Terms of Reference (ToR)

Position Title: Gender Specialist
Project: Promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Schools Building on What Children Value and Aspire to Do and Be
Location: Cox’s Bazar
Reports To: Project Manager, Promoting GESI Project
Duration: 10 Days (15 January 2025 to 25 January 2025, Contract will be extended depends upon fund availability)

Last Date of Application: 25 December 2024

A. Background

RDRS Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Kathmandu University, School of Arts, Nepal, is implementing the "Promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Schools Building on What Children Value and Aspire to Do and Be" project. This initiative spans Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, focusing on fostering school environments where gender equality and social inclusion are not only taught but also experienced by students. The project aims to empower children to contribute to policy improvements and shape values that promote GESI within educational settings.
To advance these objectives, the project seeks to engage a Gender Specialist for a short-term assignment to design and implement strategies promoting gender equality and inclusivity in schools across Cox’s Bazar.

Objective of the Role:

To design and implement evidence-based strategies that promote gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) in schools across Cox's Bazar, empowering students and stakeholders to create and sustain inclusive educational environments. Through gender analysis, capacity building, and advocacy, the Gender Specialist will ensure the integration of GESI principles within project activities, fostering systemic change and aligning with the initiative's goals.

B. Key Responsibilities
1. Gender Analysis and Strategy Development

  • Conduct an in-depth analysis of gender dynamics in targeted schools to identify existing gaps and opportunities.
  • Develop gender-sensitive strategies and guidelines tailored to promote equality and inclusivity.

2. Capacity Building and Technical Support

  • Provide technical guidance to project staff and local partners on gender equality integration.
  • Organize and conduct capacity-building sessions, including training and workshops, for teachers, administrators, and community stakeholders.

3. Promoting Inclusive Participation

  • Develop initiatives encouraging the active participation of adolescent girls, women, and marginalized groups in the education sector.
  • Facilitate the creation of inclusive and gender-sensitive school environments.

4. Gender Mainstreaming and Advocacy

  • Ensure gender equality principles are embedded across all project activities.
  • Advocate for gender-responsive policies and practices in collaboration with local education authorities and other stakeholders.

5. Monitoring, Reporting, and Feedback

  • Track and evaluate the impact of gender equality initiatives and provide evidence-based feedback for improvements.
  • Submit comprehensive reports detailing achievements, challenges, and recommendations for sustainability.

6. Collaboration and Networking

  • Engage with local government officials, NGOs, school authorities, and community leaders to build a collaborative approach toward gender equality.

C. Qualifications and Competencies
Educational Background:

  • Master’s degree in Social Science, Gender Studies, or a related discipline. A postgraduate diploma in Gender Studies is highly desirable.

Experience:

  • Minimum of 3 years in gender-focused roles, preferably within the protection sector or education-focused humanitarian responses in Cox’s Bazar or similar contexts.
  • Proven experience in designing and implementing gender programs in education.

Skills:

  • Strong knowledge of gender equality, social inclusion, and safeguarding policies.
  • Excellent communication and training facilitation skills.
  • Proficiency in planning, organizing, and multitasking.

Other Requirements:

  • Demonstrated commitment to safeguarding, PSEAH, and organizational policies, including Code of Conduct.
  • Familiarity with issues related to HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence.

D. Deliverables

  1. A gender analysis report with recommendations for promoting inclusivity in schools.
  2. A set of gender-sensitive strategies and guidelines for schools.
  3. Training materials and reports on capacity-building sessions conducted.
  4. Final report summarizing the 10-day assignment, including challenges, lessons learned, and future recommendations.

Remuneration and Logistics

  • Salary:  BDT 100,000 (Consolidated)
  • Travel and Field Expenses: Provided as per organizational policy.
Mode of Employment: Contractual

For further details or clarifications, please contact [Insert Relevant Contact Information].

RDRS Bangladesh

Address:

RDRS Bangladesh, House no.43, Road no. 10, Sector 6, Uttara, Dhaka

Application Procedure

Business:

RDRS Bangladesh is a national humanitarian and development organization works for rural development by empowering the rural poor in northwest Bangladesh. RDRS was formally established as the Bangladesh field program of the Geneva-based Lutheran World Federation/Department for World Service (LWF/DWS) on 8 February 1972. Its development aim is to achieve sustainable increases in their living standards. With this aim, RDRS enables those who participate in its program to gain the necessary skills, understanding, confidence, institutions and services; and ensure that the rural communities have the necessary economic, social and environmental resources. RDRS employees approximate 3,700 staff and works with a further approximately 1,000 volunteers and daily paid workers. The vast majority of staff are in field positions, with specialist sectoral and support units in Rangpur and Dhaka.