Gender Officer - Freetown

Organization: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Network (WASHNet)
Job title: Gender Officer (national post)
Reports to: Program Manager
Duty station: Freetown, Sierra Leone (Flexible, with frequent travel to project sites)
Job type: Full-time (1-2 years, with possibility for extension to another 2 years).
BACKGROUND:
The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Network (WASH-Net) has operated in Sierra Leone since 2010, with its dedication to improving access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services for increased health outcomes in Sierra Leone. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Advocacy and Campaigns Officer to support our advocacy engagements and interventions at the national level and across multiple districts in Sierra Leone.
JOB PROFILE:
WASHNet Sierra Leone is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Gender Officer to join our team. The Gender Officer will play a critical role in ensuring gender-sensitive approaches are integrated into all aspects of the organisation’s programs and projects. This position will focus on promoting the active participation of women and marginalised groups in WASH sector programs and implementation, addressing gender-specific needs, and advocating for gender equity in the communities and districts we serve.
As a matter of fact, WASHNet is entering an exciting new phase in its development with an ambitious five-year national strategy and the post holder will play a vital role in helping us to achieve our broader goal to ensure access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation for all.  He/she works within the guidelines, policies and mission of the organization and will be accountable and responsible for specific tasks as assigned. In this exciting role, s/he will work on generating specific gender issues across the various programs and areas of intervention. As Gender Officer, s/he will work along the following:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Gender Integration and Mainstreaming:

• Develop and implement gender-sensitive strategies and action plans for the WASH project.
• Ensure that gender considerations are integrated into all project activities, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Conduct and consolidate rapid gender analysis of situations at project sites and use this information to develop, with partners, gender-based action plans for various aspects of the project.

Capacity Building and Training:

• Conduct gender training sessions and workshops for project staff, community members, and stakeholders.
• Build the capacity of the project team to understand and address gender issues effectively.
• Advise and assist in the development of gender-sensitive training materials, adapt existing training resources and support their integration into internal and external training processes.

Community Engagement:

• Promote the active participation of women and marginalized groups in WASH activities.
• Facilitate community dialogues and focus group discussions to understand gender-specific needs and challenges.
• Incorporate gender dimension into participatory planning and budgetary processes at district and national levels.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Develop gender-sensitive indicators and tools for monitoring and evaluating project outcomes.
• Conduct regular assessments to track progress and impact on gender equity.

Advocacy and Communication:

• Advocate for gender equity and the inclusion of women in WASH decision-making processes.
• Prepare reports, case studies, and communication materials highlighting gender issues and project achievements.

Collaboration and Networking:

• Collaborate with local organizations, government agencies, and international partners to promote gender equity in WASH.
• Participate in gender forums and networks to share knowledge and best practices.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an advantage.
• At least 3 years of experience in gender mainstreaming, preferably in the WASH/public health sector or development contexts/projects.
• Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of local languages is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and engage with local communities.