Principal Officer - Gender Equity & Protection at United States International University - USIU Africa

The Principal Officer will be responsible for ensuring adherence to the current legislation and international conventions in matters gender equity and protection within the university. Further, he/she will be required to provide prompt responses and effectively stop problem behaviour, prevent its recurrence and remedy the effects as per the provided guidelines. The officer will generally serve to eliminate, prevent and redress known instances of gender based misconduct or violence with fair and efficient processes that are intended to support the entire University Community.

1. Community Outreach and Education
2. Provide information to students, employees and others regarding University policies related to harassment and discrimination.
3. Facilitating accommodations to address safety concerns and to support victims and complainants so that academic and professional pursuits may continue unimpeded.

• Collaborating with community partners to assist with a resolution that balances the needs of the individuals involved with those of the larger community.

1. Create and facilitate training and presentation to students, student groups and university employees regarding the university’s non-discrimination policies and integrating best practices into the complaint resolution process.
2. Cultivate relationships with university stakeholders i.e. students, faculty and staff.
3. Develop and maintain relationships and clear communication channels with the university and other stakeholders including the community.

• Collaboration with on and off campus resources including law enforcement agencies and victim services in resolving complaints.
• Providing referrals to campus and community resources and victim advocates.

1. Working closely with the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, to ensure that the University’s processes, responses and policies are consistent with the laws of Kenya, international conventions and regulations related to compliance with sexual harassment and non-discrimination laws.
2. Creating awareness on sexual harassment and discrimination.

1. Investigation and Consultation
2. Receive complaints of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment and gender related violence.
3. Provide a central place to report an incident and overseeing the reporting process.

• Identify University Policy provisions relevant to a complaint and work closely with other relevant university offices.

1. Exercise judgement regarding the resolutions of complaints including informal resolution and formal investigation.
2. Keep records to ensure patterns of behaviour are identified.
3. Conduct prompt, equitable, fair and impartial administrative investigations into complaints including identifying and interviewing parties, identifying, gathering and assessing information relevant to the investigation.

• Apply relevant policies and make findings of fact in individual cases.
• Actively foster and maintain a climate that is supportive of students and respectful of differences.

• MA in Gender Studies or equivalent from an accredited university.
• 5 years’ experience in gender advocacy with emphasis on diversity management, emancipation policies, inclusion/exclusion and discrimination.

• Ability to provide effective and appropriate advice and expertise to all levels within the university community.
• Have working knowledge of current laws, regulations, guidelines and institutional policies related to sex discrimination and sexual harassment.
• Ability to investigate and analyse claims and to draw conclusions.
• Demonstrable experience in working with women and children in conflict and disadvantaged situations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of people in the diverse university community setting.
• Conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Advanced analytical, evaluative and objective critical thinking skills.
• Knowledge on public safety reporting requirements and other applicable crime data reporting related to sexual harassment.
• Ability to develop educational outreach on sexual assault prevention and response for students, staff and faculty, sometimes in partnership with campus and community organizations.
• Skills in examining, re-engineering, formulating and developing operations, procedures and policies on sex discrimination and sexual harassment.
• Ability to develop and implement new strategies and procedures.

• Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results;
• Confidentiality and integrity;
• Proficiency in computer applications;
• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills;
• Relationship builder & effective negotiator;
• Good communication skills;
• Self-motivated;
• Attention to detail;
• Adaptability and reliability

Incumbents will be expected to continue upgrading their knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of regulation/policy changes and trends in higher education.