Description
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
IFC’s Gender and Economic Inclusion Department (GEID) works toward a private and public sector that provides all genders and underserved communities with equal economic opportunities as leaders, employees, entrepreneurs, consumers, and community members. We develop research and evidence on the business case and solutions for reducing gender gaps and including underserved groups; support mobilization through impact investing and social bond principles; work with IFC funds and clients to identify good practices; forge public and private sector partnerships; and provide tailored operational solutions that create economic opportunities and development for all.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is both a cause and consequence of gender inequality. Prior to COVID-19, about 1 in 3 women globally had experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence (WHO 2017). Gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) creates social and economic harm. The private sector is a key part of addressing GBVH alongside governments, civil sector organizations and other actors. Addressing GVB is a critical part of the upcoming WBG gender strategy 2024-2030 and central to the WBG achieving its strategic objectives and outcomes.
Since 2014, IFC’s Gender and Economic Inclusion Department (GEID) GBVH program has focused on anti-workplace bullying and sexual harassment, and supporting employees affected by domestic violence through the Respectful Workplaces program. There is an opportunity to scale up GEID’s GBV program to support the private sector in addressing GBV and child safeguarding including and going beyond workplace responses.
GEID is looking for a passionate, energetic, and motivated individual with specialized expertise and direct experience in research, advisory services, and training related to GBV and the private sector. The position will be locally recruited in Nairobi, Kenya.
Duties and Accountabilities:
The Associate/Operations Officer GBV will be responsible for:
1. Client engagement & implementation of GBV Operations
• Supporting the GBV Lead to deliver advisory services on GBV to clients across Africa and globally as relevant. This will include business development, direct advisory to clients, as well as coordinating and delivering support to multiple firms through peer learning platforms and other innovative delivery mechanisms.
• Continuing the implementation of IFC’s Respectful Workplaces Program with IFC clients and non-clients, including expanding to selected countries across the region.
• Supporting the GBV Lead and other operational teams to embed child safeguarding in GEID’s work on childcare.
• Contribute to and support the design of innovative solutions for the private sector to address GBV.
2. Research and Thought Leadership
• Conducting qualitative and quantitative research to inform IFC GBV operations across Africa and globally as relevant, including through desk research, mapping of key stakeholders working on GBV and the private sector, supporting focus group discussions, and key informant interviews with the private sector, CSO, UN Agencies and public sector stakeholders, and other country-level research activities as required.
• Supporting internal and external capacity building on GBV through cost-to-business research, case studies, tools, and training.
• Contributing to the development of standard indicators to capture the outcomes and impact of GBV and child safeguarding activities.
• Contributing to talking points and presentations for the GBV Lead and others for public speaking engagements to share experience, lessons learned and to advance the role of the private sector in addressing GBV.
3. Project and Stakeholder Management
• Lead or support the preparation of work plans and program reports including the semi-annual supervision reports, donor briefs, and other reports as may be required.
• Engage with the World Bank, IFC investment and country teams, other IFC departments as necessary under the guidance of the GBV Lead. Build and maintain relationships and strengthen networks with key stakeholders including IFC clients, government officials, UN Agencies, and civil society groups.
• Participate in the selection, screening, and recruitment of consultants and service providers and coordinate the management of the same.
• Coordinate the organization of program-related events, including responsibility for preparing and disseminating meeting notes and ensuring that the outcomes of working groups and other events are reflected in the design and implementation of program activities.
Selection Criteria
• Masters’ degree in International Development or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in delivering research and advisory services to the private sector on GBV in emerging markets.
• Experience in child safeguarding policy and/or interventions is a plus.
• Strong theoretical base in gender, gender-based violence, and the private sector and ability to translate theory into practical applications in the context of private-sector focused interventions/operations.
• Good knowledge of global standards and ethical guidelines for prevention and response to GBV and of key standards and resources on GBV in development settings.
• Strong experience in project management and integration of women and youth.
• Familiarity with emerging issues in diversity and inclusion as well as broader gender issues, including women’s employment good practice in the private sector.
• Understanding of gender, GBV and/or child safeguarding policy in Kenya and other developing markets is a plus.
• Ability to develop and manage relations with diverse stakeholders.
• Outstanding interpersonal and problem-solving skills with proven ability to work effectively in a team.
• Strong analytical skills, ability to think strategically, analyze, and synthesize diverse information sources.
• Pragmatic, solution-oriented, problem solver with a high degree of responsiveness and proactivity, coupled with the ability to recognize when a solution is not available.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and ability to effectively dialogue with and relate to clients and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Swahili is a plus.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.
