Specialist (Gender and Social Inclusion) reports directly to Senior Project Officer (SPO) and works under the technical oversight of Lead Technical Officer (LTO) in the FAO regional office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) and relevant technical units at FAO headquarters. Under the overall supervision of FAO Representative (FAOR) in Cambodia, and in close collaboration with FAO Representation team, governmental counterparts, and other technical specialists, the incumbent will carry out the tasks listed below.

Technical Focus

Lead social and gender inclusion, and gender equity mainstreaming across project outcomes, outputs and activities, following FAO´s gender mainstreaming principles and guidelines and the gender action plan of the project.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Technical Specialist (Gender and Social Inclusion) will:

• Lead all aspects of gender mainstreaming and social inclusion for the project;

• Lead the integration of gender considerations in all stages including development, analysis, implementation, monitoring and evaluation phases of project, in consultation with stakeholders, to ensure their needs, challenges and opinions are adequately understood and taken into account;

• Develop an annual Social Inclusion and Gender Action Plan (SIGAP) where social inclusion and gender relevant milestones, responsibilities and deliverables are clearly articulated. The action plan shall outline and clarify the gender-sensitive actions to implement. The plan shall be reviewed and adjusted on annual basis, based on field data and feedback;

• Ensure full Social Inclusion and Gender mainstreaming in the project’s activities following FAO´s gender mainstreaming principles and guidelines and the gender action plan of the project;

• Develop gender training materials, case studies and document lessons learned for wider sharing. Facilitate training of staff and partners on gender and women empowerment;

• Review and provide inputs to the curricular and training modules to ensure that the role and needs of women and men are both addressed;

• In close collaboration with the project MEAL experts, assess the feasibility and requirements to integrate the W standard reporting indicators and data collection procedures as part of the project’s standard MEAL framework;

• Review the assessments and surveys throughout the components and ensure that social inclusion and gender parameters and findings are well considered in the deliverables;

• Review and follow up on the awareness raising initiatives undertaken in the Project, including approach, methodology, outreach and targeting, actions to implement, and monitoring;

• Assist in the definition and drafting of ToRs, LoAs, application forms, selection criteria, communication information products, training programs and other related programmatic actions;

• Establish continued interaction and dialogue with targeted beneficiary communities, farmers and women groups as well as other relevant local actors to ensure participation and local ownership in the projects objectives and activities with particular focus on social Inclusion and gender dimensions of the project;

• Support the preparation for and actively participate in project’s meetings, workshops, focus groups and other field activities as needed;

• Collect, consolidate and analyse related data and information needed to ensure evidence-based design, implementation, and monitoring of the social inclusion and gender mainstreaming activities;

• Identify, compile, and disseminate regularly lessons learned and best practices generated on social inclusion and gender, and share within the PMU, PSC and project partners for integration into the planning and execution processes;

• Ensure that the project personnel, project partners, and beneficiaries are aware of the PEARL social inclusion and gender-sensitive approach;

• Support the development of communication products for adequate gender mainstreaming, and ensuring FAO, partner and donor visibility at all levels;

• Collect news and articles about social inclusion and gender mainstreaming in Cambodia, with particular emphasis on climate change adaptation and agricultural value chain;

• Ensure that monitoring, evaluation and learning tools are gender-mainstreamed and participatory approach were used across the programme;

• Follow up on the progress made against social inclusion and gender sensitive objectively verifiable indicators at the outcome, result and output levels in close coordination and collaboration with M&E specialist;

• Develop targeted approaches for screening project periodic work plans, activities to improve gender balance and risks of asymmetric gender-related impacts and incorporate remedial measures as necessary;

• Monitor regularly the activities implemented focusing on compliance with the Action Plan prepared on Social Inclusion and Gender mainstreaming;

• Prepare periodic reports, including recommendations for remedial actions as necessary, for sharing with project management bodies and inclusion in regular reporting to GCF as appropriate;

• Work closely with the project team to draft the Annual work plan and budget (AWPB), progress reports, final reports. Write specific sections on social inclusion and gender (e.g., progress against annual plans, AWPB, testimonies from beneficiaries and partners, lessons learned and best practices, other);

• Participate in meetings and events related to social inclusion and gender as requested by the Senior Project Officer;

• Perform other project tasks and duties requested/assigned by the Senior Project Officer.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in social sciences, gender studies or a related area;

• Minimum 5 years of demonstrable experience in fields related to gender and social inclusion.

• Working knowledge (Level C) of Khmer and English is mandatory;

• National of Cambodia

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Systemic and analytical capacity on complex issues related to social and gender inclusion, standards and practices;

• Knowledge and experience on development projects particularly stakeholder engagement and management of environmental and social issue;

• Demonstrated experience in conducting gender assessment and the development and implementation of gender action plan to guide project implementation;

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks, work under pressure, and deliver assignments on time; and

• Leading, engaging, empowering and an excellent team player.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.