Terms of References: Gender Equality & Social Inclusion (GESI) Adviser

Programme background

Malawi Value Chains (MVC), implemented by Adam Smith International (ASI), is one of three components of the Malawi Trade and Investment Programme (MTIP), a five-year FCDO-funded initiative which aims to break Malawi’s cycle of low growth through driving exports. The overall objective for MVC is to design and implement the value chain component of MTIP with the goal to increase the productivity, quality and production performance of macadamia and mango as well as support increased mining exports. Other complementary MTIP activities/components will focus on increasing access to capital and cutting the time and costs of trade and logistics (TradeMark Africa).

MVC’s Approach to GESI

MVC’s overall approach uses systemic thinking to address supply, demand and eco-system weakness and opportunities. It addresses rules set and implemented by government and its agencies that constrain production and export growth. MVC works with private sector partners towards achieving programme objectives, with a focus on estates and mid-sized farms (MSFs), which have the greatest potential to move the dial on Malawi’s volume and value of exports. MVC also works with some smallholder farm groupings. MVC’s approach is politically astute and adaptive to navigate through and around blockages to achieve its aims. MVC leverages the effective use of research, learning and communication to support change.

MVC has developed initial initiatives for each value chain structured around production and export-related themes, broadly encompassing:

• Improving productivity and quality through access to inputs and agronomy (Good Agricultural Practices - GAP) for estates and mid-sized farms;
• Integrating smallholders with estates and anchor farms to increase supply and improve quality of crop available to exporters, along with improved returns to smallholders;
• Meeting export product standards and quality requirements in priority international and regional markets;
• Facilitating investment and access to finance for exporters, suppliers and service providers;
• Facilitating access to international markets,
• Improving the rules that constrain production and exports; and
• Facilitating dialogues in the mining sector to enable progress on licencing and investment.

MVC takes a mainstreaming approach to GESI, with GESI considerations integrated into all aspects of programme design, administration and delivery. MVC’s work in GESI can be split into two categories:

• Enhancing the capacity of the MVC team to mainstream GESI in the design and implementation of planned activities
• Supporting MVC’s partners to consider GESI in their operations, particularly in the private sector.

MVC’s GESI work is led by the GESI Lead, who, in addition to GESI, is also experienced in agribusiness in Malawi and works closely with other MVC teams to mainstream GESI. 

Scope of work

MVC is seeking a highly experienced GESI Adviser to provide expert advice and inputs to MVC’s GESI strategy, approach and implementation. The role includes strengthening the integration of GESI into MVC’s initiatives and partnerships, including through technical advice, capacity building within the MVC team and technical inputs into research, learning and communications. The GESI Adviser will report to the Team Leader and work closely with the GESI Lead and other core team members.

The responsibilities of the GESI Adviser, working closely with the GESI Lead, include the following:

1. Support the GESI Lead in the effective mainstreaming of GESI into MVC initiatives through:

• Providing technical inputs into, and work to finalise, the MVC GESI Strategy and its subsequent updating.
• Providing technical advice and mentoring during design, delivery, monitoring and adaptation of initiatives.
• Where opportunities are identified, support the GESI Lead to provide high quality technical assistance on GESI issues to MVC partners.

2. Build the capacity of the wider MVC team in GESI mainstreaming, strengthening awareness of and ability to work effectively using current best practice in both gender equality and social inclusion.

3. Contribute to research, learning and communications initiatives, including leading on developing public-facing outputs such as business cases, position papers, blogs and other writing.

4. Provide GESI advice and input into results management activities, including through data collection/monitoring, interim assessments and ad hoc studies.

5. Participate in team strategy and review sessions and contribute written inputs to quarterly and annual reporting.

1. Minimum a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, gender studies, development studies or other related area.

2. At least 10 years’ professional experience working in a field directly related to GESI in the context of development assistance programming.

3. Demonstrable high level of experience of working in/with private sector focused projects, ideally in the context of East and Southern Africa.

4. Experience of working in agriculture and agri-business, ideally in the context of estates, MSFs and SHFs strongly preferred.

5. High standard of spoken and written English is required, with strong report and other writing skills.

6. Experience working on adaptive development programming strongly preferred.

ASI operates an inclusive approach to employment, with all candidates fairly considered. Malawi-based candidates are strongly preferred, and women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Timing and duration

The GESI Adviser role will involve approximately 10 days in the first month and an average of 5 days per month following, with LOE fluctuating slightly depending on workload. The Adviser is expected to start as soon as possible and run through the lifetime of the programme, until April 2028. The successful candidate will be engaged for an initial term of one year, with the possibility of extension dependent on performance.

Ready to apply?

Submit a CV and brief cover letter detailing your fit for the GESI Adviser position by Friday, 20^th September 2024. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the right candidate is identified.