Project: iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme
Programme Implementers: Zhill Systems Limited – North-East Humanitarian Innovation Hub (NEHIH)
Abuja (Project Management Office)/Remote with frequent travel across the six North-East States (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe)
Reports To: Project Director
Technical Reporting: BPO Services Specialist (Team Lead)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, Full-Time
Contract Duration: Project-based, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and project requirements.
Programme Background
The iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme is a flagship initiative under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, designed to expand employment opportunities for young Nigerians by equipping them with globally competitive digital and BPO skills while connecting them to local and international employment opportunities.
Implemented by the Zhill Systems–NEHIH Consortium, the programme seeks to train, certify and facilitate employment pathways for 50,000 young people across the six North-East states through a market-driven approach that integrates technical training, career readiness, employer engagement and job placement.
Position Purpose
The Gender, Inclusion & Safeguards Specialist provides technical leadership for integrating gender equality, social inclusion, safeguarding, and environmental and social safeguards across all programme activities. The role ensures inclusive programme delivery, protects vulnerable groups, and supports compliance with donor, national and international safeguarding standards.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
Lead the implementation of the programme’s Gender Equality, Social Inclusion and Safeguarding Strategy by integrating gender and inclusion into programme planning, beneficiary recruitment, implementation and monitoring, while promoting equitable participation and providing technical guidance to programme teams.
Safeguarding and Environmental & Social Compliance
Develop and implement safeguarding policies, grievance redress mechanisms and PSEAH procedures, ensure compliance with BOI, AfDB and Environmental and Social Safeguard (ESS) requirements, conduct risk assessments, monitor mitigation measures, and strengthen safe and accountable programme delivery.
Disability Inclusion and Community Engagement
Promote disability-inclusive programme implementation by supporting accessible training facilities, learning materials and digital platforms, engaging women, PWDs, IDPs and vulnerable communities, and strengthening partnerships with government and civil society organisations.
Capacity Building, Monitoring and Partnerships
Build staff and partner capacity on gender equality, safeguarding and inclusion, monitor programme performance through gender and inclusion indicators, prepare technical reports, document lessons learned, and strengthen partnerships with government agencies, development partners and protection stakeholders.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, Social Work, Development Studies, Human Rights, International Development, Psychology, Public Policy, Peace and Conflict Studies, Law, Public Health, Social Sciences or a related discipline. A Master’s Degree is an advantage. Professional certifications in Gender Mainstreaming, Safeguarding, PSEAH, Child Protection, Environmental and Social Safeguards or Disability Inclusion will be an added advantage.
Working Conditions
The position is based in Abuja/Remote with periodic travel across the six North-East states. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required during programme implementation, stakeholder meetings and field activities.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of five (5) years’ progressively responsible experience in gender equality, safeguarding, social inclusion or social development programming. Experience implementing donor-funded development programmes.
- Demonstrated experience implementing environmental and social safeguard standards, stakeholder engagement, community mobilisation and inclusive programming.
- Experience working in workforce development, TVET, humanitarian programmes or fragile and conflict-affected settings, particularly in North-East Nigeria, is highly desirable.
Technical Competencies
The candidate should demonstrate strong expertise in gender mainstreaming, social inclusion, disability inclusion, environmental and social safeguards, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), child protection, community engagement, grievance redress mechanisms, risk assessment, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement, with proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 to support effective programme implementation, compliance and performance management.
Behavioural Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate strategic thinking, leadership, integrity and accountability, with excellent communication, facilitation and problem-solving skills. The candidate should also possess strong collaboration, cultural sensitivity, analytical ability, adaptability and results orientation to effectively manage diverse stakeholders and implementation environments.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Zhill Systems–NEHIH Consortium is committed to promoting equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of employment. Applications are encouraged from qualified candidates regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, religion or other protected characteristics. Women, persons with disabilities and qualified candidates from North-East Nigeria are strongly encouraged to apply.