Job description
Location: Abuja, Nigeria (with travel to project sites as required)
Title: GESI Expert
Work Arrangement: Short-Term-Technical-Assistance (STTA) To be present periodically in Abuja, Nigeria (periodic field visits across project locations on short notice)
Background
The project seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem by facilitating pathways to commercialization, fostering academia-industry collaboration, and scaling the participatory technology development (PTD) model across the country. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) is a cross-cutting theme, ensuring that marginalized and underrepresented groups especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities actively participate in and benefit from research, innovation, and commercialization activities. The GESI Expert will ensure that the project mainstreams GESI principles across all activities and contributes to a more inclusive research and innovation system in Nigeria.
Objectives of the Role
The GESI Expert will: Lead the integration of GESI principles into all aspects of the project, ensuring inclusive participation and equitable benefits.
Provide technical guidance on GESI mainstreaming across research-to-commercialization (R2C) activities, partnerships, and policy advocacy efforts.
Develop and implement strategies to improve access to innovation resources for marginalized groups.
Monitor and evaluate the project’s GESI-related outcomes and ensure continuous learning and adaptation.
Support Team and Stakeholders in grants writing – Technical inputs needed
Key Responsibilities
GESI Strategy Development & Implementation
Develop a GESI integration strategy aligned with project objectives and national policies.
Conduct a GESI assessment to identify barriers and opportunities for inclusion in the innovation ecosystem.
Design targeted interventions to increase participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in technology development, commercialization, and entrepreneurship.
Capacity Building & Stakeholder Engagement
Train project staff, research institutions, and private sector partners on best practices in GESI mainstreaming.
Support research institutions, CONESAM clusters to adopt inclusive innovation approaches.
Foster partnerships with gender-focused organizations, advocacy groups, and policymakers to amplify impact.
Policy Advocacy & Knowledge Management
Develop policy briefs, case studies, and success stories showcasing inclusive innovation models.
Engage with government agencies to integrate GESI considerations into national policies.
Support the organization of inclusive stakeholder dialogues, including NAMIS (National Agricultural Mechanization Summit).
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
Establish GESI-specific indicators and ensure data collection is disaggregated by gender and other social markers.
Work closely with the MEL team to track the impact of GESI interventions and recommend improvements.
Develop quarterly and annual reports on GESI outcomes and lessons learned.
Required Qualifications & Experience
Essential:
A degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in GESI mainstreaming within research, innovation, or development projects.
Demonstrated experience designing and implementing GESI strategies in multi-stakeholder environments.
Strong understanding of barriers faced by women, youth, and marginalized groups in STEM and entrepreneurship.
Experience working with government institutions, academia, and the private sector to promote inclusive innovation.
Excellent writing skills, with experience producing policy briefs, case studies, and reports.
Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting on GESI outcomes.
Desirable:
Prior experience working on FCDO-funded projects or similar donor-funded initiatives.
Familiarity with Nigeria’s research and innovation policy landscape.
Deliverables
GESI strategy and action plan developed within the first one month.
Capacity-building workshops conducted for project partners and stakeholders.
Policy briefs and reports produced highlighting key GESI interventions.
Quarterly and annual GESI monitoring reports submitted.
Recommendations for sustainability and institutionalization of GESI principles beyond project lifespan.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit: A cover letter highlighting their experience and suitability for the role.
An updated CV with references.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview and competency-based assessment.
Engagement duration 40 days
Engagement duration 40 days
Quarter: First Quarter
Month: January – March
Number of days: 10
Key Activities: To be agreed ahead of each Quarter
Quarter: Second Quarter April – June
Month: April – June
Number of days: 10
Key Activities: To be agreed ahead of each Quarter
Quarter: Third Quarter
Month: July – September
Number of days: 10
Key Activities: To be agreed ahead of each Quarter
Quarter: Fourth Quarter
Month: October – December
Number of days: 10
Key Activities: To be agreed ahead of each Quarter
Total Days: 40 days
More Information
- Job City Abuja
