Gender and Inclusion Specialist - Democracy International

DI provides technical assistance, analytical services and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance and conflict mitigation programs worldwide for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. State Department and other development partners.

Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 80+ countries.

DI welcomes and supports a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and for DI employees. DI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making.

Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at DI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities

Job Description

Democracy International (DI) is seeking to hire a Gender and Inclusion Specialist for the five-year Performance Accountability Activity in Ghana funded by USAID. Based in Accra, Ghana, the project enables sustainable practices for public participation to improve the accountability and quality of public service delivery in Ghana and strengthen the relationship of citizens with their local governments. This will be a full-time position based in Accra, Ghana. This position is only open to Ghanaian citizens.

The Gender and Inclusion Specialist will manage and develop programmatic activities to build capacities of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) representing a range of Ghanian identities, including women, youth, people with disabilities (PWD), and other marginalized ethnic and/or social groups. The Gender and Inclusion Specialist will engage with participants in all program activities, including political institutions, CSOs, and government officials, to improve their ability to engage with civil society in the communities they represent.

Essential Job Duties

• Provide technical leadership to develop the programmatic strategy to strengthen the capacity of CSOs and community-based actors to integrate inclusive development in the program;
• Ensure every activity is inclusive of marginalized populations including women, youth, persons with disabilities and disadvantaged communities, and provide technical support to activity implementation.;
• Improve the equitable provision of services to vulnerable populations while also elevating their voices publicly to advocate for needed reforms;
• Train community leaders and government officials to incorporate the voices of these populations as part of their policy reforms;
• Inclusively engage key stakeholders in interventions that build the capacity of CSOs and other groups;
• Document and support the dissemination program successes and challenges to local stakeholders;
• Oversee partner technical work as applicable;
• Provide training and technical assistance to partner organizations;
• Orient staff to inclusion and equity in monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities

Required Skills or Experience

• At least five (5) years of experience in local governance, social accountability, gender empowerment, and democracy support, with experience navigating the political context in Ghana. Master’s degree preferred;
• Strong experience in community development and project management, focusing on gender.
• Expertise in inclusion analysis and CSOs capacity strengthening.
• Deep understanding of the best practices, approaches, and methodology in programming related to equity, inclusion, and youth engagement;
• Experience working in institutions with a focus on serving the needs of marginalized communities in civil society;
• Experience with and commitment to locally led development approaches (e.g., co-creation, grant making, cultivating collective action practices) and adaptive management processes;
• In-depth familiarity with, understanding of, and ability to successfully navigate within the Ghanian context;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders and team members;
• Professional fluency in English is required;
• Excellent computer skills