Gender and Social Inclusion Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and manage natural resources sustainably. The FAO country offices, led by an FAO Representative, assist governments in developing policies, programs, and projects to achieve these goals, focusing on food security, agricultural development, and environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The Gender and Social Inclusion Expert will play a crucial role in supporting the project 'Inclusive Rural Development and Sustainable Agriculture,' which is being implemented by FAO in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture and the Ministry of Regional Development of Georgia. This project, funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation, runs from 2023 to 2027 and aims to enhance competitiveness in the agricultural sector, improve food production, and alleviate rural poverty, with a strong emphasis on reducing inequality. The expert will ensure that gender, youth, and social inclusion aspects are integrated into all project activities, leading the implementation of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Action Plan and providing guidance to project teams and stakeholders on best practices in gender mainstreaming and social inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for leading the implementation of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Action Plan, which includes capacity development for project teams and partners on gender mainstreaming principles. They will assess communication channels to ensure effective outreach to diverse community groups, including women, youth, and ethnic minorities. The expert will coordinate with various stakeholders, including government partners and NGOs, to promote women's and youth's engagement in policy-making processes. They will also provide guidance on developing gender-responsive community support schemes, conduct workshops on gender mainstreaming, and support the implementation of Farmer Field Schools focused on women's economic empowerment. Additionally, the expert will document lessons learned and best practices in gender and social inclusion, ensuring that project activities are aligned with national priorities and contribute to sustainable rural development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (MSc/MA or higher) in Gender Studies, Sociology, Project Management, Public Administration, Development Studies, or a related field. They should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in gender equality, gender mainstreaming, women's empowerment, and capacity building within international development programs. A strong understanding of gender issues and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders is essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (MSc/MA or higher) in a relevant field such as Gender Studies, Sociology, Project Management, Public Administration, or Development Studies is required for this position. The educational qualifications must be from an institution recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of professional experience in areas related to gender equality, gender mainstreaming, women's empowerment, and capacity building in international development contexts. This experience should include work on policy review and development, research and analysis, and engagement with various stakeholders in the field of gender and social inclusion.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Georgian is mandatory, with a good knowledge of rural areas of Georgia being essential. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve travel within Georgia, and the appointment will be subject to security clearances. The FAO emphasizes the importance of gender equality and social inclusion in its operations and seeks candidates who are committed to these principles.