Senior Project Officer – Gender and VSLA

Position title

Senior Project Officer - Gender and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) (1 Position)

Location

Atsabe Administrative Post, Ermera Municipality, Timor-Leste

Reports to

Project Manager

Grade

5 step 1

Salary

USD $810 per month

Position type

1 Year

Start date/timeframe

01 March, 2024

Application deadline

15 February, 2024

Application process

Send CV and application letter via email to [email protected] OR HR unit at CARE office at Bairo Pite, Dili.

1. The role

Under the overall guidance of the HAFORSA 3 Project Manager (PM) and the direct supervision of the DPM, the Senior Project Officer - Gender and VSLA (SPO) is responsible for planning, implementation, reporting and monitoring of the project activities relating to gender and VSLA, including the sessions for engaging men and boys, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and marketing.  With the support from CARE in Timor-Leste’s gender experts, the SPO will take a lead in organising the sessions for gender and VSLA and monitor their implementation.  The SPO will also play an important role in strengthening the capacity of HAFORSA 3 project staff on gender equality.  This position is based in Atsabe with travel to Dili.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Gender

• Support the Project Manager and DPM to develop the overall project implementation plan, ensure gender equality framework integration, and monitor regularly gender markers and the use of gender transformative tools;
• Develop project gender action plan and regularly monitor the progress;
• Lead on identifying and coordinating with relevant key stakeholders at the municipality level and ensure their support and involvement for gender related activities;
• Lead and/or support on developing a training package on gender for the project, which will be delivered to communities and project staff. The package will contain engaging trainings on gender, which includes Gender and Diversity, Engaging Men and Boys, Gender-Based Violence training using CARE Global approach and tools;
• Lead gender-related activities within VSLA and communities;
• Ensure reporting activities related to gender and other key activities within the project;
• Support the monitoring of the project activities related to gender and VSLA, including the sessions for engaging men and boys and GBV.
• Ensure that women’s empowerment and gender equality are considered at the planning stage.

Village savings and loan (VSLA)

• Design and develop work plan for VSLA and related field operations in collaboration with other field staff;
• Ensure that implementation of field programs proceed according to approved plans and that timely corrective actions are taken;
• Facilitate VSLA, vegetable sales groups and Producer Groups linkages with Micro-Finance Institutions; 
• Coaching and mentoring women leaders in VSLA to have access to financial services;
• Develop capacity of project staff on operation of VSLA and related initiatives;
• Oversee the scheduling, deliver VSLA related training, and provide necessary support to communities to build their capacity with other field staff members;
• Orient project staff on VSLA methodology and conduct ToT on this methodology for staff;
• Draft and submit monthly project progress reports to the DPM including regularly updating the VSLA-related data;
• Provide technical input into VSLA monitoring and evaluation (M&E) issues such as development of M&E tools;
• Coordinate activities with VSLA-related and Market development with other field staff.

Value Chain and Market Development

• Serve as the technical lead to design, implement and monitor field level training on marketing activities;
• Work with DPM, the MEL and Marketing Officer and other colleagues to coordinate partners including private enterprises, Producer and Marketing Groups and VSLA;
• Provide technical support for the formation of vegetable sales groups within VSLA and producer groups along the key value chains and promote women’s participation in leadership;
• Coordinate capacity development in organisational development, agribusiness, value chain, marketing and addressing gender barriers;
• Support vegetable sales groups to do the market research and help them to develop marketing strategies;
• Strengthen market linkages through value chain and market analysis and the review of producer and marketing organisations in collaboration with Project Officer - Gender and VSLA and MEL and Marketing Officer.

For more information about this position, visit this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_jf_g_lTFnQk9JE3WEig9S8HcvWiFO4W/view?usp=sharing

1. Selection criteria

• University Degree in Agricultural Economics, Development studies, Business studies, Economics, Social Sciences or equivalent;
• 4-5 years’ experience in community development with Village savings and loan, agribusiness and gender;
• Knowledge and experience in rural socio-economic development;
• Knowledge and experience in gender-related activities in the rural communities;
• Experience in developing training materials;
• Experience in facilitating training and training of trainers;
• Understanding and demonstrating commitment to the importance of gender issues in food security, livelihood and resilience programming; 
• Understanding of potential gender barriers in agribusiness and ability to adapt approaches;
• Proficiency in computer skills including experience of MS Word and Excel;
• Ability to work independently and within a team;
• High analytical and numeracy skills and strong attention to detail;
• Excellent writing and speaking skills in Tetum are required.  Kemak and English ability is an advantage;
• Excellent people management skills;
• Proactive problem solving and organising skills;
• Initiative and leadership skills for building better teams;
• A willingness to tackle new tasks and learn;
• Ability to ride a motorbike, and have a valid motorbike driving license is required;
• This position is a role in a very difficult work environment, with minimal health services in the field. Only those who care for their own health and are confident in their own health are recommended.

1. How to apply

Interested applicants should send a CV (no longer than four pages) and cover letter via email to [email protected]  OR to the Human Resource unit at CARE office at Bairo Pite, Dili.

Note

• In return of your commitment you will benefit from ongoing professional development fostered within an innovative and forward thinking environment, plus a comprehensive benefits package.
• CARE is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workplace. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
• CARE is committed to protecting the rights of children in all areas we work. CARE reserves the right to conduct screening procedures to ensure a child-safe environment.
• Only successful candidates will be contacted for the interview.