Under the general supervision of the Technical Project Coordinator (TPC) and in close collaboration with the project partners, the Officer shall ensure gender mainstreaming across the project cycle, project activities as well as offering appropriate proactive gender related technical support to the project.
Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Harare
- Category: Social Sciences
- Closing Date: 2026-08-24
Key Responsibilities
- To embed gender equality principles into all project designs, implementations, and monitoring processes.
- To strengthen the participation and leadership of women, youth, and marginalized groups in project decision-making, implementation, and benefit-sharing mechanisms.
- To review the project Gender Action Plan and ensure its successful implementation guided by the gender-sensitive results-based framework.
- Conduct internal gender audits and develop annual Gender Action Plans to guide organizational equity.
- To design gender-sensitive training programs, conducting social impact assessments, and developing inclusive communication tools.
- To support project staff and partners in collecting sex and gender-disaggregated data, and measure the gender-specific impacts of project.
- To support all staff/consultants/partners in identifying and integrating practical actions that respond to gender-differentiated issues and their implications for women and men.
- To support the monitoring and innovative approaches to ensure gender transformative activities.
- To ensure that the needs, priorities and constraints of both women and men are being taken into consideration in the implementation of the project.
- To ensure gender/social inclusion standards are met in all project staff/ consultants Terms of Reference and work.
Requirements
- A minimum qualification of a Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, International Development, Human Rights, or a related social science field
- At least seven years of experience working on gender issues within the fields of environmental management, environmental governance, or urban planning.
- Experience in facilitating participatory processes with grassroots women’s groups, small and medium enterprises, and community-based organizations.
- Demonstration of the ability to collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders including government agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations in driving gender-transformative results
- Strong understanding of gender-based violence protocols, grievance redress mechanisms, excellent community facilitation skills, and proficiency in qualitative and quantitative gender analysis.
How to Apply
About the Company
The Environmental Management Agency in Zimbabwe is a statutory body responsible for ensuring the sustainable utilization of natural resources and protection of the environment, and comes up with plans to prevent pollution and environmental degradation. It is under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate. Its mission is to regulate, monitor and promote the sustainable management of natural resources and protection of the environment with stakeholder participation. The agency raises awareness in schools through talk shows, among other strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What academic qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Gender Officer role at EMA in Zimbabwe?
A Bachelor's degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field is usually mandatory. Practical experience in gender mainstreaming, particularly within environmental or development sectors, and relevant short courses are highly valued. Demonstrated experience with local community engagement is also often sought after.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of a Gender Officer within an environmental agency like EMA?
You would typically conduct gender analysis for environmental programs, develop gender-sensitive policies, and facilitate capacity building workshops for staff and communities. This also involves monitoring and reporting on gender mainstreaming efforts across various environmental initiatives and projects. Collaboration with different departments to integrate gender perspectives into their work is crucial.
What is the typical work culture and expectations for a Gender Officer in a Zimbabwean parastatal environment like EMA?
Expect a structured environment emphasizing adherence to government policies and protocols, requiring strong collaboration across departments and with local communities. Professionalism, dedication to public service, and cultural sensitivity are highly valued, alongside a proactive approach to gender mainstreaming. Adaptability to varied field conditions and stakeholder engagement is also important.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for a Gender Officer in Zimbabwe's environmental sector?
You could advance to Senior Gender Officer, Program Manager, or roles focused on specific thematic areas like climate change and gender within the agency or other government departments. Further opportunities may exist in national or international NGOs working on gender and environment issues, leveraging your experience in policy implementation and community engagement. Continuous professional development and networking are key for upward mobility.
What typical benefits package can a Gender Officer expect from a parastatal like EMA in Zimbabwe?
Benefits usually include standard provisions such as medical aid, pension contributions, and annual leave, conforming to public service standards for parastatals. Specific details would vary based on organizational policies and collective bargaining agreements applicable to the sector. Additional benefits might include housing allowances or transport support depending on the role and location.
How should one apply for a Gender Officer role at EMA, and what do Zimbabwean employers typically look for in applications?
Applications usually require a detailed CV and a compelling cover letter outlining relevant experience and qualifications, submitted via email or an online portal as specified in the job advert. Zimbabwean employers seek demonstrable experience in gender mainstreaming, strong analytical and communication skills, and a clear understanding of local socio-cultural contexts and environmental policies. Highlight your experience in community engagement and report writing.