International Gender and Social Inclusion Expert
Employer FAO Uzbekistan
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Information on vacancy |
Period of publication |
13.01.2025 - 27.01.2025 |
Field of activity / position: |
Agriculture, irrigation / Master |
Duties |
This position holder will be based in and work for Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Background: The Global Food Systems, Land-Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact Program (IP) aims to promote sustainable integrated landscapes and efficient food value chains at scale. This initiative targets the transformation of global food systems to become positive contributors to planetary health, biodiversity, and ecological function. The FOLUR Impact Program, supported by a significant financial commitment from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and co-financing partners, will be implemented across 27 countries with a focus on sustainable integrated landscapes and agricultural commodity value chains. Within this framework, Component 3 of the FOLUR Project in Uzbekistan addresses the "Conservation & Restoration of Natural Habitat." This component aims to enhance conservation and restoration of high nature value ecosystems/habitats within production landscapes, ultimately improving ecosystem services that support agriculture in an equitable and sustainable manner. Objective The International Gender and Social Inclusion Expert will provide strategic guidance and technical assistance to ensure that gender and social inclusion are fully integrated into all aspects of the Project. The expert will work with project teams and local stakeholders to: • Ensure gender-responsive planning, implementation, and monitoring of project activities. • Ensure that the Project promotes equitable access to resources, benefits, and decision-making processes for women, youth, and other marginalized groups. • Support the development of gender-sensitive training, capacity-building initiatives, and benefit-sharing mechanisms. Scope of Work Gender and Social Inclusion Strategy Development • Conduct a gender and social inclusion analysis to identify the roles, challenges, and opportunities for women, youth, and marginalized groups in the Project's target areas. • Develop a GESI Strategy to guide the integration of gender equality and social inclusion in the Project's objectives, outcomes, and activities. • Ensure that the strategy aligns with national policies, FOLUR principles, and international gender equality frameworks. Capacity Building • Design and deliver gender-sensitive training for project staff, implementing partners, and community groups to raise awareness and build capacities around GESI. • Ensure that training on ecosystem restoration techniques, sustainable land management (SLM), and integrated landscape management (ILM) is inclusive and accessible to women, youth, and marginalized groups. • Develop tailored training modules for women and youth to engage them in ecosystem restoration activities, Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), and alternative livelihoods. Support to Project Components • Ensure that GESI considerations are integrated into all project components, especially those focused on ecosystem restoration, sustainable land management, and benefit-sharing models. • Support the development of gender-sensitive PES mechanisms to ensure that vulnerable groups, particularly women-led households, landless individuals, and unemployed youth, benefit equitably from the Project's activities. • Provide recommendations for inclusive employment and income-generation opportunities linked to the Project, including community nurseries, ecosystem restoration, and alternative livelihoods.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting • Develop gender-responsive indicators to track the participation and benefits of women, youth, and marginalized groups in project activities. • Conduct periodic reviews and assessments to ensure that the GESI Strategy is effectively implemented and adjust activities as needed. • Contribute to project reporting by providing updates on GESI-related outcomes and lessons learned. Collaboration with other Experts within the FOLUR Project: • Collaborates with Data Management Expert (M&E) responsible for Component 4 (monitoring and evaluation) to measure project impact. • Collaborates with Conservation Agriculture Experts (FFS/APFS/SLM facilitators) for training exercises, workshops, and support in logistics. • Collaborates with ILM Planning & Development Experts to ensure integration of gender focal points in land-use planning. • Collaborates with Knowledge Management Expert (Communications/Advocacy) for document and promote project results, to gather data, case studies, and outputs from different components for communication and advocacy purposes. • If actual issues related to the effective achievement of project goals are identified, International Gender and Social Inclusion Expert collaborates with all Experts of the FOLUR Project. Expected outputs and responsibilities across 4 components of the FOLUR project.
Component 1: Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) for Sustainable Wheat Systems Output 1.1.3: Capacity development program for stakeholders involved in wheat value chains, including gender-responsive training. Output 1.1.4: Policy briefs and advocacy materials prepared, incorporating gender and social inclusion considerations.
Responsibilities:
Ensure that gender and social inclusion considerations are integrated into ILM strategies and frameworks. (Linked to Output 1.1.4) Facilitate capacity-building initiatives that specifically target women and marginalized groups to enhance their participation in land management activities. (Linked to Output 1.1.3) Component 2: Promotion of Sustainable Food Production and Responsible Commodity Value Chains Output 2.1.1: Formation or capacity building of farmer organizations, including gender-sensitive approaches in FFS programs. Output 2.1.2: Demonstrate crop diversification with the active inclusion of women-led initiatives. Output 2.1.3: Improve cropland management while promoting equitable access to resources.
Responsibilities: Integrate gender equality and social inclusion into FFS programs and Training of Trainers (ToT) initiatives, ensuring accessibility for women and marginalized groups. (Linked to Output 2.1.1) Promote equitable access to agricultural resources, knowledge, and technologies for diverse stakeholders in sustainable production practices. (Linked to Outputs 2.1.2 and 2.1.3)
Component 3: Conservation and Restoration of Natural Habitats
Output 3.1.1: Capacity building focused on ecosystem restoration with gender-responsive planning. Output 3.1.2: Development of inclusive benefit-sharing models for communities. Output 3.1.3: Promotion of alternative livelihoods for women and marginalized communities. Responsibilities: Implement restoration activities that include targeted support for women and marginalized communities. (Linked to Output 3.1.1) Facilitate training on alternative livelihoods and benefit-sharing schemes that empower disadvantaged groups. (Linked to Outputs 3.1.2 and 3.1.3)
Component 4: Knowledge Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation Output 4.1.1: Standardized indicators that include gender-sensitive metrics for monitoring. Output 4.1.3: Gender-sensitive Results-Based Management (RBM) system for adaptive management. Output 4.1.4: Development of knowledge products and communication strategies that reflect gender and social inclusion.
Responsibilities:
- Work with the M&E team to incorporate gender-sensitive indicators into project evaluations. (Linked to Output 4.1.1 and 4.1.3) - Document case studies that highlight the impact of gender-sensitive approaches and inclusive practices. (Linked to Output 4.1.4)
Deliverables Gender and Social Inclusion Strategy: A comprehensive strategy outlining the GESI approach for the Project, including specific actions, targets, and timelines. Training Materials and Workshops: Gender-sensitive training modules and delivery of at least two capacity-building workshops targeting women and youth. Gender-Responsive Monitoring Indicators: Development of gender-sensitive indicators and regular monitoring reports highlighting GESI progress. GESI Recommendations for Benefit-Sharing Mechanisms: Recommendations on how to ensure equitable participation and benefit-sharing for marginalized groups in PES and alternative livelihood activities. Final Report: A comprehensive report documenting the progress made, lessons learned, and recommendations for future GESI activities in the Project.
Timeline: within 25 days from the Effective Date of the Consultancy Agreement |
Requirements to the candidate |
Age: |
Irrelevant |
Gender: |
Irrelevant |
Residence: |
Tashkent, Uzbekistan |
Education: |
Higher |
Professional requirements |
Applicants must answer the following: Education: • Master's degree or higher in gender studies, social sciences, development studies, or a related field. Experience: • At least 10 years of experience in gender and social inclusion mainstreaming, preferably in the context of land restoration, agriculture, or environmental projects. • Proven experience working on gender-responsive programming in rural and agricultural settings, with a focus on empowering women, youth, and marginalized groups. • Experience working in Central Asia or similar regions is an advantage. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. • Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data analysis software. • Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Uzbek and Russian are an advantage, but not a must. Competencies: • Proven ability to apply gender analysis frameworks and tools to program design and implementation. • Strong commitment to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in multicultural settings. • Ability to manage multiple tasks, work independently, and meet deadlines. Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan Site visits: Project locations Karakalpakstan, Khorezm and Kashkadarya |
Working conditions |
Region |
Tashkent |
Employment |
Full |
Salary offered |
TBD |
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Personal account |
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