SNV is an international development partner with a mission, rooted in the contexts and societies in which it works. We contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the effectiveness of our programmes and our strategy of influence, with the transformation of agri-food, energy and water supply systems as our central focus to enable more sustainable and equitable living conditions for all. We are a team of more than 1,600 people, the vast majority of whom come from more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia where we work. For more information, visit our website: www.snv.org

As part of our new 2030 strategic plan, SNV aims for a world where, in all societies, everyone lives with dignity and has a fair chance to thrive sustainably. Its mission is to build capacity and increase partnerships that transform agri-food, energy and water systems, enabling more sustainable and equitable living conditions for all.

SNV is positioning itself for an upcoming 10-year project that will focus on soil fertility in Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria and Mali, funded by DGIS (Dutch cooperation) and implemented by IFDC lead of the consortium.

The overall objective of the programme is formulated as follows: "By 2033, sustainable soil fertility management will be a pillar of Sahelian agricultural systems and boost food systems in an ecologically sustainable way".

Soil Values aims to support the large-scale adoption of proven technologies and approaches, ensuring social inclusion, that improve soil fertility on 2.0 million hectares of arable land for 1.5 million smallholder food producers in 40 watersheds.

SNV is looking for a multi country Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Expert who will be responsible for the overall GESI strategy of the programme. S/he works under direct supervision of the Chief Component Lead/ MC Programme Manager. The multi country GESI Expert will supervise the countries’ GESI junior Experts, alongside responsibility of developing and implementing GESI related project workplans, supporting timely and quality delivery and work closely with the consortium key Experts, in all four countries.

As part of the Programme Team, the GESI Expert will be expected to lead development of a GESI action plan for both practical and strategic GESI ambitions for the programme, build partner capacity, work with and empower a wide selection of partners. Knowledge of gender and other excluded groups, socio-economic and conflict dynamics in different geographic locations across the Sahel will be essential.

The GESI Expert will play a critical role in mainstreaming GESI considerations at all levels and in all components of the project considering power differences and will be responsible for materializing the three components of the GESI approach -namely improving access to public decision making, women and youth entrepreneurship and recognizing and understanding the dynamics of specific group exclusion.

The GESI Expert will work alongside SNV Global GESI and Sector teams to understand issues, such as how gender inequality and social exclusion of specific groups impact access and availability to Soil Fertility. S/he will provide advice and product design on how these can be addressed in practical terms, working with multi-tiered government, partners, and local stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities :

Gender Equality

• Initiate and lead an advanced analysis of the target areas with a view to identifying gender norms and the root causes of existing inequalities among male and female farmers and pastoralists regarding their access to / control over natural resources, land tenure, inputs, market, marketing with respect to soil fertility.
• Develop and steer the execution of an implementation strategy and, define robust processes and standardize procedures to address the negative influence of social norms that limit access to/control over productive resources by specific groups.
• Identify capacity-building needs in terms of gender equality at all levels of the project team and propose capacity-building modalities to be applied;
• Lead the production of new training modules required for capacity building, including power, equality, unconscious bias, positive masculinity, and female leadership.
• Monitor and analyze gender equality indicators and all gender-age disaggregated project indicators.

Social Inclusion :

• Initiate and pilot an advanced analysis of target areas with a view to identifying potential social divisions, factors and policies that may lead to social exclusion and conflict, while paying attention to unifying elements that can be exploited to strengthen social inclusion and conflict prevention, which will be central to project implementation.
• Establish solid processes and standardize procedures for a systemic analysis of social exclusion and conflicts specifically involving women, young people, people living with disabilities and pastoralist within the framework of the project;
• Ensure the integration of social inclusion and conflict-sensitive approaches into the strategic planning, programming and implementation of project operations;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of a social inclusion and conflict-sensitive planning, monitoring and evaluation system for the project;
• Train and coach project staff in order to sustainably integrate the "Do no Harm" principles into project implementation;
• Ensure that SNV and consortium partners adhere to best practice and donor standards for social inclusion and conflict sensitivity reporting;
• Contribute to the development of knowledge on social inclusion and conflict sensitivity in the Sahel and Northern Nigeria.

• University Degree, preferably Masters level, in the field of development, gender, economics, social sciences, or related studies;
• At least 5 years and above experience in providing technical assistance in Gender Equality, Social Inclusion, Conflict sensitivity, Community Engagement and Accountability in Agrifood projects;
• Experience managing teams delivering high quality programmes and developing and implementing programme workplans;
• Strong understanding of the local context, politics and GESI dynamics in the Sahel and Northern regions of Nigeria
• Proven experience in developing training modules and conducting training;
• Experience in GESI project monitoring and evaluation;
• Experience of working at local level: with elected representatives and grassroots associations, etc.
• Fluency in French and English essential
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and French.

Essential skills

• Proven ability to build strong collaborative, coaching and capacity-building relationships in a cross-cultural setting;
• Clear, tactful and sensitive communication, networking and interpersonal skills to interact with different social and cultural backgrounds;
• Ability to work independently and as part of the team, and work effectively with co-workers, partner agencies and the private sector.
• Ability to travel frequently to the project operational areas – approx. 50%
• Excellent report writing, research, editing and oral presentation skills;
• Effective planning, autonomy, prioritization, time management and organizational skills;
• Capacity and strategy for empowering local stakeholders;
• Computer proficiency is required.

Conditions of employment

This is a full-time national position based in Abuja, with regular travel to other countries. The· The successful candidate will be hired for a contract of 2 years, with the possibility of renewal. The salary is competitive and proportional to qualifications and experience and includes a competitive benefits package.

Additional information

• Contract Type: Full time, National
• Duty Station: Abuja (Nigeria)
• Contract Duration: 2 years with the possibility of extension
• Expected Start Date: January 2024
• Travel: Frequently within West-Africa (50%)
• Recruitment procedure: Preselection on file – Written test – Interview

How to apply
If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and a letter of motivation before/on the 22th of December 2023. Please submit your application only via Smart Recruiters. All information will be processed in the strictest confidence. 

*SNV is an equal opportunities employer and female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Working at SNV
SNV offers a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from, and contribute to, an internal and global network of experts.

Vetting
SNV carries out rigorous background and reference checks concerning possible safeguarding incidents for all candidates applying. As SNV participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a request to past employers to fill in a questionnaire regarding Misconduct (sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment), the “Statement of Conduct". This Statement of Conduct adopts the definitions used in the Scheme.  

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