Gender Analysis Consultant, Sierra Leone

Since 1963 and in 145 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has approximately 93 projects in 40 countries and revenues of $124 million.

Gender Analysis Consultant, Sierra Leone

We are currently seeking a Gender Analysis Consultant for the USAID-funded Sustainable Nutrition and Agriculture Promotion (SNAP) program in Sierra Leone. The assignment is to start in April 2011 and will have an approximate length of 30 working days. The goal of the SNAP program is to reduce food insecurity and increase resiliency among vulnerable rural populations in Bombali, Kailahun, Koinadugu and Tonkolili districts.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct data review on the status of women in Sierra Leone on key health, economic, agricultural and social indicators from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) project, the World Bank, the UN, the government of Sierra Leone, USAID’s Food for Peace office, and from SNAP program reports and assessments.
• Lead a qualitative analysis using recognized gender analysis frameworks through focus groups and informant interviews with women and men from the targeted beneficiary group and relevant stakeholders. The consultant will be supported by a team from the SNAP staff, including the full-time gender specialist.
• Train gender analysis support team in gender and development concepts and gender analysis frameworks and research methods.
• Prepare a comprehensive report outlining methodology, findings and recommendations from the data review and qualitative analysis.
• Prepare a gender integration action plan that responds to the findings and recommendations outlined in the gender analysis report with specific actions for SNAP program staff and partners.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in sociology, international development, rural development or other related field required.
• Broad knowledge of gender and development, food security, agriculture, and health and nutrition issues in western Africa, especially in Sierra Leone, required.
• Substantial experience in designing, implementing, and analyzing social and gender analyses and/or assessments in rural areas required.
• Capacity in research methods, including data analysis, qualitative methods and focus group discussions, required.
• Experience training others in gender awareness and gender or social analysis techniques required.
• Ability to think strategically about long-term programming, including policy and advocacy.
• Capacity to analyze complex issues, draw relevant conclusions and produce a comprehensive technical report.
• Strong writing skills with advanced skills in editing and formatting in Microsoft Word.
• Experience working with community development and community-based organizations.
• Cultural sensitivity, particularly in multiethnic and multireligious contexts.
• Experience working for international donors.
• Fluency in English required.
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