Senior Gender Equality & Social Inclusion Advisor Orbis International

The Senior Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Advisor at Orbis International leads strategic development and the technical design, implementation and measurement of high-quality programs that advance gender equality in eye health programs. This role includes a key focus in leading and managing the Women Leaders in Eye Health (WLEH) program; Orbis International’s gender equality flag ship program. The Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Advisor will use their in-depth contextual understanding, technical and practical expertise, and relationship building skills to define and deliver Orbis’ strategic goal of advancing gender equality in eye health programs around the world. The ideal candidate will also lead their work in a manner that models and reinforces equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility and that elevates Orbis’s vision, mission, values, culture, and strategic priorities.

Working remotely. Preference is for the role to be in one of the following Orbis International’s offices in Africa or Asia namely: Addis Ababa – Ethiopia; Accra – Ghana; Dhaka – Bangladesh; Lusaka – Zambia; Nairobi, Kenya; and New Delhi – India.

The Senior Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Advisor reports to the Senior Vice President of Global Programs, ensuring strategic alignment with Orbis’s global initiatives. This role closely collaborates with the Orbis WLEH Global Advisory Group, WLEH Technical Group, Gender Champions, gender consultants, DEI Advisory group, country program teams, including Orbis Affiliate offices. Additionally, collaboration extends to global support teams (Finance & Admin, Communications, HR) and colleagues in Orbis offices worldwide.

Strategy and Technical Leadership:

• Provide technical leadership for gender equality in eye health and WLEH Program aligned with Orbis’s mission, global strategic plans, and Gender Equality Programming Framework

• Serve as Gender Equality and Social Inclusion subject matter expert across programs and projects and ensure a consistent and integrated gender equality and mainstreaming approach.
• Design and deliver gender equality in eye health trainings for various audience’s including country program partners, Orbis staff, and women eye health professionals.
• Stay abreast of technical developments and trends in gender equality in eye health, disseminating information within Orbis and externally.

Project/Program Management:

• Organize and facilitate regular WLEH Technical Group and Gender Champions meetings and conduct “deep dives” on gender-related topics of interest.

• Support building an inventory of program assets such as training resources, program briefs, job aides, and webinars, and develop/refine Orbis’ gender equality in eye health tools.
• Contribute to organizational learning on gender equality in eye health, ensuring that learning and evidence generated from programs is distilled into succinct, compelling programmatic guidance and thought leadership, and shared with global Orbis teams and externally.
• Ensure execution and timely completion of WLEH program activities within specified timelines.
• Conduct feasibility studies to assess the viability of expanding Orbis’ activities and identifying new global gender equality in eye health partners and in country programs
  Monitoring & Evaluation:
• Work with Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) teams to conduct quality monitoring, measure, report program outcomes and impact using specific indicators and benchmarks.
• Monitor gender equality in eye health trends in the arena (practices, funding, monitoring and research, etc.) and use these to inform programming/strategies for the WLEH program and overall, for Orbis’s gender equality in eye health activities.
• Promote the use of disaggregated data, evidence and analysis and understands its link to quality and accountable programming.

Reporting and Compliance:

• Submit accurate programmatic, progress, and financial reports within specified deadlines.
• Assess needs, develop project plans, and proposals complying with grant commitments and reporting requirements.
• Create a global community of women eye health professional through guiding leadership, and mentorship.

Stakeholder Engagement and Thought Leadership

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, NGOs, health authorities, and partner institutions.
• In coordination with the Orbis’ development and fundraising teams, identify and facilitate collaborative partnerships to grow Orbis’ reputation in gender equality and social inclusion.
• Establish ophthalmic representation in key global gender organizations.
• Interface with media and raise awareness about eye care and blindness prevention, enhancing Orbis’s profile, brand visibility, drive reputation and for revenue growth.
• Be a gender equality in eye health thought leader through research, writing and publishing of OpEds and blogs in various media including social media spaces.

Representation and Networking:

• Represent Orbis at professional forums, national, regional and international meetings, and other relevant events.
• Ensure the quality, clarity and consistency of technical components of internal and external reports, prioritizing and embedding gender equality in eye health framing and content, and working closely with Development, Communications and Program teams as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in gender studies, public health, international development, social science, economics, population studies or related discipline is required.

• At least 10 years’ experience at a senior level (including field experience) providing technical leadership in advancing gender equality design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of international development programs with a gender equity focus.
• Strong understanding of gender equality principles and practices, the gender equality sector, policy priorities and key gender inequalities globally.
• Proven senior level experience leading diverse, complex initiatives and virtual teams to achieve agreed objectives; including demonstrated experience designing, implementing and reporting upon thematic/cross-cutting strategies and/or policies.
• Significant experience in gender equality training, capacity building and mentoring, and a demonstrated ability to make complex concepts compelling and accessible.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure gender mainstreaming and social inclusion integration in project design, implementation, and M&E at a senior level.
• Vast network of contacts relevant to gender equality in eye health work within the global development community.
• Demonstrated thought leadership expertise such as contributions to academic journals, books, articles; speaking engagements, workshop facilitation, leading conference presentations and panels.

OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate vision and goals to staff, senior management, key contacts, and media.

• Fluency in English is required with strong English writing skills, including the development of plans, proposals, abstracts, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with relationship building and networking ability.
• Strong computer skills and good working knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Ability to work remotely with minimum supervision to meet tight timelines.
• Willing to travel internationally, if required, and to Orbis country program offices.
• Familiarity with eye health or ophthalmology practices would be an asset.