Current Opportunities at Cowater International

• The Environment and Climate Specialist will play a critical role in ensuring that Canadian funded projects in Kenya and Somalia adhere to Canadian and global environmental and climate change regulations, policies, and best practices while providing support and capacity to both Kenya and Somalia in their vision to implement their global and national climate change commitments. This position will require an understanding of environmental impact assessments, mitigation strategies, and regulatory compliance; global and national frameworks for climate including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs); nature-based solutions and biodiversity; and the global climate finance architecture. The Environment and Climate Specialist will work closely with GAC staff, partner organizations, government agencies, and local communities to promote gender-sensitive, sustainable, and environmentally responsible legislation, policy and project implementation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Environmental Compliance and Monitoring:

• Monitor and ensure compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and project-specific environmental safeguards.
• Regularly assess environmental risks and propose mitigation measures.
• Advise GAC on best practices in maximizing climate change and environment-related results within Canadian-funded programmes and projects.
• Prepare and submit regular reports, including on environmental performance and compliance.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with GAC staff, partner organizations, likeminded donors, local communities, and government agencies to address environmental and climate change concerns and foster inclusive and gender-sensitive responses.
• Participate in and provide guidance on consultations and engagement sessions related to environmental and climate change matters, including, gender-integration, climate finance, nature-based solutions and biodiversity.
• Identify capacity gaps and opportunities for GAC staff, partner organizations, local communities, and government agencies’ engagement in climate- and environment-related fora.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Draft, review and/or provide input on project documents, reports, and proposals, as requested.
• Prepare and submit regular reports, including on environmental performance and compliance.
• Maintain accurate records of key contacts, reports, and other aspects as required.
• Draft reports based on findings from project site visits.

Capacity Building:

• Provide training, build awareness, share best practices to GAC staff, partner organizations, local communities and government agencies.
• Stay informed about emerging climate change- and environment-related issues and disseminate relevant information to GAC.
• Provide assistance and capacity building support to GAC staff, government agencies, partner organizations and local communities, including on global commitments and national climate strategies and frameworks, including those related to climate finance.

Environmental Innovation:

• Identify opportunities for gender-sensitive, sustainable, and eco-friendly practices, including within project activities.
• Research and propose innovative solutions to reduce environmental impacts and enhance gender-sensitivity, sustainability, and climate resilience.
• Identify opportunities to showcase and leverage Canada-funded activities, results and innovations.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, climate change, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in environmental management or a climate change related field, preferably in the context of international development projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Thorough understanding of Kenyan, Somali and Canadian environmental and climate change legislation, policies, and regulations including NDCs and NAPs.
• Experience and knowledge of global climate change commitments and the global climate finance architecture.
• Experience in conducting environmental impact assessments and developing mitigation strategies.
• Significant experience designing and monitoring environment and climate change projects.
• Knowledge and experience on integration of gender equality, climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, and nature-based solutions.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.
• Certification in environmental impact assessment or related field is an advantage.
• Knowledge of the local culture and environmental context in Kenya and Somalia
• Ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders and local communities.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in challenging and multicultural environments.
• Ability to travel throughout Somalia and Kenya.

The following skills and experience will be an asset:

• Technical skills in Climate change mitigation and adaptation practices
• Proficiency in environmental monitoring tools and software.

Language Requirements: Excellent English language skills, as most of the reporting will be written in English.

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• The specialist will provide field level advice, technical support and policy input related to both education and blue economy, with the overall objective to support and strengthen the delivery of Canada’s international assistance programming in the countries that fall under the Canadian High Commission in Kenya’s purview.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Coordination:

• Collaborate with project stakeholders, local communities, and government agencies to address mutual challenges.
• Provide guidance on synergies and opportunities for further efficiencies in education, and the blue economy (combining traditional sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism). With emerging sectors such as renewable energy and marine biotechnology).
• Provide subject matter expertise to support on program and project planning and design.
• Work alongside the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs and provide support to the Blue Economy working group.
• Coordinate and provide secretariat support to working groups as required.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage with key stakeholders, partners, donors, civil society organizations, academia, private sector etc. and keep apprised of their sector-specific engagement on education and the blue economy.
• Organize sector specific learning and networking events for key stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain a list of contacts within relevant ministries, development partners, private sector, civil society actors, and other key stakeholders to support advancement of GAC objectives.
• Participate in and guide consultations and engagement sessions on sector-specific matters.
• Support to Canada's engagement with relevant stakeholders.
• Identify capacity gaps and opportunities for government and partner agencies’ engagement.

Capacity Building:

• Provide training and support to project staff, partners, and local communities on topics related to education and the blue economy as well as best practices.
• Stay informed about sector-specific emerging trends and disseminate relevant information to GAC.
• Research and propose innovative solutions to link education, skills development and the employment opportunities in the blue economy.
• Provide assistance and capacity building support to government and partner organizations on national policies, strategies and frameworks related to education and the blue economy.

Reporting and Documentation

• Review and provided comments on project documents including proposals, performance frameworks, reports, etc.
• Prepare and submit preparatory reports for working group committees as required.
• Review and analyze current news, events, trends that impact sector specific GAC programming and interests on a weekly basis.
• Identify opportunities to showcase and leverage Canada-funded education and blue economy activities, through the production of monthly impact stories on results and innovations (rotating monthly by sector).
• Engage with partners and highlight a monthly impact story.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Implement systems for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of GAC programs in the education and blue economy sector.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on performance and compliance concerning projects and programs.
• Monitor trends and emerging issues and provide expert advice.
• Identify capacity gaps and opportunities for government and partner agencies' engagement.
• Undertake field monitoring visits to assess and conduct technical reviews as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, international development, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in designing and implementing education programs, preferably in international development projects.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in working on the blue economy sector.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Thorough understanding of Kenyan and Canadian frameworks and standards in the education and blue economy sector.
• Knowledge of global education commitments and funding frameworks.
• Knowledge of global blue economy commitments and funding frameworks.
• Strong critical thinking, data analysis and reporting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Superior writing and editing skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.
• Certification in education or related field is an advantage.
• Knowledge of the local culture and educational context in Kenya is necessary.
• Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of Swahili or other local languages is an advantage.
• Ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders and local communities.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in challenging and multicultural environments.

The following skills and experience will be an asset:

• Ability to provide policy advice and technical guidance and support to GAC target countries in the implementation of blue economy and education strategies.

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SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

• Cowater International, through its FSSP, is supporting the Canadian High Commission to recruit a Humanitarian Assistance Specialist. The Specialist will play a critical role in building and maintaining Canada’s awareness of the humanitarian situation in Somalia and Kenya (as well as Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, as required) and supporting the efficient and effective management of Canadian funded humanitarian assistance in Kenya and Somalia in line with relevant Canadian policies and objectives. This position will require an in-depth knowledge and understanding of humanitarian assistance issues in Somalia and Kenya, including the role of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus in protracted crises; the increasing recurrence of climate change-related crises; Internally Displaced People and refugee migration patterns in Somalia, Kenya, and the broader Horn of Africa region; gender-responsive humanitarian actions; and the UN humanitarian architecture and processes. The Humanitarian Specialist will work closely with GAC staff, partner organizations, government agencies, and local communities to promote gender-responsive actions and solutions in line with humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law.

Responsibilities:

Monitoring Canadian-funded humanitarian programmes and projects in Somalia and Kenya:

• Build, contribute to and participate in the delivery of strategic monitoring plans based on Canada’s portfolio of humanitarian assistance in Somalia and Kenya, bearing in mind costs, security risks, value for money, and the need for a feminist approach.
• Monitor and ensure partner alignment with Canadian policies and objectives, as well as humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law.
• Regularly assess the risks faced by Canadian-funded humanitarian programmes and projects and propose mitigation measures.
• Advise GAC on best practices for maximizing humanitarian impact, including by building resilience through humanitarian-development-peace and security nexus approaches.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with GAC staff, partner organizations, likeminded donors, local communities, and government agencies to address humanitarian concerns and foster inclusive and gender-sensitive responses.
• Participate in and provide guidance on consultations and engagement sessions on key humanitarian assistance issues for Somalia and Kenya, including effective actions at the humanitarian-development-peace nexus; the growing role of climate change in driving humanitarian crises; and IDP and refugee migration patterns/incentives in Somalia, Kenya, and the broader Horn of Africa region.
• Identify capacity gaps and opportunities for GAC, partner organizations, local communities, and government agencies’ engagement in humanitarian-related fora.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Draft, review and/or provide input on project documents, reports, and proposals, as requested.
• Prepare and submit regular reports, including on the humanitarian situation in Somalia and Kenya, relevant funding appeals and relevant global/UN decisions.
• Maintain accurate records of key contacts, reports, and other aspects as required.
• Draft reports on findings from project site visits.

Capacity Building:

• Provide training, build awareness, share best practices with GAC staff, partner organizations, local communities, and government agencies.
• Stay informed about emerging humanitarian-related issues at the global, regional, and national levels, as relevant to Canadian-funded humanitarian assistance in Somalia and Kenya and disseminate relevant information to GAC.

Humanitarian Innovation:

• Identify opportunities to increase Canada’s leadership in Somalia and Kenya vis a vis the Global Call to Action on Protection from Gender-based Violence in Emergencies.
• Research and propose innovative solutions for Canada to work with local and national women’s groups to involve women and girls in program design, delivery, and monitoring of humanitarian initiatives.
• Research and propose ways in which Canada can become more effectively engaged at the humanitarian-development-peace and security nexus to advance durable solutions to protracted humanitarian crises.
• Identify opportunities to showcase and leverage Canada-funded activities, results, and innovations.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in development, social science, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in managing or advising on humanitarian assistance, previous experience working with the UN, or a country donor is preferred.

Qualifications:

• Thorough understanding of the Somali and Kenyan humanitarian context, understanding of the broader humanitarian context in the Horn of Africa is an advantage.
• Knowledge of Canadian humanitarian assistance legislation and policies
• Experience and knowledge of global humanitarian commitments, humanitarian principles, and international humanitarian law.
• Knowledge and experience on gender-responsive approaches to humanitarian assistance and effective approaches at the humanitarian-development-peace and security nexus.
• Proficiency in analyzing humanitarian assistance data.
• Excellent drafting and analytical skills with demonstrative ability to draft quality reports and correspondence.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of the local culture in Somalia and Kenya.
• Ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders and local communities.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in challenging environments.
• Ability to travel to throughout Kenya and Somalia.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities, as well as the ability to meet tight deadlines as required.

The following skills and experience will be an asset:

• Building partnerships with governments, donors and civil society organizations internationally and in the field.

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SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

• Cowater International is supporting the Canadian High Commission in Nairobi to recruit a Gender Equality Technical Specialist based in Nairobi to support its programming over one year with an option to renew for one year. The Specialist will provide field level advice, technical support and policy input on matters relating to gender equality relevant to Canada’s development assistance programs in Kenya, as well as Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda, when requested. The specialist will have a solid knowledge of specific gender issues, Kenyan context, and official development assistance principles, and Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP).

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide expert comments on documents produced by Canada’s implementing partners in particular:

• work plans.
• semi-annual and annual narrative and financial reports.
• mission/field reports.
• any other documents produced by implementing partners.
• Participate as an observer and provide back to office reports from various sector sub-committee meetings or other such meetings organized by Canada or implementing partners.
• Participate in field monitoring visits to observe program progress and conduct technical reviews and audits.
• Design and/or participate in and/or contribute to monitoring trips, visits and missions of international assistance projects.
• Participate in the preparation of committee meetings, their content, and the writing of minutes.
• Assist with program reporting on gender equality key performance indicators.
• Monitor gender equality trends and emerging issues and provide expert advice through various means including training and reporting.
• Provide gender equality-related training to GAC partners.
• Provide advice on best practices and innovation applicable to a local context.
• Establish and maintain contacts within relevant Ministries, Development Partner Communities, and other gender equality stakeholders in Kenya.
• Undertake any duties related to the gender equality sector in Kenya, as well as Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda, as necessary.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Gender/Women’s studies, development, social science or a related field, OR a bachelor’s degree with relevant training in gender equality or equivalent experience.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience at senior level advisory positions in gender equality, women’s/girls’ empowerment in East Africa Region.
• Previous experience working with the United Nations or a donor country is preferred.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in conducting gender-based analysis, development of strategies for both the integration of gender equality as well as gender equality-specific initiatives, development and execution of gender-based needs assessments.
• Substantial experience in design, ensuring Gender Equality is integrated into the design of projects and experience in monitoring for gender equality.
• Strong understanding of gender equality concepts and demonstrated experience in applying gender-based analytical tools and conceptual frameworks to programming.
• Previous experience in writing comprehensive reports on gender equality aimed at informing programme design and implementation.
• Demonstrated experience working on gender equality policy and programmatic issues with national and local governments and civil society organizations including women’s rights organizations.
• Experience in developing and implementing conceptually innovative approaches to gender equality.
• Experience working with Canada-funded projects using Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.
• Experience with project development and results-based management methodologies (RBM).
• Ability to think strategically and integrate diverse information on gender equality from varied sources; and
• Experience working in multi-cultural environments and capacity to build effective working relations with clients and colleagues.
• Experience in designing and facilitating different types of meetings and workshops on gender equality using a variety of participatory methodologies and approaches.

The following skills and experience will be an asset:

• Experience collecting and formulating gender-sensitive indicators and sex-age group disaggregated data and preparing gender-based project analysis, developing gender equality action plans.
• French language skills

Language Requirements: Excellent English language skills, as most of the reporting will be written in English.

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SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

• Global Affairs Canada (GAC) requires the services of a Gender Equality and Somalia Technical Specialist. Cowater International is supporting the Canadian High Commission in Nairobi to recruit the Gender Equality and Somalia Technical Specialist. The Specialist will provide the Canadian High Commission in Nairobi with field level advice, technical support and policy input on matters relating to gender equality and Somalia as they relate to Canada’s international assistance programs and priorities in Somalia. Specifically, the Consultant will work closely with the High Commission’s development team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitoring Canadian-funded international assistance programmes and projects in Somalia:

• Build, contribute to and participate in the delivery of strategic and feminist monitoring plans based on Canada’s portfolio of international assistance in Somalia, bearing in mind costs, security risks, value for money.
• Monitor projects in Somalia against their results frameworks, with a particular focus on gender equality-related outcomes, ensuring an emphasis on participatory, inclusive and empowering tools and approaches, using both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Regularly assess the risks posed and challenges faced by Canadian-funded programmes and projects that are seeking to advance gender equality directly or indirectly, and propose mitigation measures.
• Advise GAC on best practices in maximizing gender-transformative results within Canadian-funded programmes and projects.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with GAC staff, partner organizations, likeminded donors, local communities, and government agencies to address gender-related concerns and barriers and foster inclusive and gender-transformative responses.
• Lead on the coordination and organization of a government-led working group on gender and human rights, which Canada co-chairs with the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development.
• Participate in and provide guidance on consultations and engagement sessions on key gender equality issues for Somalia, including forced and early child marriage, female genital mutilation, sexual and gender-based violence, women’s meaningful representation in Somali politics, women’s economic empowerment, women and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive services and rights, and women peace and security.
• Identify capacity gaps and opportunities for GAC, partner organizations, local communities, and government agencies’ engagement in gender-related fora.
• Provide advice and local expertise, including through input on country strategy documents, meeting notes, key briefings, that enables Canada to effectively engage officials across the Somali government, including by leveraging the consultant’s pre-established relationships and contacts at all levels of the Somali government (note this is not limited to gender-related topics).
• Provide advice and local expertise on how to best navigate Somalia’s socio-cultural context in building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including by leveraging the consultant’s pre-established relationships and contacts with likeminded donors, as well as UN, NGO and CSO representatives (note this is not limited to gender-related topics).

Reporting and Documentation:

• Draft, review and/or provide input on project documents, reports, and proposals, as requested.
• Prepare and submit regular reports, including on key gender equality issues in Somalia.
• Maintain accurate records of key contacts, reports, and other aspects as required.
• Draft reports on findings from project site visits.

Capacity Building:

• Provide gender-equality-related training, build awareness, share best practices with GAC staff, partner organizations, local communities and government agencies.
• Stay informed about emerging gender-related issues at the global, regional and national levels, as relevant to Canada’s engagement in Somalia, and disseminate relevant information to GAC.
• Provide assistance and capacity building support to GAC staff, government agencies, partner organizations and local communities on risks and mitigating strategies related to the advancement of gender equality.

Gender Equality Innovation:

• Identify opportunities to increase Canada’s leadership in Somalia as a gender-equality donor champion.
• Research and propose innovative solutions for Canada to work with local and national women’s groups to involve women and girls in program design, delivery and monitoring of Canadian initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to showcase and leverage Canada-funded activities, results and innovations.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Gender/Women’s studies, development, social science or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree with relevant training in gender equality or equivalent experience.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in providing advice and technical support on gender equality in Somalia, previous experience working with the United Nations or a country donor is preferred.

Qualifications:

• Thorough understanding of Somali politics and the Somali socio-cultural context is necessary.
• Knowledge of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, as well as Canadian tools and requirements for partners to deliver gender-equality programming.
• Experience and knowledge of gender-related resolutions, legislation and policies at the global, regional and national (Somalia) level.
• Knowledge and experience on key gender-related issues in Somalia, including child and early forced marriage, female genital mutilation and cutting, sexual and gender-based violence, women’s political representation, women’s economic empowerment, and women, peace and security.
• Proficiency in feminist monitoring and evaluation, gender responsive budgeting and gender integration within project design and implementation.
• Excellent drafting and analytical skills with demonstrative ability to draft quality reports and correspondence
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in English and Somali is required. Knowledge of Swahili or other relevant local languages is an advantage.
• Pre-established positive relationships with relevant stakeholders, including within government, likeminded donors, partner organizations and local communities.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in challenging environments.
• Ability to travel to Somalia.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities, as well as the ability to meet tight deadlines as required

The following skills and experience will be an asset**:**

• Experience in conducting Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), in women’s empowerment projects, and/or in addressing gender inequality across the sectors addressed by the FIAP action areas;
• Experience carrying out participatory gender-based analysis;
• Experience collecting and formulating gender-sensitive indicators and sex-age group disaggregated data and preparing gender-based project analysis; developing gender equality action plans;
• Demonstrated understanding of the links between sustainable development, social and gender issues;
• Experience in designing and facilitating different types of meetings and workshops on gender equality using a variety of participatory methodologies and approaches;
• Experience in facilitating gender responsive stakeholder meetings is highly desired

Language Requirements: Excellent English language skills, as most of the reporting will be written in English.