Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Expert at Adam Smith International

Adam Smith International is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies more stable, and governments more effective. Our clients are governments, international organisations, companies, and foundations. They come to us to develop strategies and to design, deliver and evaluate programmes that address the big challenges facing the world.

As a company with experience of delivering lasting results, including in fragile states and where there is conflict, we are prepared to manage a high level of risk to achieve our purpose. Our core team of staff and technical experts, in multiple offices around the world, ensures the quality of delivery and high ethical standards that we and our clients require.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Expert

Location: Abuja (with travel to project sites as required)
Work type: On-site

Background

• The project seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem by facilitating pathways to commercialization, fostering academia-industry collaboration, and scaling the participatory technology development (PTD) model across the country. 
• Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) is a cross-cutting theme, ensuring that marginalized and underrepresented groups especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities actively participate in and benefit from research, innovation, and commercialization activities. 
• The GESI Expert will ensure that the project mainstreams GESI principles across all activities and contributes to a more inclusive research and innovation system in Nigeria.

Work Arrangement

• Short-Term-Technical-Assistance (STTA) To be present periodically in Abuja, Nigeria (periodic field visits across project locations on short notice)

Objectives of the Role
The GESI Expert will:

• Lead the integration of GESI principles into all aspects of the project, ensuring inclusive participation and equitable benefits.
• Provide technical guidance on GESI mainstreaming across research-to-commercialization (R2C) activities, partnerships, and policy advocacy efforts.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve access to innovation resources for marginalized groups.
• Monitor and evaluate the project’s GESI-related outcomes and ensure continuous learning and adaptation.
• Support Team and Stakeholders in grants writing – Technical inputs needed

Key Responsibilities
GESI Strategy Development & Implementation:

• Develop a GESI integration strategy aligned with project objectives and national policies.
• Conduct a GESI assessment to identify barriers and opportunities for inclusion in the innovation ecosystem.
• Design targeted interventions to increase participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in technology development, commercialization, and entrepreneurship.

Capacity Building & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Train project staff, research institutions, and private sector partners on best practices in GESI mainstreaming.
• Support research institutions, CONESAM clusters to adopt inclusive innovation approaches.
• Foster partnerships with gender-focused organizations, advocacy groups, and policymakers to amplify impact.

Policy Advocacy & Knowledge Management:

• Develop policy briefs, case studies, and success stories showcasing inclusive innovation models.
• Engage with government agencies to integrate GESI considerations into national policies.
• Support the organization of inclusive stakeholder dialogues, including NAMIS (National Agricultural Mechanization Summit).

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL):

• Establish GESI-specific indicators and ensure data collection is disaggregated by gender and other social markers.
• Work closely with the MEL team to track the impact of GESI interventions and recommend improvements.
• Develop quarterly and annual reports on GESI outcomes and lessons learned.

Engagement duration 40 days
Quarter - First Quarter:

• Month: January - March
• Number of days: 10
• Key Activities: To be agreed ahead of each Quarter

Quarter - Second Quarter April-June:

• Month: April – June
• Number of days: 10
• Key Activities: To be agreed ahead of each Quarter

Quarter - Third Quarter:

• Month: July - September
• Number of days: 10
• Key Activities: To be agreed ahead of each Quarter

Quarter - Fourth Quarter:

• Month: October – December
• Number of days: 10
• Key Activities: To be agreed ahead of each Quarter

Total Days: 40 days

Required Qualifications & Experience
Essential:

• A Degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in GESI mainstreaming within research, innovation, or development projects.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing GESI strategies in multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong understanding of barriers faced by women, youth, and marginalized groups in STEM and entrepreneurship.
• Experience working with government institutions, academia, and the private sector to promote inclusive innovation.
• Excellent writing skills, with experience producing policy briefs, case studies, and reports.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting on GESI outcomes.

Desirable:

• Prior experience working on FCDO-funded projects or similar donor-funded initiatives.
• Familiarity with Nigeria’s research and innovation policy landscape.

Deliverables:

• GESI strategy and action plan developed within the first one month.
• Capacity-building workshops conducted for project partners and stakeholders.
• Policy briefs and reports produced highlighting key GESI interventions.
• Quarterly and annual GESI monitoring reports submitted.
• Recommendations for sustainability and institutionalization of GESI principles beyond project lifespan.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter highlighting experience and suitability for the role.
• An updated CV with references.
• Link to previous publications and/or reports, policy brief, or research paper.

Note: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview and competency-based assessment.