Senior GESI Advisor – Citizen Engagement Activity in Iraq (Proposal) – Iraq

Overview

Creative Associates International is a fast-growing social impact company specializing in education, economic growth, democratic transitions and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, this global development organization has a presence in more than 25 countries and a strong portfolio of clients including the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Department of State. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has built a solid reputation among its customers and is well regarded by both competitors and partners.

The Civic Engagement Activity (CEA) will promote a more politically engaged citizenry in Iraq, increasing social trust and citizen participation in the country’s governance and political processes. This will be done by increasing civic awareness and equipping citizens, especially members of marginalized groups, with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to participate more effectively. The program will prioritize localization, strengthening local leadership in design and priority setting, and integrating local capacity building in accordance with USAID policies. Subgrants will identify potential local partners for direct awards, ensuring CEA activities align with mission priorities and Iraqi citizens.

Creative Associates is seeking a Senior Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Advisor for the anticipated USAID/Iraq funded CEA. The Sr. GESI Advisor will ensure that CEA takes into account the many factors that cause people from different backgrounds and identities to experience and approach the challenges, risks and benefits of community engagement and literacy differently. They will focus in particular on women, youth, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals and ethno-religious minorities, and ensure that throughout the program cycle, all aspects of CEA are GESI-responsive and, to the extent practicable, GESI- remain transformative. The Sr. GESI Advisor will provide on-site technical support – i.e. technical assistance and capacity strengthening – to CEA staff, partners and stakeholders, while also advising CEA’s senior management team on how to maximize workforce diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. The Sr. GESI advisor reports to the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL).

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership in executing GESI strategies for all CEA activities.

Ensure that both CEA staff and local partner staff protect the dignity of all CEA participants from gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse.
* Oversee and conduct GESI analyzes and audits, and lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the subsequent CEA GESI strategy.
* Support formative research to integrate GESI responsiveness and other considerations.
* Support all aspects of monitoring CEA activities to ensure GESI integration.
* Represent CEA GESI considerations to all external stakeholders; disseminating learned insights and emerging practices; and participate in technical working groups.
* Ensure CEA alignment with inclusive development, gender, youth and other relevant USAID policies.
* Contribute to CEA progress reporting and other learning related to GESI integration.
* Provide GESI technical support to CEA staff, partners and stakeholders.
Qualifications

Required:

Advanced degree (master’s or higher) in a social sciences, international development, gender studies, or a related field.
* Minimum 6 years of experience ensuring GESI responsiveness in programming.
* Demonstrated technical expertise in inclusive development for at least one of the targeted marginalized identity groups.
* Demonstrated understanding of the GESI context (factors, actors and dynamics) in Iraq.
* Demonstrated ability to lead GESI analyzes and audits.
* Demonstrated ability to engage key influencers to catalyze social and behavioral change.
* Knowledge and familiarity with USAID funding.
*Fluent Arabic and English required.
Preference:
* Demonstrated experience integrating GESI considerations into AMELPs, annual work plans and project activities.
* Strong skills in training, facilitation, dispute resolution and coaching.
* Demonstrable competencies in participatory learning and action/formative research.
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