Duties and Responsibilities
How can you make a difference? To ensure that the Male Engagement Strategy is evidence-based, context-specific, and aligned with national, regional, and international gender equality frameworks, MWACSMED intends to engage a qualified consultant to lead the strategy development process. The consultant will undertake a comprehensive review of existing policies, programmes, research, and best practices; conduct stakeholder consultations; assess opportunities and challenges for male engagement; and develop a practical strategy with clear objectives, implementation approaches, monitoring indicators, and partnership mechanisms.
The resulting strategy will serve as a guiding document for strengthening national efforts to engage men and boys as partners in advancing gender equality, promoting women’s rights, preventing violence, and fostering inclusive and equitable communities.
The overall objective is to develop a strategic framework that: *Defines a clear vision, goals, and principles for male engagement in Zimbabwe *Provides strategic direction for engaging men and boys in GBV prevention and gender equality *Strengthens systematic cross sectoral collaboration and coordination among stakeholders implementing male engagement initiatives *Promotes positive masculinity and transformation of harmful gender norms.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Gender Development
- Closing Date: 2026-08-29
Key Responsibilities
- To ensure that the Male Engagement Strategy is evidence-based, context-specific, and aligned with national, regional, and international gender equality frameworks, MWACSMED intends to engage a qualified consultant to lead the strategy development process. The consultant will undertake a comprehensive review of existing policies, programmes, research, and best practices; conduct stakeholder consultations; assess opportunities and challenges for male engagement; and develop a practical strategy with clear objectives, implementation approaches, monitoring indicators, and partnership mechanisms.
- The resulting strategy will serve as a guiding document for strengthening national efforts to engage men and boys as partners in advancing gender equality, promoting women’s rights, preventing violence, and fostering inclusive and equitable communities.
- The overall objective is to develop a strategic framework that: *Defines a clear vision, goals, and principles for male engagement in Zimbabwe *Provides strategic direction for engaging men and boys in GBV prevention and gender equality *Strengthens systematic cross sectoral collaboration and coordination among stakeholders implementing male engagement initiatives *Promotes positive masculinity and transformation of harmful gender norms.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Development Studies
- 10 years in research, programming, monitoring and evaluation, strategy development in the area of gender programming and mainstreaming.
- English
- Demonstrated experience in gender equality, GBV programming, or social norm change
- Proven experience in strategy development and policy formulation
- Strong understanding of male engagement and positive masculinity frameworks
- Experience working with government and multi-stakeholder processes
- Qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills
- Expertise on social media analytics and digital content
- Fluency in Shona and or Ndebele
Salary
this position offer…
How to Apply
REF Code: 595218
About the Company
MWACSMED is the Zimbabwean government agency operating under the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development. It is headquartered in Harare and implements national policies to advance women’s economic participation and strengthen small and medium enterprises across Zimbabwe. The agency administers financial facilities denominated in Zimbabwe dollars and supports enterprise development amid evolving economic conditions. Its work includes capacity building, access-to-finance initiatives, and advocacy for gender-responsive SME growth nationwide.
Socially and economically empowered women and resilient SMEs in Zimbabwe
Website: https://www.mwacsmed.gov.zw/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for this national consultant role in Zimbabwe?
A master’s degree in Gender Studies, Public Health, Social Sciences, or a related field is commonly required, along with proven experience in gender programming and male engagement initiatives. Professional certification in project management (e.g., PRINCE2 or PMD Pro) or gender mainstreaming (e.g., UN Women or ZIMSTAT training) is highly valued. Relevant work with Zimbabwean government ministries, NGOs like UNFPA or UNICEF, or local organisations such as the National AIDS Council is often expected.
What does a typical day look like for this consultant working on the National Male Engagement Strategy in Zimbabwe?
The role involves facilitating stakeholder consultations with traditional leaders, health workers, and youth groups across provinces, drafting strategy documents aligned with Zimbabwe’s National Gender Policy and HIV response frameworks, and coordinating inputs from Mwacsmed partners. Fieldwork may include travel to rural districts using public transport or NGO vehicles, and office-based tasks often occur at partner offices in Harare or Bulawayo, with frequent reporting to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the National AIDS Council.
How does Zimbabwe’s local work culture influence expectations for this consultancy role?
Respect for hierarchy and formal communication with senior officials—especially from government and traditional institutions—is essential; punctuality, appropriate dress, and use of Shona/Ndebele in community engagements are practical expectations. Consensus-building through inclusive dialogue and adherence to national protocols (e.g., seeking permission from village heads before community entry) is standard practice, not optional. Consultants are also expected to demonstrate cultural sensitivity around gender norms, particularly when engaging men and boys in patriarchal settings.
What career progression opportunities exist after completing this type of national consultancy in Zimbabwe?
Successful consultants often transition into senior technical roles with UN agencies, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, or the National AIDS Council—or lead gender units within Zimbabwean NGOs like CAWP or ZWAO. Some pursue long-term advisory contracts with SADC or AU gender mechanisms, while others leverage the experience to establish local consultancies registered with the Registrar-General’s Office and accredited by ZIMSTAT. Continued professional development through ZIMSEC-accredited short courses or University of Zimbabwe extension programmes strengthens credibility.
What benefits can a national consultant expect in Zimbabwe for this kind of assignment?
Benefits depend on the contracting organisation but commonly include pro-rata annual leave (20–25 days), access to basic medical aid via partner schemes like NSSA or private providers (e.g., Medshield Zimbabwe), and pension contributions if engaged under a formal contract with a registered employer. Short-term consultancies (under 6 months) rarely include pensions or medical cover, though reputable donors like UNFPA or GIZ often provide field allowances and travel insurance. Always verify benefit terms in the signed contract, as informal or sub-contracted arrangements may offer limited coverage.
How should I apply, and what do employers in Zimbabwe specifically look for in candidates for this role?
Applications are usually submitted via email or online portals specified in the Terms of Reference (ToR), with mandatory inclusion of a detailed CV, technical proposal, and certified copies of academic certificates verified by ZIMSEC or the relevant university. Employers prioritise demonstrable experience designing or implementing male engagement interventions in Zimbabwean contexts—e.g., work with the National Male Engagement Framework or participation in the Zimbabwe National Gender Baseline Survey—and fluency in at least one local language. Strong references from Zimbabwean government or civil society partners carry more weight than international endorsements alone.