Gender Equity and Social Inclusion Officer

Ministry of Agriculture, Fiji·Other

Office & Admin·Full time

1 day ago

About the company

The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry (MoAW&SI) is a Fijian government ministry partnering with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change on a Multiphase Adaptive Programme (MAP), co-financed by the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD). The programme supports sustainable growth and resilience of Fiji's rural economy through ecosystem management and profitable economic initiatives, with a development objective to improve rural livelihoods and community resilience through sustainable blue and green initiatives, market access and biodiversity protection.

About the role

This role is based in Savusavu, Vanua Levu, and works under the direct leadership of the Technical Manager (IFAD Investments) within the Project Management Unit (PMU). The project targets six districts in Cakaudrove Province, engaging 3,500 households in participatory biodiversity conservation, land restoration, agri-value chains and training. The officer coordinates and facilitates implementation of gender, youth and Indigenous Peoples (iTaukei) inclusion interventions, working closely with PMU members and implementing partners to operationalise GESI-related activities across project investments. The position also involves close working relationships with MOAWSI technical divisions, other government ministries, provincial stakeholders in Cakaudrove, Bua and Macuata, local communities, NGOs and development partners across Vanua Levu. The contract term is 6 years with an annual performance review and a 6-month probationary period.

Key responsibilities

• Advise and support the Project Manager, PMU members and field officers on mainstreaming targeting, gender and social inclusion in project activities
• Develop and regularly update an overall GESI strategy and action plan covering gender, youth and iTaukei inclusion
• Collaborate with PDCF and Fiji Crop & Livestock Council in tailoring the Family Farm Team approach to the project
• Facilitate implementation of gender, youth and social inclusion activities with stakeholders such as Lead Implementing Partners and the Cakaudrove Provincial Youth Council
• Ensure GESI activities are reflected in AWP/B preparation, the project M&E system, SECAP implementation, progress reports and supervision
• Establish an M&E system with PMU staff that captures disaggregated data on gender and social inclusion, and document and share learning products
• Undertake capacity assessments and provide capacity-building on gender equality and social inclusion for field staff, PMU, implementing partners and service providers
• Serve as a communication channel on gender and social inclusion between the project, government, implementing agencies, development partners and IFAD, and present evidence-based good practices in national forums

About the successful candidate

• A higher degree in gender studies, social sciences, political science or equivalent work experience of at least 5 years
• Proven experience of at least 5 years in gender mainstreaming, social inclusion or related fields within development or humanitarian programs
• Skills in participatory research, community engagement and facilitation
• Knowledge of relevant frameworks such as CEDAW, CRPD and the Sustainable Development Goals
• Ability to translate complex concepts into practical, actionable strategies for diverse audiences
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across cultures and disciplines
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation and reporting on GESI outcomes is an advantage
• Fluency in English (written and spoken), plus strong organizational, analytical and computer literacy skills