Gender Specialist (Consultant)

CARE International in Pakistan is implementing a project, titled “Disaster resilience Initiative in FATA” (DRIFT) supported by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of FATA Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) and other relevant stakeholders in FATA for effective functioning in gender inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction.

This will help integrate resilience aspect in disaster management related plans, policies and management to improve resilience of communities and economic assets. In order to inform government plans, and gender concerns are properly and adequately addressed in preparedness and resilience initiatives, Gender Specialist is required to ensure a coordinated approach across the humanitarian and DRR continuum focusing on mainstreaming of gender equality in the DRR and humanitarian efforts.

Scope of Work:

Working under overall leadership and guidance of Director General FDMA, the Gender Specialist will provide technical guidance and capacity strengthening of FDMA to ensure DRR plans, policies and actions promoting gender equality and resilience. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that technical and strategic support is available to FDMA; and work for a government led coordinated and coherent approach on gender integration in DRR planning, initiatives and humanitarian actions. The person will also lead in establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships with multiple stakeholders, including UN, INGOs, local CSOs and women’s groups to continuously promote gender equality programming in DRR initiatives. The position requires technical capacity with in-depth understanding of gender equality and women’s empowerment issues in disaster preparedness and resilience, and field level expertise on coordinating gender equality interventions in a humanitarian and DRR continuum.

Deliverables, Tasks and Responsibilities:

• The person will be responsible, amongst others, for the following tasks but not limited to:
• Undertake gender analysis. Review of current government plans and policies on DRM and resilience from the gender lens to identify gender gaps and concerns in relation to gender integration;
• Provide policy support and information in the context of negotiations/discussions on gender and DRR;
• Engage the relevant stakeholder on policy decisions on mainstreaming gender into DRR and humanitarian response and influence priorities in relevant coordination mechanisms led by FDMA
• Ensure inclusion of gender-specific objectives, indicators, targets and activities in DRR plans, policies and annual development plans;
• Support FDMA in the gender lens review of project proposal from NGOs & INGOs
• Conduct capacity assessment of FDMA and other relevant units on gender; identify gaps and develop capacity development plans;
• Develop training manuals and build capacity of FDMA, FATA Secretariat staff on the gender dimensions of disaster risk, particularly in terms of women’s vulnerabilities, capacity and exposure to hazards;
• Render technical inputs and recommendation on gender mainstreaming in DRR and recovery programme areas for FATA;
• Develop a gender responsive monitoring framework and evidence based guidelines in line with the Sendai Framework;
• Maintain close liaison with relevant donors and other actors supporting efforts on gender and DRR;
• Ensure the implementation of national policy guidelines on natural disasters. Develop SOPs to implement the guidelines with respect to preparedness, mitigation, risk reduction, relief and rehabilitation interventions.

Others:

• Support the execution of SDC funded project in close coordination with CARE and other initiatives focusing on DRR and Preparedness;
• Provide briefs to Project Steering Committee regarding implementation of the relevant progress.
• Perform other related duties as required by DG FDMA with technical and managerial competence.

Qualification and Experience:

Education:

• An advanced degree (16 years of education) from nationally/ internationally recognized degree in any of the subjects i.e. Disaster Management, Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Humanitarian Affairs etc.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years relevant experience working on gender equality and women’s empowerment related to climate risk, vulnerability reduction and capacity development;
• Strong understanding of Disaster Management System/Framework and National Policy Guidelines and functionality of FDMA;
• Proven skills on policy analysis for DRR and climate change, humanitarian response and related issues;
• Knowledge and understanding of the national and debates on gender, DRR and climate change;
• Past experience in working with government, INGO, and UN would be an advantage.

Skills and Competence:

• Strong leadership with excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills
• Proven ability to advocate for gender equality and provide policy advice;
• Ability to lead strategically, strong coordination and reporting.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong partnerships.
• Demonstrated Computer Skill (Proficiency in using computer desktop application MS Office (Word, Excel, and Power Point).

Contract Duration:

The position is funded by CARE as institutional support to FDMA. The individual will be based in FDMA Office. The contract is initially for 1 year and extendable depending upon satisfactory performance of the outputs envisaged in the TORs.