Programs Officer – Transformative Agrifood Systems at The Institute For Social Accountability

Job Summary

• The Programs Officer – Transformative Agri-Food Systems will lead the design, implementation,
• and monitoring of programs that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment within agrifood systems. The officer will work closely with stakeholders, including local communities, national and county governments, constitutional commissions, civil society, development partners and media to ensure that the transformation of agrifood systems contributes to gender equity and the realization of human rights, including the right to food.
• The role involves developing strategies to influence existing agriculture and food systems in Kiambu
• County and at the national level to be more gender inclusive and responsive through structured movement building, strategic advocacy, capacity building to transform the existing systems, advocating for women’s rights, building the capacity of stakeholders, and ensuring that gender-sensitive approaches are mainstreamed across all TISA programs. The Programs Officer will also liaise between TISA and key stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations’, and development partners.

Program Design & Implementation:

• Lead the design and implementation of gender-responsive agrifood systems programs.
• Develop strategies to integrate gender equality and women’s empowerment into the broader framework of agrifood system transformation.
• Collaborate with community groups and other field teams, government agencies, and partner organizations to implement program activities.

Research and Analysis:

• Conduct gender analysis and social assessments within agrifood systems to identify barriers and opportunities for gender equality.
• Stay current on emerging research and best practices in gender equality and sustainable agrifood systems.
• Prepare reports, policy briefs, and case studies to support advocacy and knowledge sharing on gender equality in agrifood systems.

Capacity Building and Training:

• Develop and deliver training materials and workshops to build the capacity of local organizations, farmers, and stakeholders to address gender inequalities.
• Mentor and support staff and partners to ensure gender-sensitive approaches are integrated into all programmatic work.

Network Building and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage with national governments, local communities, private sector actors, and civil society organizations to promote policies and practices that support gender equality in agrifood systems.
• Participate in multi-stakeholder platforms, policy dialogues, and advocacy efforts to advance gender-responsive approaches in agrifood system transformation.
• Build and manage networks and coalitions necessary for advocacy for gender-responsive agrifood systems.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning (MERL):
• Develop and implement MERL frameworks to measure the impact of gender-focused
• interventions within agrifood systems.
• Track program progress and ensure that gender equality indicators are included in project evaluations.
• Document results and challenges through timely reporting on the project.
• Utilize lessons learned to improve program design and scalability.

Resource Mobilization:

• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to developing proposals for projects focused on gender equality and transformative agrifood systems.
• Build relationships with donors and development partners to secure financial and technical support for agrifood gender-focused initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications And Experience

• Degree in Gender Studies, Agriculture, Rural Development, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• At least five years of professional experience in gender equality, women’s empowerment, or rural development, focusing on agrifood systems.
• Demonstrable experience in program management, including design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Strong knowledge of gender and development frameworks, particularly in rural or agrifood contexts.
• Experience in climate-resilient agriculture, food security, or rural livelihoods.
• Familiarity with international development organizations, donors, and policies related to gender equality and agriculture.

Key Skills And Competencies

• Commitment to promoting gender equality and social inclusion.
• Ability to work independently and within a team in multicultural environments.
• Adaptability, creativity, and willingness to innovate.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong understanding of gender analysis methodologies and tools.
• Ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, civil
• society, and the private sector.
• Strong communication, writing, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of movement-building and feminist principles is preferred.