Program Specialist-Gender Inclusion and Women Empowerment Specialist

A Program Specialist-Gender Inclusion and Women Empowerment Specialist position is currently open at Danish Refugee Council (DRC) with the duty station in Mogadishu. The role is part of the organization's Programme Affairs operations. The application deadline is Jul, 26 — early applications are encouraged.

Program Specialist-Gender Inclusion and Women Empowerment Specialist

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a

highly qualified Program Specialist (Gender Equality Inclusion and Women’s Empowerment Specialist)

About the job

The Gender Equality Inclusion and Women’s Empowerment Specialist (GEWE) will use their in-depth

contextual understanding, technical and practical expertise, and relationship building skills to define

and deliver W4R strategic ambition for advancing gender equality disability and women’s

empowerment in the corridors of implementation. The GEWE specialist will lead the mainstreaming of

gender programming, including technical design, implementation and measurement of high-quality

programs that advance gender equality and inclusion, and ensure that girls and boys, women and

men can equitably access, participate, benefit from and act as decision makers in our projects and

program.

The role provides leadership to ensure W4R work is grounded on intersectional gender and power

analysis and supports design and implementation of gender transformative MEAL systems to

demonstrate impact. The role will work closely with the programs MSD manager, Corridor managers

and programs implementation colleagues, partners including women’s/girls’ rights and gender equality

advocacy focused organizations. The position will lead in assessment processes, awareness of

women/youth frameworks and policy, design of interventions, training and technical backstopping in

gender-sensitive approaches, The position holder will support WMCs, government and

community-based water committees to identify barriers for women and youth to participate in

economic life. She/he will mobilize women and youth networks for advocacy, providing training, as

well as coordinating joint action amongst civil society actors, private sector and government to

catalyze changes of enabling conditions.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Coordination and Implementation:

The GESI Specialist works under the guidance of the MSD Manager to coordinate GESI-related

activities, ensuring effective implementation of policies and practices across the W4R project This

includes mainstreaming GESI principles into all relevant programs and initiatives.

Support W4R team in working with private entities in promoting women empowerment and Youth

Principles and through different public-private and collaboration arrangements to ensure that the

APPLY FOR POSITION

Application due: 7/26/2026

Workplace: Mogadishu

Department/Country: Somalia

Contract type: National contract

Homepage: drc.ngo

ABOUT DRC

Founded in 1956, DRC Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest, and a leading international NGO. We have continuously been ranked as one of the best NGOs in the world - and are one of the few target have access to gender responsive financial services and market development services;

Compliance focal point for protection against sexual exploitation & abuse (PSEA), policy alignment at consortium levels, training to field level staff, and support to case management

Research and Policy Development:

Conduct research and evaluations to inform GESI policies and practices.

Provide sound advice and recommendations to enhance GESI frameworks and ensure best practices are followed.

Conduct a GESI analysis alongside corridor mapping and the baseline assessment. This will examine how gender, age, clan identity, displacement status, poverty, disability, and settlement location affect water access, affordability, safety, participation in decision-making, and opportunities in the water value chain.

Support the implementing partners in conducting feasibility studies; gender market assessment and gender analysis in relation with but not limited to value chain analysis of selected climate smart agricultural commodities that women and youth can successfully engage in for enhancing sustainability and resilience of their livelihoods;

Support assessments to determine impact of GESI in W4R program.

Training and Capacity Building:

Facilitate gender sensitization training and other GESI-related initiatives to promote awareness and understanding among staff and stakeholders.

Assist in developing capacity-building programs to enhance knowledge of GESI objectives.

Train and work with government institutions at local level and national level and ensure GESI is

mainstreamed across all programs.

Technical focal point for gender & climate vulnerability assessment (GCVCA): develop Manuals;

train stakeholders and provide technical backstopping and support field-level processes.

promote meaningful participation of women, youth, IDPs, minority groups, and poorer households

in consultations, water governance structures, and anticipatory action planning.

Integrate GESI into diagnostics, mentoring, customer service, staffing, service expansion, and

support to women- and youth-led enterprises where viable.

Monitoring and Reporting:

Maintain databases for research data and client complaints, ensuring proper documentation and

monitoring for effective reporting.

Collect and analyze disaggregated data to assess the impact of GESI initiatives.

Lead the design of research topics in the areas of gender and advocacy.

Lead in the preparation of study findings, communication materials and uploading of content.

Support the Capturing GESI case studies and success stories during program implementation.

Collaboration and Liaison:

Work closely with other gender focal point officers and relevant stakeholders to promote GESI

standards and practices.

Engage with various departments and agencies to ensure alignment and support for GESI

initiatives.

Proactively identify and develop partnerships with women’s groups to support the participation of

women.

Gender at Workplace

Strictly follow and assist others to respect the organization polices on Gender Equality and Social

Inclusion.

Ensure workplaces are free from any sexual and gender-based violence.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have:

About Mogadishu

Mogadishu, known locally as Muqdisho, is the capital of Somalia and the country's largest city. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the nation. The city hosts the headquarters of numerous UN agencies, international NGOs, and government institutions, offering diverse career opportunities for development and humanitarian professionals.

Ereyada Soomaaliga (Somali Keywords): Shaqo Buuxda • Shaqo Muqdisho • Shaqo Cusub

Required

A degree in social sciences, gender studies, development studies, or a related field is typically required.

Must have outstanding oral and written English communications and relationship building and strong networking skills ;

Somali language proficiency preferred

Must be willing to perform other duties as required

A degree in social sciences, gender studies, development studies, or a related field is typically required.

Experience: Previous experience in gender equality, social inclusion, or related fields is preferred,

along with a strong understanding of GESI principles and practices.

Skills: Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills are essential. Proficiency in

data management and reporting tools is also beneficial.

A minimum of three years of technical experience in operational/technical/coordination support capacity

Experience of working in a consortium, cluster, coalition or partnership settings is highly desirable.

with a specific expertise in forced displacement. In around 30 countries, we protect, advocate and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective

working relations with multiple stakeholders.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional

conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual

exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 12 months

Band: G

Work

location: Mogadishu

Start date: August 2026

Reporting to: Program Manager-MSD

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for

employees on national contract.

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English.

Applications sent by email will not be considered. Females are always encouraged to Apply

Closing date for applications: 26th July 2026

For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment regardless of personal characteristics or attributes.

DRC as an employer

By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 6000 employees in approximately

30 countries. We pride ourselves on our:

Professionalism, impact & expertise

Humanitarian approach & the work we do

Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution

Culture, values & strong leadership

Fair compensation & continuous development

DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of

concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and

professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against

sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background

checks as part of the recruitment process.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit

drc.ngo/jobsupport.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants

based on individual merit and qualifications, regardless of personal characteristics or

attributes. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce, aiming for a 50%

balance of men and women in management roles and ensuring that at least 50% of

management roles are filled by national staff. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team

is crucial for achieving our organizational goals and making a positive impact on the

communities we serve.

Apply on employer site