East Africa GEDI Regional Manager

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. The IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we improve outcomes in the areas of health, safety, economic wellbeing, education and power.

In early 2022, the IRC adopted a global Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) framework. The new framework captures the IRC’s commitment to ensure that diverse clients, partners, and staff have the power, voice and agency to shape programs and operations. The ability to realize this change will rest on three pillars or areas of work: Who We Are, which promotes team diversity and inclusive organizational culture; What We Do, which supports client centered program design and delivery; and What We Say and How We Engage, which ensures inclusive internal and external communications.

In the East Africa region, this vision will be translated into regional and country-level action plans, that align to and support our global aspirations, and draw on findings from a Global People Survey, a Global HR Equity Study, and more than four years‘ experience of gender equality work within the East Africa region.

The new, expanded vision for GEDI in programs and operations is ambitious, and more support is required to ensure quality technical assistance to countries, and adequate coordination at the regional level. The IRC is therefore looking for a qualified, candidate who can support the GEDI Director for East Africa, with GEDI-related research, administration, coordination and special projects with a focus on disability inclusion.

Job Overview/Summary:

The Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Manager for the East Africa region will be responsible for supporting the GEDI Director to ensure that country teams and the region are making steady progress towards global and regional GEDI targets by providing ongoing administrative and technical support, with day-to-day activities and strategic projects.

Major Responsibilities:

• Convene meetings with regional GEDI focal points, Women@Work (W@W) and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to foster a staff-led community of practice that builds a more equal, diverse and inclusive office culture and work environment.

• Support communication efforts (blogs, newsletters, emails, case studies etc.) to raise awareness on GEDI issues and to increase the visibility of GEDI work in the East Africa region.

• Maintain detailed, up-to-date records of all GEDI stakeholders within the region (W@W, GEDI focal points, female Safety and Security Focal points, ERG members), and track activities, including attendance in trainings, discussions, and forums.

• Closely monitor and follow up with teams on the implementation of regional and country-level GEDI workplans, to identify areas of support and appropriate action steps.

• Help with the design and roll-out of contextually-adapted training tools, resources and “conversation starter” resources for GEDI focal points to lead discussion and raise awareness on GEDI in the workplace.

• Take the lead on internal research efforts involving tool development, data collection and cleaning and analysis.

• Work with HR teams on disability inclusion efforts in staff recruitment and retention cycle–including staff training, adaptation of recruitment materials and approach, staff intake forms etc.

• Assist as needed with special initiatives -like team diversity analyses, female mentorship program, Inspiring Women Guest Speakers series, inclusive infrastructure minimum standards, and the establishment of staff ERGs.

Required qualification and skill:

• Bachelor’s degree in gender, women studies, disability studies, social sciences, law, psychology, history, humanities or a related discipline.

• 4 years professional experience in one or more of the following areas: gender mainstreaming, social justice research and activism, gender-based violence prevention and response, and protection.

• Technical background in disability inclusion (minimum 3 years experience) within the humanitarian and development sectors

• Familiarity with feminist principles, and their application within the humanitarian and development sectors.

• Exceptional organizational and administrative skills, with a proven ability to manage competing priorities.

• Exceptional attention to detail to identify and to address multifaceted business needs.

• Ability to work independently and to deliver high quality work in a complex, face paced environment.

• Ability to analyze GEDI-related data and advise on trends.

• Demonstrated experience and understanding of organizational change processes.

• Good communication, report writing and presentation skills essential –in English and another language in the East Africa region

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to develop positive relationships with local and remote team members in disperse geographic settings

• Experience working collaboratively and advocating for the needs of marginalized staff and clients.

• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive situations diplomatically and in a confidential manner.

• Ability to travel to IRC offices within the region to promote GEDI awareness through trainings and orientations.

• Computer skills are required – MS Office package and Internet.

• Flexible, culturally sensitive, and open minded, with a desire to learn and evolve as a practitioner and person.

Key Working Relationships:

Direct Reporting: GEDI Director for East Africa

Partnership and Consultation: GEDI country managers and officers, GEDI focal points, W@W, Female Safety and Security Focal Points, Safeguarding focal points

External: IRC Organizational Partners, GEDI Cluster Groups

Standards for Professional Conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.