Gender and Youth Engagement Officer

Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Gender and Youth Engagement Officer

Position Title: Gender and Youth Engagement Officer
Location: Baidoa, Southwest State, Somalia
Project: Empowering Marginalized Groups through Economic Graduation in Somalia (EMERGE)
Contract Type: Full-Time

Date: 28th November 2024

Introduction

Center for Research and Integrated Development (CeRID) is implementing the Empowering Marginalized Groups through Economic Graduation in Somalia (EMERGE) project in Baidoa, Southwest State. This project seeks to empower marginalized communities by integrating gender equality and youth inclusion into all activities. The Gender and Youth Engagement Officer will ensure that women and youth are actively engaged and have equal opportunities to participate in livelihood development activities, savings groups, and economic empowerment initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote gender equality and ensure the active participation of women and youth in all project activities, including livelihood and savings group initiatives.
• Work closely with community leaders, including religious leaders and gatekeepers, to raise awareness about gender equality and youth inclusion.
• Facilitate the integration of gender-sensitive approaches into all project components, ensuring that activities are designed to benefit women and youth equally.
• Support the development of training modules that address gender and youth empowerment within the project’s livelihoods programs.
• Organize and lead community dialogue sessions on gender issues, youth empowerment, and social inclusion.
• Provide mentoring and coaching to youth participants and female beneficiaries in livelihood development and savings groups.
• Ensure that project interventions consider and address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women and youth.
• Monitor the progress and impact of gender and youth inclusion activities, providing regular reports and recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with other project officers and stakeholders to ensure the mainstreaming of gender and youth perspectives in all areas of the project.
• Advocate for policy changes or improvements that would further support gender and youth empowerment within the project area.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, Social Work, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Experience:
• At least 3 years of experience in gender mainstreaming, youth empowerment, or social development in a community-based setting.
• Proven experience working with marginalized populations, especially women and youth in rural or fragile contexts.
• Familiarity with gender and youth-sensitive development strategies and approaches.
• Skills:
• Strong facilitation, communication, and training skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with diverse community groups.
• Experience in program design and monitoring and evaluation, particularly on gender and youth issues.
• Knowledge of the cultural dynamics in Somalia and a strong understanding of gender norms and youth challenges.
• Language: Fluency in Somali and English is required.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and cover letter to [ [email protected]] by [5th December 2024]. Please include “Gender and Youth Engagement Officer” in the subject line of your email. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.