Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Specialist: USAID Solid Waste Reduction Program

Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources. By linking local individuals and communities with new ideas and technology, Winrock is increasing long-term productivity, equity, and responsible resource management to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of the world.

GENERAL:

Winrock is accepting applications for the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Specialist for the USAID funded Solid Waste Reduction Program. The goal of this five-year (2024-2029), USAID-funded project is to reduce waste in communities and municipalities, leading to clean oceans in the DR. It will achieve a significant reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by establishing composting of organic waste, reducing methane production; and by increasing plastic recycling rates, reducing emissions from the fossil fuels used to make virgin plastic.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The GESI Specialist will lead the overall programmatic and institutional integration of GESI. This includes leading the design, implementation, and monitoring of a GESI action plan, strengthening the GESI capacity of program staff and partners, and facilitating ongoing learning around GESI. The GESI Specialist will ensure that the program consistently adopts community-based approaches and prioritizes the unique needs of individuals living at various identity intersections. The GESI Specialist will report to the Chief of Party and collaborate closely with Winrock’s home office Senior GESI Technical Lead.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the design and implementation of an intersectional GESI analysis at startup and use the findings to inform the design of a programmatic GESI strategy.
• Lead the implementation and monitoring of the program’s GESI strategy.
• Provide technical leadership to program technical staff to consistently integrate GESI into activities, assessments/evaluations, tools, communication materials, partnership agreements, etc.
• Regularly inform program action planning and MEL activities to ensure GESI remains a key consideration.
• Work closely with the MEL team to integrate GESI into the program’s MEL plan and framework, including systematic disaggregation of data by sex, age, and other context-relevant social identities.
• Work with the MEL team and other technical staff to advance key learning questions around gender equity and social inclusion.
• Facilitate ongoing learning around GESI (i.e., setting a learning agenda, creating opportunities for regular community consultations, and collecting qualitative data from project participants).
• Strengthen the GESI capacity of program staff and partners via regular workshops and refreshers.
• Facilitate annual GESI Pause & Reflect sessions for program staff and partners.
• Showcase the program’s GESI learnings and achievements with other development actors through external partner platforms.
• Actively engage in internal relationship building, providing program staff and implementing partners with updates on the GESI strategy.
• Mentor program staff on GESI integration.
• Lead the design and implementation of a GESI assessment at program closeout.
• Represent the program at relevant conferences and stakeholder and donor meetings as appropriate.
• Maintain a close working relationship with the home office Senior GESI Technical Lead and collaborate as needed on GESI integration for the program (e.g., development of training materials, GESI strategy development, report writing, etc.).

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:
  • Minimum of a master’s degree and 4 years of experience, a PhD and 2 years of experience, a bachelor’s degree and 6 years of experience, or a high school diploma and 10 years of experience.
  • Degree in International Development, International Studies/Relations, Gender & Development, social science, or a related field required.
• Experience:
  
  • Strong demonstrated experience providing GESI technical guidance to international development projects, preferably in the Latin America region.
  • Demonstrated understanding and experience applying intersectional and inclusive development approaches.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of male engagement approaches and experience applying male engagement strategies.
  • Demonstrated experience in advising on integrating GESI in solid waste management, climate change, environment, economic growth, or circular economy.
  • Expert GESI analysis skills including sample design, mixed method designs, instrument development, and data analysis.
  • Experience designing and facilitating in-person and virtual GESI trainings/workshops.
  • Demonstrated experience with reflective practice methodology.
  • Strong understanding of issues historically marginalized populations face in the Dominican Republic and the broader Latin America region.
  • Experience working with USAID-funded projects is an advantage.
  • Familiarity with USAID GESI policies, approaches, tools, and frameworks is an advantage.
  • Knowledge of the political, social, cultural, environmental, and development context of the Dominican Republic.

• Skills:

  • Strong understanding of ‘Do No Harm’ principles and ability to translate these principles programmatically.
  • Strong work planning, organization, and strategic thinking skills.
  • Ability to build effective working relations with colleagues and partners.
  • Ability to mentor colleagues in writing and communicating around GESI issues.
  • Ability to collaborate with individuals from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain discretion and work with highly confidential and/or protected information required.
  • Demonstrated strong communication skills (interpersonal, verbal, and written) in English and fluency in Spanish.

OTHER:

This position is not eligible for expatriate benefits and follows a Dominican Republic salary scale. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.

Winrock is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people and value diversity and inclusiveness. Winrock recruits, employs, trains, promotes and compensates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, or any other basis protected by law.

At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation.

Winrock knows that its success comes from the hard work and steadfast dedication of its diverse workforce. Winrock remains committed to maintaining diversity, inclusion and equity across the entire organization.