The role

The GESI Specialist will be based within the project team in Kigali, under the direct supervision of the Project Manager. He/she will be responsible for the full implementation of a package of activities and will provide gender and social inclusion (GESI) expertise to the project team, RTB, and other stakeholders, ensuring that all project components and activities are gender-responsive and inclusive. He/she will contribute to the review and/or development of policy frameworks, strategies, methodologies, and operational processes that foster the participation of disadvantaged groups in TVET and promote the principle of “leaving no one behind.” The GESI Expert will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful and inclusive implementation of the project.

The main responsibilities of the GESI Expert will be:

1.     To provide strategic and technical advice in TVET

-        Integrate GESI principles in TVET policies and curricula. Advise on the development and review of TVET curriculum, policy frameworks, and pedagogical approaches, ensuring that gender and social inclusion (GESI) considerations are embedded at every stage.

-        Strengthen institutional capacity. Support RP, RTB, and other implementing institutions in analyzing existing practices, identifying gaps, and proposing actionable measures to improve gender responsiveness and social inclusion across all TVET activities.

-        Contribute to strategic planning. Collaborate with project leadership and stakeholders to align GESI strategies with broader TVET reform objectives, offering expertise on how to make TVET systems more equitable and accessible.

2.     To lead the project’s GESI activities

-        Develop and implement GESI Action Plans. Draft, review, and regularly update GESI action plans in collaboration with RP and RTB. Ensure they are effectively integrated into project workplans, budgets, and timelines.

-        Coordinate and oversee GESI initiatives. Provide operational leadership for GESI-related activities, including capacity building, awareness sessions, and the development of tools and frameworks. Support the recruitment and coordination of national/international experts to address specific GESI needs.

-        Monitor, evaluate, and report on GESI outcomes. Work closely with the project’s M&E teams to track progress on GESI indicators, gather lessons learned, and report on successes or challenges to donors and partners. Ensure continuous learning and adaptation of GESI strategies throughout the project lifecycle.

•        Ensure compliance and coherence. Oversee administrative and logistical processes related to GESI interventions, making sure they meet donor and organizational procedures (such as Expertise France’s guidelines).

3.     To support targeted TVET schools’ transition to Centres of Vocational Excellence

-        Promote inclusive campus environments. Provide inputs during the design, construction, and renovation phases to ensure that TVET schools accommodate the needs of all learners (including women, persons with disabilities, and other disadvantaged groups).

-        Develop inclusive policies and mechanisms. Collaborate with TVET institutions to create or refine policies and processes (e.g., GBV/SEAH mechanisms) that foster safe and equitable learning environments, essential for achieving Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) status.

-        Foster capacity building at institution and school level. Conduct training needs assessments and organize capacity-building sessions to strengthen the skills of staff in integrating GESI principles into teaching, management, and day-to-day operations.

-        Facilitate best practices sharing. Encourage dialogue and exchange of successful GESI initiatives among TVET schools, enabling the adoption of best practices and the scaling-up of effective approaches in their transition to CoVEs.