Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Officer

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) Position: Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Officer Duty Stations: Wajir, and Mandera Counties Reports to: Programs Coordinator Duration: 5 Months (with possibility of extension) Background Womankind Kenya (WOKIKE) is a registered non-profit women’s rights organization established in 1995 under the NGO Coordination Act (now operating under the current Public Benefit Organizations Act). The organization is committed to advancing the rights and well-being of women, children, and vulnerable populations in Kenya’s marginalized and underserved regions. WOKIKE is founded on the vision of “a just society that is self-reliant” and pursues its mission “to empower women, children, and vulnerable communities through community initiatives to enhance rights and foster resilience.” The organization operates in Northern Kenya and parts of the Coastal region. Its head office is based in Garissa County, with additional offices in Nairobi and Kwale Counties. WOKIKE maintains a strong presence Regionally, nationally and at the community level, engaging effectively with grassroots communities as well as regional and national stakeholders. Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera are fragile border counties characterized by insecurity, patriarchal structures, and limited access to justice for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Survivors, particularly women and those from minority clans, face exclusion in both formal and informal systems, leading to impunity and loss of trust in state institutions. These conditions are exploited by violent extremist groups, increasing risks for women and youth. The Amani Mpakani Initiatives under the Deris Wanaag project implemented by Womankind Kenya (WOKIKE), aims to strengthen GBV response and referral systems in the borderlands through survivor-centered, conflict-sensitive, and inclusive interventions. A dedicated, committed and competent GESI Officers are required to integrate gender and inclusion across all activities, ensuring meaningful participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and marginalized clans. Purpose of the Role The GESI Officers will lead the integration of gender equality, protection, and social inclusion across program interventions. The officers will strengthen multi-sectoral coordination, advocate for survivor-centered GBV responses, and ensure all activities are inclusive and sensitive to the diverse contexts of Wajir, and Mandera. Key Responsibilities A. Technical Leadership Mainstream GESI principles in project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting. Ensure all activities (GTWG establishment, paralegal training, gender desks, policy dialogues) adopt a survivor-centered and inclusive approach. Provide technical support to Ministry of Interior and National Administration (MoINA), police gender desks, paralegals, and CSOs on gender, safeguarding, and protection. B. Capacity Strengthening Conduct GESI awareness and safeguarding training for project staff, frontline responders, paralegals, and GTWG members. Mentor local partners to integrate gender and inclusion into their community engagement and service delivery. C. Advocacy and Coordination Support establishment and operationalization of Sub-County Gender Technical Working Groups (GTWGs). Facilitate inclusive dialogues between customary and formal justice systems, ensuring survivor protection. Work with MCAs, elders, and religious leaders to promote gender-responsive policies and challenge harmful norms such as GBV and its stigma. D. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Ensure sex, age, clan, and disability-disaggregated data is collected and reported. Document lessons, case studies, and success stories on GESI integration and community impact. Contribute to Deriswanaag’s MEL framework by providing timely and accurate GESI updates. E. Safeguarding and Risk Mitigation Ensure compliance with organizational Gender, safeguarding and protection policies. Strengthen confidential survivor referral pathways and safe reporting mechanisms. Mitigate risks of exclusion, backlash, or re-traumatization by ensuring conflict-sensitive and culturally appropriate engagement. Expected Deliverables County-specific GESI Action Plans for Wajir, and Mandera. Functioning and inclusive GTWGs with endorsed ToRs. At least 90 paralegals trained from minority/underrepresented clans with improved GESI awareness. Six gender desks equipped and functional at strategic border points. Monthly/Quarterly GESI progress reports with disaggregated data and success stories. Documentation of at least 3 best practices/lessons learned on bridging GESI, GBV, and peacebuilding. Qualifications and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or related field (master’s preferred). Minimum 2–5 years of experience in GESI, GBV, protection, or related thematic areas. Proven experience in GBV coordination, community dialogue facilitation, and working with justice/security actors. Familiarity with ASAL and borderland contexts (Wajir, Mandera). Strong communication, advocacy, and report-writing skills in English and Kiswahili; Somali language is an asset. Competency Commitment to gender equality, safeguarding, and social justice. Skills in conflict sensitivity, survivor-centered approaches, and inter-clan inclusive programming. Ability to build trust with communities, state actors, and informal leaders. Strong facilitation, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Candidate is available to be engaged from September.

Application Procedure Interested and qualified candidates from Wajir and Mandera are invited to submit the following: Cover Letter Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) including contact details of at least three references Copies of academic and professional certificates (scanned into one PDF file). Send applications to: [email protected] Deadline: 10th September 2025 at 11:59 PM EAT