ABOUT VILLAGEREACH
VillageReach transforms health care delivery to reach everyone, so that each person has the health care needed to thrive. We develop solutions that improve equity and access to primary health care. This includes making sure products are available when and where they are needed and primary health care services are delivered to the most under-reached. Radical collaboration with governments, the private sector and other partners strengthen our ability to scale and sustain these solutions. Our work increases access to quality health care for more than 58 million people in Africa. VillageReach in incorporated in Washington State and has offices in Seattle (USA), Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, and Mozambique.
JOB DESCRIPTION – Gender & Equity Officer
VillageReach is looking for a qualified individual to fill the position of Gender & Equity Officer. The position will be based whether in Tshopo or Maniema, with frequent domestic travels. The Gender & Equity Officer will lead the Gender-Integrated Programming Matters in Immunization. The successful candidate will be a person fluent in Swahili, French and English with experience of conducting gender-based analysis; strong research background and excellent oral and written communication skills. She/he will be reporting to the Program Manager and working in collaboration with the Gender & Equity Manager and other team members at the country and global levels.
Description
- Gender-Based Analysis:
- Conduct comprehensive gender-based analyses to identify and address gender disparities as part of the program.
- Collaborate with teams to integrate gender perspectives into all stages of project development and implementation.
- Develop and implement tools and methodologies for gender-based analysis.
- Supportive Supervision:
- Ensure that supportive supervision mechanisms are equitable to reach zero-dose communities, are gender-responsive and address gender-specific challenges.
- Provide training and capacity-building sessions on gender sensitivity for supervisors and team leaders.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of gender-inclusive supportive supervision practices to reach more zero-dose and under-immunized children.
- Provincial Support for EAF Implementation in Tshopo and Maniema:
- Collaborate with provincial authorities in Tshopo and Maniema to ensure equity and gender considerations are integrated into PAO planning.
- Provide guidance and support for gender mainstreaming in all EAF (Equity Accelerator Fund) activities in these provinces to reach more zero-dose and under immunized children.
- Offer expert advice and technical assistance to provincial stakeholders and the Mashako Plan Steering Committee on integrating gender perspectives into their strategies and actions.
- Review and provide feedback on the committee's plans and initiatives to ensure they are people-centered, equitable, and gender-transformative.
- Monitoring and Reporting:
- Work with M&E team to assess the impact of gender-focused interventions and recommend improvements.
- Prepare and submit periodic updates on gender and equity activities, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
Competencies:
The following competencies reflect what is expected of all VillageReach employees; including examples of how one might demonstrate each of these competencies in one’s role. Personal Motivation and Drive: Is self-directed in one’s approach to work, but asks for help when needed; holds oneself accountable; undertakes self-development activities; seeks to build and master new skills; looks for and takes advantage of opportunities within the organization Collaboration & Effective Communication: Establishes and maintains effective relations with coworkers, partners & stakeholders and external parties; works collaboratively with others to accomplish organizational and team goals and objectives; works actively to resolve conflicts; expresses ideas and thoughts effectively; selects and uses appropriate communication methods and maintains meaningful communication with virtual coworkers and other parties to keep them informed Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: Takes personal responsibility for and supports others across the organization in creating and sustaining a diverse work environment where individuals are welcomed, valued, respected and supported; personally committed to attaining cultural competency including self-awareness of one’s own attitudes about culture and cross-cultural interactions; exhibits the willingness and ability to engage openly and respectfully around issues of race, colonialism, identity and culture; upholds equity in access to sharing of information, ideas, and opportunities throughout VillageReach Commitment to Excellence: Produces a high output of work, both in terms of quality and quantity; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; monitors work to ensure quality; has a personal commitment to the mission of VillageReach Solution Orientation & Innovation: Focuses on results and desired outcomes and how to best achieve them; gets the job done; sees opportunities for creative problem-solving while staying within the parameters of good practice; sees old problems in new ways and has novel approaches to solving those problems; contributes original and/or resourceful ideas to their area of responsibility; is able to consider and articulate risks and consequences of proposed innovations and factor these into decision-making
REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Communications, Public health, social sciences, etc…). Master’s degree preferred.
- At least 5 years of experience working focused on gender and equity issues in the health context.
- Prior experience in conducting gender-based analysis is strongly recommended.
- Prior experience working in immunization and/or community organizing and engagement, preferably with disadvantaged communities and related to public or community health services;
- Prior experience documenting program processes is desired;
- Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment.
- Proven success working with all levels of staff in a multicultural environment to achieve goals.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work well under pressure, and to adjust to frequently changing demands.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and reliable follow-through, with outstanding attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience working for an international organization is an asset;
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook), and documents, and other web-based applications required;
- Fluency in Swahili, French, English and ability in one other local languages is desired.
Other Qualifications:
- Comply with VillageReach’s COVID-19 vaccination policy.
- English and French language skills required.
- Strong communication and cross-cultural management skills including experience with government officials.
- Open mindedness to accommodate the non-traditional mix of disciplines within VillageReach and interpersonal skills to work effectively in partnership with others in the organization and externally.
- Established cultural competency in partnering with racial, cultural and linguistically diverse groups.
- Demonstrated understanding of challenges with working in rural, underserved context.
- Ability and confidence to identify and recommend creative solutions to a diverse group of stakeholders. Identifies both opportunities and needs for change.
- Ability to identify issues or problems and provide a respective solution that is feasible and acceptable to the local context. Explores and shares innovative best practices with others.
- Energy, intelligence, diplomacy, sound practical judgment.
- Ability to travel domestically or internationally, up to 10% of the time.
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
VillageReach has no private offices, employees work in a shared, open environment with task and conference rooms accessible to employees for privacy and meetings. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Due to the time zone differences between our Seattle office and our Country Offices and location of other global staff, US based staff are expected to be available for early morning meetings starting at 6am. In addition, our global HQ and Country office staff are expected to be available for late afternoon/evening meetings up to 6pm local time.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSION:
VillageReach is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to workforce diversity. We believe that diverse, equitably weighted perspectives foster an organizational capacity to create novel solutions that improve health in the most underserved and hard-to-reach areas. To align our values, innovations and impact, VillageReach is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse global workforce.
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
This is a non- immediate hire and therefore resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter to our online portal: http://www.villagereach.org/join-us/
Safeguarding:
VillageReach is committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults, and beneficiaries with whom it engages. We expect everyone working with us to share this commitment through our code of conduct.All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which may include criminal records. VillageReach participates in the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and, in line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.
Compensation:
VillageReach has an established compensation structure that is based on the relevant market and internally transparent. We hire people into the established range based on one’s experience and education and considering internal equity. We do not inquire about salary history.