Gender Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian organization that provides assistance and protection to refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1956, DRC operates in multiple countries around the world, focusing on providing support in conflict-affected areas. The organization is committed to promoting durable solutions for displaced populations and works with local communities to enhance their resilience and self-reliance. DRC employs thousands of staff globally and collaborates with various partners, including governments, NGOs, and community-based organizations, to implement its programs effectively.

Job Overview:
The Gender Officer position at DRC Uganda is designed for individuals who are passionate about promoting gender equality and women's empowerment within refugee and host communities. The role involves implementing gender-focused interventions that address social norms and enhance women's participation in decision-making processes. The Gender Officer will work closely with various stakeholders to develop community-level action plans that prioritize the needs of women and vulnerable groups. This position requires a proactive approach to fostering inclusive environments for women and youth, particularly in the context of agriculture and climate adaptation efforts. The successful candidate will be responsible for organizing training sessions, facilitating community dialogues, and mobilizing women for leadership roles, all aimed at creating a more equitable society.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Gender Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the development and implementation of community-level action plans that address gender-specific needs identified through gender and power analysis.
• Organizing and delivering training sessions for women leaders to enhance their participation in leadership and decision-making processes, particularly in Climate Smart Agriculture and sustainable resource management.
• Facilitating engagement meetings with stakeholders, including local government officials and community leaders, to advocate for women's access to land and monitor the implementation of action plans.
• Coordinating community dialogues and awareness sessions that promote positive masculinity, challenge harmful gender norms, and reduce gender-based violence (GBV).
• Mobilizing women for leadership training to improve their representation in community decision-making.
• Developing and disseminating information on land rights and policies to ensure that women and vulnerable groups are informed of their rights.
• Conducting annual safety audits to assess risks for women in project activities, especially in agriculture and natural resource management.
• Supporting women and girls in participating in international advocacy events, such as International Women's Day and World Refugee Day.
• Participating in settlement coordination and sector meetings to enhance project visibility and influence. 1
• Collaborating with partners and local governments to integrate gender-responsive practices in local governance. 1
• Providing technical support and supervision to community structures to ensure effective gender-responsive planning and reporting. 1
• Documenting project successes and challenges, participating in monitoring and evaluation activities, and contributing to donor reporting.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Gender Officer position, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or related fields. A strong understanding of gender dynamics, particularly in rural and refugee-affected areas, is essential. Candidates should have proven experience in facilitating community training and dialogues, as well as working with diverse stakeholders, including local authorities and cultural leaders. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and advocacy skills are required, along with sensitivity to the needs of various community sectors. Experience with donor-funded projects and international NGOs is highly desirable, as is relevant work experience from Northern Uganda. A commitment to gender equality and accountability practices is crucial, along with the ability to prioritize tasks and work independently.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Gender Studies, Social Sciences, or Development Studies. Additional training related to gender in environmental contexts and Climate Smart Agriculture is considered an asset. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of gender issues in the context of agriculture and community development.

Experience:
The position requires at least 3 years of full-time relevant professional experience in gender-focused program implementation, preferably within the fields of agriculture, climate resilience, or community development projects. Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record of working effectively in similar roles, showcasing their ability to engage with communities and stakeholders to drive gender equality initiatives.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of one or more local languages widely spoken in the covered districts is considered desirable, as it can enhance communication and engagement with community members.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for a duration of 12 months, with a designated duty station in Imvepi, Moyo. The expected start date is October 202

• The salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national employees. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with a maximum length of four pages. Applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is 13th September 202
• DRC emphasizes a merit-based recruitment process and does not solicit money for any part of its recruitment. Candidates are encouraged to disregard any solicitation for payment during the application process.