Gender Specialist

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Connexus Corporation’s mission is to provide high quality global consulting services to transform international development and build local capacity. Founded in 2008 (formerly AZMJ), Connexus has experience working in over 32 countries around the world, delivering technical services that include facilitating access to finance and investment, enterprise development, knowledge management, and rural and agricultural market development, among others. Connexus is well known for its ability to build and manage public-private partnerships as part of a market-driven approach to overcoming obstacles and generating results for our clients in a way that enhances the lives of the poor. A small, woman-owned company with a diverse base of clients ranging from international bilateral and multilateral donors to financial institutions and private sector companies, Connexus is committed to understanding our clients’ objectives and developing timely, focused and dynamic strategies in response.

JOB SUMMARY

Qualifications Master's Degree in Gender Studies, Rural Development, Agriculture or another relevant field with a minimum of 6 years of professional experience, preferably for USAID or another donor-funded project; or Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, Rural Development, Agriculture or another relevant field with a minimum 8 years of experience, preferably for USAID or another donor-funded project. Strong understanding of gender dynamics, women's empowerment strategies, and social inclusion principles, especially for an agricultural market systems development project. Proven experience conducting gender analyses, developing gender-sensitive tools, and implementing gender mainstreaming approaches. Excellent written communication skills, including ability to contribute to high-quality project reports. Fluency in English required and other local languages desired. Must be authorized to work in Nigeria.

RESPONSIBILITIES

About the Opportunity We are seeking qualified candidates for the position of Gender Specialist for the anticipated USAID/Nigeria Value Chain Activity. The Gender Specialist will be responsible for ensuring gender equality throughout all project activities, including identifying gender disparities, developing strategies to address them, and promoting women’s empowerment in agriculture. Note: this is a preliminary position description and may be clarified further after solicitation release.Tasks and Duties Conduct gender analyses to identify barriers and opportunities for women's increased participation and empowerment in agriculture market systems. Collaborate with Activity staff to integrate gender considerations into project design, implementation, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes. Assist women in agriculture to identify and develop viable agribusiness opportunities, including supporting them on business planning, market analysis, and access to finance. Facilitate connections between women in agriculture and key market actors, such as input suppliers, buyers, processors, and financial institutions to enhance their market access and integration. Facilitate workshops and trainings on gender equality, women's empowerment, and social inclusion for project stakeholders, including the private sector, extension workers, and market actors. Provide technical assistance to ensure that project activities promote gender equality and benefit women, youth, and marginalized groups. Collaborate with local organizations, private sector stakeholders, and other development partners to leverage resources, expertise, and networks for maximizing the impact of gender-focused interventions in agricultural market systems.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Reporting, Training delivery, Social sciences, Documentation and record keeping

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Post-graduate education