SARATHI GEDSI and Protection Lead

SARATHI GEDSI and Protection Lead

Location: Kathmandu with regular visits to areas of presence (at least 40-50 %) in a calender year to Madhesh, Karnali and Lumbini Provinces

Duration: January to December 2025(with possibility of extension till 2029)

Reports to: SARATHI Programme Manager

Introduction

People in Need (PIN) is a non-governmental, non-profit, international organization founded in the Czech 1992. PIN arrived in Nepal as part of a humanitarian response to the April 25, 2015 earthquake. Since its inception in Nepal, PIN has had a strong role in designing and facilitating systemic solutions advocating for and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations affected by disasters including person categories who live in geographically remote areas of the country, historically marginalized ethnic groups, and those marginalized because of their age and/or gender identity. Currently, PIN Nepal is implementing programmes under three strategic pillars 1) Emergency response and recovery, 2) Climate resilience, and 3) Civil society and inclusive governance. PIN Nepal team works in and promotes strong partnerships with civil society, Government of Nepal, academia, private sector and other key stakeholders in Nepal. Together with them, PIN Nepal has become one of the pioneer organizations advancing programmes such as landslide disaster preparedness and anticipatory action, climate and flood resilient housing, durable local solutions, climate change modelling for more inclusive and efficient local decision-making, girls and inclusive education, waste management and circular economy approaches. PIN is strongly committed for safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, including persons with disabilities, in line with its safeguarding framework and child protection policy.

About the Project – “SARATHI”

SARATHI has been designed to support and contribute to the overarching early action and climate resilience aims of BEK’s Resilience, Adaptation and Inclusion in Nepal (SARATHI) programme. Project – SARATHI is aimed to bring significant value and sustainable scale up to SARATHI programme especially in reaching the most vulnerable and marginalised communities at risk of multi hazards in Madhesh, Lumbini and Karnali provinces by 2029. To achieve this, SARATHI will use evidence-based approaches to tailor implementation for building resilience in a systemic way, centred around localisation, inclusion and leveraging fiscal resources to contribute to adaptation across differing contexts in the targeted provinces. SARATHI’s two intermediate outcomes will focus on 1) enhancing community resilience, 2) strengthening sub-national governmental systems in early warning (EW), early action (EA) and adaptation. SARATHI supports the attainment of NDRRMA’s strategic goals to strengthen Early Action, develop multi-hazard EWS and catalyse research and innovation to develop EA plans as per National Disaster Risk Financing Strategy (2020), DRR Policy (2018) and National Strategic Plan for Action (2018-2030).

SARATHI is built around equal and long-term existing partnerships between eligible international-national-local organizations, who bring the requisite knowledge, skills and comparative advantage. Besides, the consortium will partner with, and empower 121 CBOs who represent the most marginalised groups in 15 LGs across 3 provinces. Through trainings and sub-grants, they will actively co-design and participate in EWS, EA and adaptation in their localities. The CBOs, together with national thematic sub-leads and leads, will empower and hold accountable the subnational Local and Provincial Governments (LG, PG), together with the SARATHI TA and other stakeholders, with an emphasis on ‘unlocking fiscal resources’ for EW, EA and adaptation.

Furthermore, SARATHI is centred around using science, technology, innovation and evidence of best practice to inform multi-hazard anticipatory action interventions. The consortium, including technical partner, will build on its extensive experience of the SARATHI sub-themes and what works and what doesn’t in Nepal, to establish and/or strengthen multi-hazard EWS at the sub-national level, increase access of vulnerable and marginalised groups to risk communication through forecasting, using data management for inclusive and focused EA and adaptation, and supporting coordination across all spheres of government. The learning produced from these interventions will feed into the development of DRR and AA policy frameworks. The consortium will work closely at LG and PG levels with SARATHI Technical Assistance (TA), Strategic Learning Unit (SLU) and other SARATHI partners to influence government to endorse relevant disaster resilience and adaptation polices and allocate fiscal resources, so that they address gender inequalities, marginalisation and work with socially excluded groups. The consortium aims to directly target 987,299 people, and indirectly benefit 3,478,805 more.

Scope of Work

The SARATHI GEDSI and Protection Lead will be responsible for driving the development, implementation, and evaluation of protection and GEDSI mainstreaming in the SARATHI Project, as well as initiatives aligned with PIN Nepal Country Programme’s strategic pillar on Climate Resilience. This role will provide strategic and technical guidance to ensure the integration of protection and GEDSI principles throughout the project cycle, with a specific focus on Protection of Civilians, (MH)PSS, core humanitarian principles, and minimum protection standards. The GEDSI and Protection Lead will ensure quality programmatic outputs and outcomes by leading and managing key initiatives, providing technical expertise, and offering strategic oversight. The role will also contribute to mainstreaming GEDSI into the broader recovery, resilience, and protection agenda, fostering collaboration across diverse roles, partners, and stakeholders. To effectively oversee the GEDSI agenda, the Lead must adopt a strategic and inclusive approach, leveraging leadership skills, technical knowledge, and effective coordination.

Key Summary of Functions and Programmatic Support

• Collaborate closely with the SARATHI Programme Manager, and TA/SLU to co-design, finalise and periodically review the GEDSI strategy. Ensure it is responsive to the specific structure of the SARATHI consortium, aligns with PIN’s global strategy, and addresses Nepal’s contextual needs;
• Contribute to design, finalisation and updates of RAIN GEDSI strategy led by TA/SLU and work with TA/SLU’s GEDSI Adviser to monitor progress to contribute to RAIN Programme Board meetings
• Provide strategic guidance to strengthen protection and GEDSI within programmatic goals, focusing on key areas for immediate and mid-term action, ensuring collaboration across positions, such as the Disability Inclusion (DI) Lead, Social Protection and Inclusion
• Coordinator, SRSP Lead, Sub-Grant Officer, and Safeguarding and Accountability Technical Officer;
• Establish clear expectations for GEDSI integration and performance, delineating the relationships and collaborative efforts among the DI Lead (partner organization), PIN GEDSI Lead, and other key positions. Work with the SARATHI Consortium organogram to define reporting lines, collaboration mechanisms, and the GEDSI Lead’s oversight role;
• Set key performance indicators (KPIs) for GEDSI implementation across the consortium. Collaborate with MEAL teams to establish accountability frameworks and monitor progress effectively;
• Work with partners to align work plans and priorities, ensuring that GEDSI considerations are integrated into all activities. Identify opportunities for collaboration and synergy between different teams and projects to maximize impact;
• Conduct regular training and capacity-building sessions for all staff of the consortium to enhance their understanding of GEDSI principles, tools, and methodologies. Provide ongoing technical support and mentorship to ensure consistent implementation contributing to SARATHI GEDSI Strategy;
• During the Inception period and in the first phase of the project implementation, co-lead mapping of the most vulnerable and marginalised communities and CBOs through a Marginalisation Framework (MF), and promote other measures to ensure that Leave no one behind (LNOB) principles are integrated into the design during both Inception and implementation phases;
• Together with DI Lead (partner organisation), ensure disability inclusion in programme activities and tailor responses to the needs of people with disabilities in target communities, working with local Organisations for People with Disabilities (OPDs)
• Together with SARATHI PM and CM and other leads, oversee that sub-granting to CBOs mainstream GEDSI considerations, is based on community needs and local knowledge, and suggest programmatic adaption and changes when necessary;
• Advocate together with project team with sub-national government bodies for the integration of specific gender, disability and inclusion sensitive/transformative actions and measures into Early Action (EA), Early Warning (EW) and adaptation initiatives;
• Monitor all GEDSI related initiatives’ implementation, assess their impact, and use evidence to refine strategies. Work closely with Sub-Grant Officers and accountability teams to ensure inclusion aspects are adequately addressed;
• Coordinate with MEAL teams to produce GEDSI-focused learning papers and visibility materials, ensuring insights are documented and shared with stakeholders;
• Provide technical inputs for designing and implementing GEDSI-responsive referral systems and support frameworks across the consortium;
• Identify resources for protection and GEDSI interventions. Contribute to donor proposals and reports, ensuring compliance and quality standards, while highlighting SARATHI’s impact.

GEDSI Mainstreaming

• Ensure all project activities comply with GEDSI and protection standards set by donors, beneficiaries, the Government of Nepal, and PIN’s internal guidelines;
• Apply principles of adaptive management with a focus on GEDSI and protection, maximizing programmatic impact based on developments across the Nepali government tiers, and centering interventions on the needs of at-risk and marginalized groups;
• Guide and support the wider consortium project team, Sub-Grant staff, and partners—including the DI Lead and other social protection/inclusion-focused roles—on embedding GEDSI and protection principles throughout all project activities;
• Collaborate with the Consortium Manager to align GEDSI strategies and ensure cohesive implementation across partners, including updating and regularly reviewing the SARATHI GEDSI Strategy and related agendas;
• Provide technical guidance on GEDSI and protection standards to ensure high-quality, cohesive project delivery across consortium members and the broader SARATHI team;
• Conduct rigorous assessments on intersectionality of vulnerabilities to support programmatic interventions across working geographies ensuring adequate consideration of inclusion and disability
• Work closely with the MEAL team (on resilience measurement) and external evaluators to develop GEDSI and protection-focused indicators, conduct data collection and analysis, and lead impact evaluations to generate evidence of GEDSI and protection outcomes;
• Collaborate closely with the Consortium Manager, SARATHI Programme Manager, and relevant partners to fulfill GEDSI and protection-specific reporting requirements for donors, the Government of Nepal, relevant clusters, and PIN HQ;
• Act as the focal point for coordinating with TA/SLU to ensure GEDSI priorities are reflected in broader programmatic strategies and implementation plans.

Representation and Networking

• Act as primary liaison for GEDSI and protection communications with donors, the Government of Nepal, RAIN partners, and stakeholders and BEK, when required;
• Advocate for increased funding and resources for GEDSI initiatives;
• Represent PIN in the donor community, networks, national forums to share experiences, learn from others, and influence policy and practice.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in social development, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Rural Development, Environment Sciences, Social Sciences, Liberal Arts, or related fields, with specific expertise in GEDSI;
• At least 5 years of programmatic experience in resilience and adaptation will be an advantage or at least relevant expertise and experience onon GEDSI and protection;
• At least 2 years of experience coordinating and leading GEDSI for programmes and donor-funded initiatives, including reporting and compliance;
• At least 2 years of line management experience of teams mainstreaming and implementing GEDSI in resilience and adaptation;
• Strong understanding of local contexts and networks within Nepali institutions, focusing on DRR, early action, climate adaptation, and GEDSI;
• Proven expertise in adaptive project management on resilience and adaptation
• Proven experience in implementing and leading GEDSI in consortia of diverse organisations;
• Excellent understanding of gender issues and rights-based approach, as well as Nepali and international GEDSI and protection principles;
• Strong communication and influencing skills to advocate for GEDSI in DRR and climate policies;
• Previous experience with sub-granting Community Based Organisations and marginalized groups in Madhesh province and in Karnali and Lumbini provinces;
• Knowledgeable in monitoring, evaluation, and learning approaches for DRR and climate adaptation with GEDSI focus.
• Good contextual understanding of inclusion, marginalization and social exclusion issues in Nepal with some understanding of social protection

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Willingness to undertake extensive field works in remote and rural/urban communities;
• Outstanding communication skills- written and spoken;
• Fluency in English-written and spoken;
• Knowledge of local language/s to be considered an advantage;
• Strong critical thinking and ability to self-initiate;
• Preferably women candidates, with considerable field experience and knowledge of local language.

Core Values

• Respect diversity and inclusion;
• Have high level of commitment and integrity.

Benefits

• Salaries are according to People in Need Salary Scale. Candidates will be informed about the salaries in the beginning of the recruitment process
• Health insurance for both in-patient and out-patient care with maximum benefit limit of NPR 500,000.00 per year per person (Including dependents)
• Accident insurance for all injuries during work time NPR 3,000,000 per year (For Staff only)
• Compensation leave for working overtime when requested by the Line Manager
• Maternity, Paternity and mourning leave as per the labour law
• Communication or internet allowance on monthly basis (Reimbursable)
• Capacity Building program, both internal and external trainings – Induction training, internal online opportunities, such as access to e-learning platform and live webinars
• International environments with opportunities to learn from other country programs and HQ office in Prague
• Per diem for working outside of the duty town depending on the location. Full reimbursement of accommodation and transportation during business trips (as per the organization’s policy)
• Friendly and fair environment in small collective structure where everyone knows each other
• Work hours are from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday with 30 mins break for lunch

How to Apply

Submit an updated CV and Motivation letter before the deadline of December 25, 2024. Please note, that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and should a suitable candidate be found before the official closing date, the advertisement might be withdrawn before the deadline thus early submissions are strongly encouraged. No phone calls will be entertained. PIN promotes equal opportunities. Women, Dalits, Minorities (ethnic, sexual & gender), Janajati, person with disability are strongly encouraged to apply!

People in Need is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behavior at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity, and financial misconduct, and is committed to promoting the welfare of children and adults with whom People in Need is involved. People in Need expects all staff to perform job duties and responsibilities following the People in Need code of conduct and key policies (available at: https://www.peopleinneed.net/key-policies-4142gp). People in Need Staff will undertake the appropriate level of training.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organization and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Note- If you need reasonable accommodation (especially for people with disability) to proceed with our recruitment process, please mention so in the cover letter.