Position: GEDSI Technical Specialist
Work location: Kathmandu district with frequent travel to project sites
Report to: General Secretary /Educative Director 
Duration: 1 year (with possibility of extension)

JOB OVERVIEW and CORE PURPOSE

The GEDSI Technical Specialist oversees ACCESS – Accelerating Civil Society’s Role in Securing Education for All in Madhesh, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces _ ACCESS programme.  The GEDSI Technical Specialist will be prime responsible to spearhead the leadership and technical guidance for the gender and disabilities perspective in and across the program component. The GEDSI Technical Specialist will closely work with PIN, NCE, Accountability Lab and NDWA's related staffs. 

S/he will develop and maintain effective and authentic collaboration and works in close collaboration with funding agency, technical team/section, executive board to ensure effective delivery of our project and organization strategy; and maintains high standards and quality. s/he provides support to strengthen the organizational capacity & expertise to the NDWA executive management. 

Major Responsibilities and Tasks:

Technical expert 

• Conduct thorough analyses to understand the specific needs, barriers, and opportunities related to gender and disability within the project context. This includes collecting and analyzing data on the experiences of women and children with disabilities
• Engage with various stakeholders, including community members, local government officials, and representatives from civil society organizations, to gather diverse perspectives and ensure inclusive participation.
• Use the findings from these analyses and consultations to contribute to the design and implementation of project strategies, ensuring they are gender-sensitive and disability-inclusive.
• Ensure that women and children with disabilities and their parents are actively represented in project activities, especially in dialogues with key stakeholders.
• Promote practices that ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of the project, from planning to execution.
• Advocate for the rights and needs of persons with disabilities in stakeholder meetings and project planning sessions.
• Develop Manuals, Curriculums,  training sessions to CSOs that align with the School Education Sector Plan (SESP) standards, inclusive education methodology incorporating principles of disability inclusion and gender equality.
• Ensure that training materials are accessible and that sessions are conducted in a manner that accommodates participants with disabilities.
• Build the capacity of project staff and partners to understand and implement inclusive education practices.
• Examine project-related documents to ensure they reflect a commitment to gender equality and disability inclusion.
• Provide constructive feedback on these documents to enhance their inclusivity.
• Prepare reports and summaries of findings from the document reviews, highlighting areas for improvement and best practices.
• Organize and lead discussions with gender focal points from local governments and other stakeholders to ensure gender and disability issues are addressed.
• Facilitate regular meetings to promote the exchange of ideas and collaborative problem-solving.
• Engage with a broad range of stakeholders to build a comprehensive understanding of local gender and disability dynamics.
• Provide expert advice to ensure that the review approach and deliverables are sensitive to gender and disability issues.
• Ensure that review strategies align with the project’s gender and disability inclusion objectives.
• Oversee the quality and relevance of review deliverables to ensure they effectively address gender and disability concerns.
• Continuously seek ways to improve GEDSI outcomes in all project activities.
• Work with civil society organizations to identify and strengthen areas where GEDSI outcomes can be enhanced.
• Ensure that GEDSI considerations are integrated into the planning and implementation of all key project activities.
• Adapt program activities to address specific GEDSI and safeguarding needs throughout the project cycle.
• Ensure that GEDSI principles are incorporated in the assessment, design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation phases.
• Implement safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable populations, particularly women and children with disabilities.
• Work closely with the PIN, NCE, NDWA and ALN team, provincial GEDSI Coordinators, agency-based advisers, and the program management team.
• Maintain regular communication to ensure coordinated and effective GEDSI efforts.
• Align efforts with the shared objectives of NDWA, PIN, and NCE to promote gender equality and disability inclusion.
• Lead GEDSI analysis activities with program staff, beneficiaries, and key stakeholders to gather data and insights.
• Utilize the findings to inform project design and implementation, ensuring they are inclusive and effective.
• Engage with a wide range of stakeholders such as all layers of government, other CSOs to ensure comprehensive GEDSI analysis.
• Adhere to the PIN and NDWA’s Data Protection Policy to ensure the confidentiality of sensitive data and information.
• Follow best practices for data handling to protect the privacy and security of all project participants.
• Ensure PIN and NDWA’s all data management practices comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as a key resource for GEDSI initiatives, providing guidance and support to ensure their successful integration into project activities.
• Act as a liaison between different project teams to promote the incorporation of GEDSI principles.
• Facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices on GEDSI within the project and among partners.
• Coordinate the planning, implementation, and reporting of the GEDSI Action Plan in line with the GEDSI framework.
• Ensure that the Action Plan is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect evolving project needs and priorities.
• Monitor the outcomes of the Action Plan to ensure it effectively promotes gender equality and disability inclusion.
• Develop Manuals, Curriculums and training formats and materials that are relevant and effective in promoting GEDSI principles.
• Regularly review and update training materials to ensure they remain current and address emerging issues.
• Incorporate feedback from training participants to continuously improve the content and delivery of GEDSI training sessions.
• Provide guidance in monitoring staff, and consultants/suppliers’ adherence to NDWA’s and Lead Organization’s  policies and internal procedures, protocols, NDWA’s and Lead Organization’s Code of Conduct, with special attention to Safeguarding Standards and Procedure including Case Handling, Child Protection and Do No Harm policies; immediate reporting and response of any complaints and issues based on its severity.
• Ensure safety, security and risks measure of staff and asset in the field office; and update risk register.  
• Support organization and project in developing contingency planning and emergency response.  

Additional Duties - In addition to the above, he/she may be required to carry out other duties that will be assigned by the line manager.

Qualifications, Experiences & Key Competencies:

• Master’s degree in social science, inclusive education, women studies, Gender Studies or another relevant subject with significant working experiences of more than 3 years in applying gender analysis. Or  Master’s degree in social science, inclusive education, women studies, Gender Studies or another relevant subject with significant working experiences of more than 5 years in applying gender analysis.

The GEDSI specialist must have a deep understanding and have experience of:

• Significant prior experience (at least 3-5 years) using evidence-based assessments and evaluations of development programme from perspectives of gender and disability. 
• Strong understanding of strategies, requirements and standards on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and disability inclusions
• Experience with gender analysis and strong knowledge of gender and disability issue within the context of Nepal
• Knowledge of SESP (School Education Sector Plan), GIEN (Girls and Inclusive Education Network) and Nepal School Education Sector
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Proficiency in Nepali and English language.

Reporting, collaboration, and Networking:

• Act as program’s GEDSI focal person for all communication and coordination with stakeholders represent NDWA and "ACCESS" professionally with external stakeholders, including government, non-governmental agencies and the donor.
• Ensure that NDWA and "ACCESS" is well represented in community, among the relevant networks and stakeholders and within coordination forums and delegating this responsibility as appropriate to programme staff.  
• Together with MEAL department and project-learning based and advocacy and development. 
• Engage in advocacy and policy dialogues on federal, provincial, district and local levels and/or where appropriate, ensuring NDWA represents the needs of its beneficiaries and based on its field experience in order to campaign for needed policies, donor commitments etc.  
• Liaise with PINs representatives, providing updates on project implementation, financial management, and reporting and engage day to day with PIN and consortium partners. 
• Coordinate donor visits or external visits to project as required
• Coordinate with provincial coordinators, District/ Education campaigners, GEDSI advisors and other consortium partners' staffs including Local OPD (organizations of persons with disabilities organization), ensure effective implementation of project activities, including the compilation of reports and data collection.
• Support the development and dissemination of project materials, including reports, publications, and behavior change communication materials.
• Represent at meetings, conferences, and events related to the NDWA's project, as required.
• Establish and efficiently manage the electronic filing system. 
• Open to share and seek guidance, support, information within the consortia. 

Capacity building

• Develop Training materials and manuals, curriculums to enhance the organizational and technical capacities of member CSOs of NCE and NDWA in implementing inclusive education methodologies.
• Provide local CSOs with skills to promote transparency and accountability in education plans through the mobilization of Girls and Inclusive Education Networks (GIEN). 

Safety & Security 

• Ensure safety & security during project implementation in collaboration with Safety and Security focal person of NDWA.

Mainstreaming and Quality Management  

• Conduct regular field visits with appropriate tools and checklists, including discussions with beneficiaries on program effectiveness, and feedback on improvements to communities, government and other CSOs
• Conduct regular (monthly) analysis of program implementation to identify strengths and weaknesses of the project and share the team for appropriate action.
• Support PIN in conduction of Assessments, baseline, endline and other relevant assessments.
• Conduct the review of progress on quarterly basis and identifies the areas where they need to improve in terms of capacity building, cost efficiency, efficient use of staffs and help them to make necessary changes in their original plans if required.
• In collaboration with Executive Director and relevant colleagues oversees mainstreaming and strengthening of GEDSI, Inclusive , Education, Climate change, DRR and safeguarding agendas within programme planning and implementation. 
• Work closely with MEAL& Executive Director and team to ensure that project-based learnings and monitoring/evaluation results are regularly used and reflected in NDWA work.
• Ensure Value for Money (VFM) in the project delivery with maximum benefit delivered to the target groups.
• Ensure and strengthen quality focus within the project, across all cross-cutting components; Ensure the Project activities are planned and implemented in a gender-sensitive and inclusive manner and sensitized and trained in monitoring and reporting gender and social inclusion-sensitive results.
• Ensure GEDSI consideration in workstation, communication, and personal behavior,

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage with community members, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and all three government layers to strengthen civil society's role in advancing equitable access to education.
• Coordinate with relevant government and non-government agencies/ organizations to ensure optimum elaboration, reducing duplication and maximizing the result in field level.
• Ensure the clear communication flow and coordination with PIN, Consortia and Government Stakeholders, other partner and beneficiaries and represent in Federal and provincial forums. 

Safeguarding

• Accountable for ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with the project are safeguarded to the greatest extent possible. 
• Responsible for ensuring compliance to all aspects of the organizational Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, abuse and harassment policies and associated standards and procedures.
• Promote safeguarding among project teams and ensure safeguarding is embedded in all stages of project cycle management.  

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES & SKILLS

• Strong understanding of inclusive education principles and practices, with experience in designing and implementing inclusive education programs.
• Proficiency in managing projects, including planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Awareness of intersectional issues, understanding how various social identities (e.g., gender, disability, ethnicity) intersect to create unique experiences and challenges.
• In-depth knowledge of disability and social inclusion issues, particularly from the perspective of persons with disabilities.
• At least five years of proven experience working as a GEDSI expert or in a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in developing methodologies and tools for inclusive education.
• Strong understanding and experience of incorporating gender and disability inclusion in educational settings.
• Proven track record of effective collaboration with various levels of government and civil society organizations (CSOs).
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, enabling clear and effective dialogue with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members, partners, and stakeholders to achieve common goals.
• Demonstrated experience in handling, monitoring, and reporting on small grants.
• Ability to design and implement effective training programs and curricula, particularly those focused on GEDSI principles.
• Familiarity with the School Education Sector Plan (SESP), Girls and Inclusive Education Network (GIEN) and experience in its implementation is highly desirable.
• Experience in mainstreaming gender and inclusion, especially from the perspective of women and girls with disabilities.
• Gender-sensitive and responsive approach to project implementation.
• Ability to think analytically and critically, translating ideas into actionable plans and interventions.
• Experience in conducting gender-based analysis, including participatory assessments led by the community.
• Strong documentation and reporting skills to effectively communicate project progress and outcomes.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to facilitate organizational change.
• Skills in building collaboration with government institutions and other stakeholders to design and implement gender and social inclusion strategies.
• Well-organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Proactive approach to work, focused on achieving results and outcomes.
• Ability to manage people and build their capacities, especially in Gender, Disability and Inclusion issues.
• Experience in facilitating training for diverse target groups, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitation, communication, negotiation, and networking.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Adaptable and flexible approach to meeting work demands and challenges.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in both English and Nepali languages.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software tools.