Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Advisor

USAID Trade and Competitiveness

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Advisor

Project/Program Description:

The objective of USAID’s Trade and Competitiveness Nepal Activity is to help chart a new growth path as the economy recovers from COVID-19 – one that capitalizes on global integration and diversifies towards higher quality and value exports. It will foster sustainable job growth and income-generating opportunities for those previously left behind by the economic growth. The Activity will achieve this through interventions that incentivize public and private sector actors across the ecosystem to adopt new behaviors that drive outcomes across four objectives:

1. Improve access to market-based financial and non-financial services
2. Increase productivity in three sectors (agro-processing, tourism and digital services) with high growth and employment potential
3. Improve the investment climate and business enabling environment for targeted sectors
4. Support private sector led economic recovery

Role Description:

Activity recently conducted a GESI survey among the firms it supports. This study is crucial for building evidence-based business case studies and informing GESI implementation plan for the Activity. The analysis reveals several key areas where enterprises can improve their GESI integration and practical implementation in the workplace. While many enterprises acknowledge the importance of GESI policy in the workplace, there is still a significant gap in practical implementation and awareness, especially among workers. These insights underscore the need for targeted strategies to institutionalize GESI policies, encourage the adoption of concrete, actionable measures, and ensure that workers are actively informed and involved in fostering a culture of equality and inclusion.

The Activity is committed to supporting firms in bridging these gaps by promoting the adoption of practical GESI practices, building capacity, and reinforcing their commitment to inclusive workplaces. 

This Scope of Work (SOW) outlines the role of the GESI Advisor in driving these efforts and ensuring the effective implementation of GESI strategies within the identified enterprises. The GESI Advisor will play a key role in supporting firms and stakeholders within the Activity to institutionalize GESI principles across workplace policies, practices, and operations. This position requires strategic leadership in developing GESI policy, guiding firms in integrating the policies, providing mentoring and coaching, and driving the successful implementation of these policies. The GESI Advisor will also focus on fostering positive outcomes by ensuring the sustainable institutionalization of GESI principles across all aspects of operations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Support Firms in Strengthening GESI Integration

• Support policy review of 15 workplace/firms to assess GESI integration, recommend improvements to align with global best practices and lower barriers to entry for women and marginalized populations.
• Engage with 15 firms to develop tailored GESI policy, align HR policies with GESI best practices and identify practical opportunities to integrate GESI into workplace practices, operations and services. 

2. Development of GESI Tools and Resources

• Lead the development of guidelines, toolkits, and training materials to mainstream GESI across firms in the project’s target sectors.
• Ensure that these materials are tailored to the needs and contexts of partner firms.

3. Mentoring and Orientation

• Provide mentoring, coaching and technical support to senior management of the identified firms in implementing GESI policies and practices.
• Conduct GESI orientation for staff and promote inclusive workplace culture among leadership and employees.

4. Data Collection

• Assist the Thematic Lead and MEL Manager in collecting and analyzing disaggregated data (e.g., gender, age, disability).
• Work with the Thematic Lead, Communications Manager, and MEL Manager to document GESI insights, success stories, and lessons learned.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in gender studies, social sciences, international development, or a related field.
• Proven experience in GESI integration, capacity building, and policy development within private sector or development projects.
• Experience in developing tailored GESI tools and resources.
• Strong understanding of data collection, monitoring, and evaluation with a GESI lens.
• Excellent writing, editing, presentation, communications, and research capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and adapt to changing project needs.

Deliverables & Timeline

Timeline: 7-8 months

Cost Proposal Template

Note

1. For outside of Kathmandu, the cost of transportations, accommodation and other costs will be reimbursed on an actual basis.
2. Please mention whether the above cost proposal is inclusive or exclusive of VAT
3. In case of VAT invoice 1.5% TDS will be deducted and in case of PAN, 15% TDS will be deducted.

Interested individual consultants shall submit their Technical Proposal and Cost Proposal by COB 5:00 pm (Nepal Time) of Nov 25, 2024, to: HR@tc-udhyamnepal.com

The technical proposal and cost proposal must be kept separate from each other