• Master’s degree in sociology, gender studies, social work, social sciences, development studies, or related fields and/or a first university degree with an additional 7 years of related work experience and/or professional development.
  

Experience:

• At least 7 years of post-graduate and progressively responsible professional experience in development projects or humanitarian assistance, of which at least 2 years is international field experience.
  
• Demonstrated experience integrating GPI concerns in nutrition and food security programming across the nexus.
  
• Demonstrated experience in engaging at strategic level with cross-functional teams to advance policies and advocacy.
  
• Understanding of the social, cultural, political landscapes of East Africa and/or Southern Africa.
  

The specialist will lead the implementation of policies, strategies, and normative guidance in GPI thematic areas (gender equality, protection and accountability to affected populations, Indigenous Peoples, disability inclusion, gender-based violence) for the region; coordinate with Global HQ to ensure timely and appropriate support is given to Country Offices; engage with programme services and operations teams at regional level to ensure strategic positioning; lead engagement with COs for timely country strategic planning. The specialist will ensure alignment with other key domains such as social risk, conflict sensitivity and PSEA. This will be achieved in coordination with Country Offices, regional services and Global Headquarter counterparts:

• Support the implementation of GPI policies (Gender, Cash, Protection, Localization) and commitments (UNDIS, UNSWAP) for the geographic area, engaging with programme, supply chain and operations, enterprise risk management teams at regional level;
  
• Advance regional advocacy and engagement to ensure GPI integration in Programme strategies and policies (resilience, school meals, Emergency Preparedness and Response, social protection, nutrition);
  
• Ensure appropriate GPI anchoring in CSP at strategic level, coordinating with GPI and POCQ teams at Global HQ and regional levels, and leading the engagement with Country Offices for timely planning;
  
• Engage with CO management in the region to identify needs for technical support and ensure coverage, managing available capacities and resources - in coordination with the global GPI team as needed, including through the management of surge mechanisms.
  
• Represent WFP in GPI networks at regional level;