Gender and Social Inclusion Coordinator at Heifer International

FUNCTION

• The Gender and Social Inclusion Coordinator will be responsible for the successful integration of Social Capital, and all full implementation of the Values-Based Holistic Development Model into the Heifer Project International Kenya (HPIK) Signature Program by incorporating essentials of social capital including group/cooperative formation and training in Heifer’s 12 cornerstones for just and sustainable development, personal leadership, Project Self Review and Planning (PSRP) and gender justice. S/he will lead the development and implementation of the KLMP's overall strategy for Gender and Inclusion. The Gender and Social Inclusion Coordinator will ensure the integration of women, youth, and other vulnerable populations into all project activities. The Gender and Social Inclusion Coordinator will report to the Signature Program Lead, and work in liaison with the Project Manager.
•  This position is contingent upon donor approval and funding.

ESSENTIAL CHARACTER TRAITS

• Heifer International Kenya is looking for an individual who is confident, positive, flexible, values-oriented, team-oriented, and passionate about community empowerment.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES

Program Effectiveness (40%) 

• Lead the development of the Gender and Social Inclusion strategy which will guide the integration of Gender and Social Inclusion concepts and approaches into all project activities, including technical implementation, monitoring, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate with the Project Manager, technical teams, MEL, and other personnel on Gender and Social Inclusion strategy implementation and monitoring.
• Lead or assist in the design and implementation of Gender and Social Inclusion analyses, impact assessments, and other learning studies.
• Review and provide input to project work plans, with attention to Gender and Social Inclusion dimensions of technical activities and operations.
• Assess the strength of the approach to gender mainstreaming across the project cycle.
• Implement and manage the gender action plan and exercise quality assurance and advise management on corrective interventions.
• Social capital development
• Gender and social inclusion strategy developed including the approaches to be employed in the implementation of the project activities, monitoring and evaluation as well as the guiding policies and procedures of the component.
• Collaborate with the MEL Manager to develop and implement tools to monitor the Graduation Pathway
• Collaborate with the Project Manager to develop guidelines and tools for the collection and reporting/dissemination of data relating to Gender and Social capital inclusion outcomes at the project level.
• Ensure that lessons learned are integrated in planning and implementation across the projects.
• Engender all the project activities by collaboratively working with the project teams and the other project participants including the smallholder farmers and the county based social services offices.
• Gender and social inclusion assessment reports developed capturing the processes, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Regular data quality assessment on gender and social inclusion conducted.
• Provide leadership in the implementation, incorporation, and strengthening of Heifer’s Values-Based Holistic Community Development (VBHCD) activities and events, including Social Capital approaches in Groups, Cooperatives, and hubs across the projects.
• Keep informed on issues of socio-economic development, agriculture, environment, and livestock programs and policies by visiting project locations/Project Partners/Self Help Groups for follow-ups and to check the effectiveness of Heifer’s existing Gender and Social Capital programs and contents and then customize the content, delivery, and materials for more effectiveness.

Program Planning and Budgeting (10%) 

• Develop and manage monthly, quarterly, and annual activity plans and budgets.
• Conduct necessary reviews and updates of the work plans and budgets to respond to emerging field implementation challenges related to Gender and Social Inclusion.
• Project work plans and budgets (monthly, Quarterly, and annually), gender mainstreaming implementation operating plans and budgets,
• Periodic and timely reviews of country budgets and approved project work plans undertaken to ensure gender and social inclusion issues are captured.
• Quarterly and annual review of the gender and social inclusion piece of the project with clear actions to address any gaps that may be observed.
• Serve as the focal point person for Social Capital by preparing annual plan, budget, track and assess the implementation of the Social Capital development plan for the Projects.

Management and Compliance (25%)

• Accountable for the implementation of Social Inclusion strategies and Gender approaches.
• Responsible and accountable for gender and youth performance indicators within the KLMP project.
• Train project teams on Gender and Social Capital.
• Ensure that Gender and Social Inclusion initiatives approaches are properly implemented as per required standards.
• Analyze and package Gender and Social inclusion disaggregated project progress reports from country offices prior to submission to the Project Manager.
• Ensure 100% compliance with the donor's contractual obligations.
• Build the capacity of the hubs in implementing SCD and gender approaches, Gender, and SCD interventions to collect data on and how report on it.
• In conjunction with the project team, supporting and organizing delivery of various training/workshops such as Heifer Cornerstones, PSRP, Gender and Justice, group/cooperative management and personal leadership development for Heifer staff, projects’ participants, Informal Savings and Loans, Community, and partner staff training.
• Translate and contextualize the Gender and Social Capital Minimum Requirements for Projects.
• Developing, reviewing, and updating training modules/manuals, and related training materials. Facilitate project implementers to set up various training modules and train them in their use; provide follow-up services to these training programs.

Project Reporting and Documentation (15%)

• Compile regular monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and ensure compliance with requirements in terms of quality and timeliness and ensure these are of the highest standards.
• Document Gender and Social Inclusion lessons learnt and experiences for dissemination and sharing to inform future project development.
• Incorporate lessons learned on Gender and Social Inclusion into project implementation.         
• Reports on Gender and Social Inclusion implementation compiled and submitted within the stipulated timelines.
• Lessons learnt from KLMP on Gender and Social Inclusion implementation documented and impact of the project interventions reported on quarterly basis.
• Submit timely weekly, monthly, quarterly, semiannual, and annual reports and ensure that reports clearly show gender disaggregation data to the Project Manager.
• Successful female/youth enterprises of the role models documented for replication.
• Document the gender and Social Inclusion components of the project progress, lessons learned, good experiences, and impact of the project interventions.

 Partnership and Engagement (5%)

• Provide technical advice and training to program staff, partners, and stakeholders to build their capacity to integrate gender, youth, and other relevant social considerations into designing interventions, implementation, and M&E.
• Identify, build, and maintain proactive relationships with social capital and gender-focused networks in the country with non-profit/non-governmental organizations, government line bureaus, and coordination forums, as well as represent KLMP in any meetings on the sector.
• On an as-needed basis, provide technical support to the “partner” staff on social capital- and gender-related matters.

 Any other duties assigned by the supervisor (5%)  

• This will be dependent on the specific duties assigned

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in community development, Rural Development, social science, adult education, or related field required. Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements. However, demonstrated experience in the design and implementation of adult learning methodology is a mandatory requirement.

Preferred Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of experience in international development, including 5 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of proven approaches and best practices for integrating women, youth, and other historically excluded populations into access to finance, agriculture, and/or market systems programs.
• Knowledge of doing no harm, women’s empowerment, and positive youth development frameworks and approaches is encouraged.
• Experience conducting gender analysis and research is a plus.
• Experience working with Gender and Social Inclusion considerations (constraints and opportunities).
• Sound business knowledge especially in the agricultural and agribusiness sector.

Most Critical Proficiencies 

• Knowledge of and experience with developing and conducting youth and gender analysis, including organizing and facilitating youth and gender training
• Experience in developing and planning social capital gender mainstreaming strategies in relation to the economic empowerment of women and youth.
• Clear understanding of the dairy value chain and knowledge of different approaches to prepare and conduct training on topics such as Gender and Social Capital Inclusion. Knowledge of strategic planning, program and project development, and implementation processes (including planning, monitoring, and evaluation).
• Strong mentoring and coaching skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with or within community organizations.
• Fluency in English (knowledge of other languages spoken in Kenya is a plus)
• Good understanding of the sustainable livelihoods approach and related issues
• Well-developed assessment, analytical and planning skills
• Proficient knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail (Microsoft Office preferred), and the Internet.
• Proven ability to synthesize and distill information from a variety of sources, to draw lessons from project documentation, and to summarize complex information accurately and concisely.
• Interest in animal, agriculture, and community development.
• Understand the importance of traditional customs of the various communities and be familiar with their lifestyles.
• Basic understanding of and sensitivity to issues associated with poverty, hunger, and the environment.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands 

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to individuals diplomatically and tactfully.
• Must be courteous and of high integrity, especially in high-pressure situations.
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to relate to individuals and groups diplomatically and tactfully.
• Self-starter and self-motivator with the ability to work in a multicultural setting.
• Must be a team player with the ability to execute and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
• Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity.