National Gender Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission 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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization is committed to environmental sustainability and works to support the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. FAO Country Offices aid governments in creating policies, programs, and projects that secure food security and diminish hunger and malnutrition, while also supporting the development of agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources.

Job Overview:
The National Gender Specialist position is located in the FAO Representation in Ghana, specifically focusing on the cocoa sector, which is vital for Ghana's economy. The role aims to promote gender equality within the cocoa value chain, addressing persistent gender inequalities that hinder women's access to resources and opportunities. The Specialist will engage in analytical and technical activities to strengthen gender mainstreaming, facilitate community dialogue, and improve governance in natural resource management. This position is crucial for developing a comprehensive Cocoa Gender Policy and conducting a Gender Baseline Study to generate evidence on gender dynamics in the cocoa sector, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and equitable agricultural environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Specialist will undertake various tasks, including: conducting a Gender Baseline Study by reviewing existing national policies and research, developing an inception report, providing technical support for gender-sensitive research instruments, conducting field data collection, assessing gender disparities in access to resources and participation, analyzing data, and preparing a comprehensive report. Additionally, the Specialist will review and develop the Cocoa Gender Policy, ensuring alignment with national and international frameworks, organizing validation workshops, and incorporating stakeholder feedback. Coordination and reporting tasks include presenting findings, submitting progress updates, and producing technical reports in accordance with FAO standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or PhD) in Gender Studies, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, Sociology, Public Policy, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in gender analysis, policy development, social research, or agricultural development is required. Demonstrated experience in conducting gender assessments and baseline studies, supporting policy formulation, and familiarity with Ghana's cocoa sector and agricultural policies will be considered assets. A working knowledge of English and being a national of Ghana are also mandatory qualifications.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, either a Master's or PhD, in fields related to gender studies, development studies, agricultural economics, rural development, sociology, public policy, or similar disciplines. This advanced education is essential for understanding the complexities of gender issues within agricultural contexts and for contributing effectively to policy development and analysis.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience. This experience should encompass gender analysis, policy development, social research, or agricultural development. Candidates should have a proven track record in conducting gender assessments and baseline studies, as well as experience in supporting policy formulation and validation processes. Familiarity with Ghana's cocoa sector and agricultural policies will be advantageous, indicating a deeper understanding of the local context and challenges.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly required. The ability to communicate effectively in English is crucial for stakeholder engagement, report writing, and collaboration with international partners.

Additional Notes:
The job is a full-time position located in Accra, Ghana. The role involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies and local communities, to promote gender equality in the cocoa sector. The position may require travel to cocoa-growing regions for data collection and stakeholder consultations. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job ad, but candidates can expect to work within the framework of FAO's employment policies.