Description
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist
Contract type: Fixed Term, 40 hours per week
Location: Abuja, Nigeria. Subject to right to work
Salary and Benefits: Competitive with excellent benefits.
Change starts with water. Change starts with you.
Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.
About WaterAid
We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.
About the Team
WaterAid has partnered with the government and people of Nigeria to deliver sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) intervention, that deliver long-lasting impact. Our work is anchored on the belief that access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene is a fundamental human right and a critical enabler for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a leader in the WASH sector, WaterAid Nigeria is dedicated to innovation, learning, and advocacy to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of our interventions.
About the Role
The Gender Equality & Social Inclusion (GESI) Specialist is a critical role within WaterAid Nigeria’s Country Programme, reporting to the Head of Programmes. The position is responsible for ensuring the integration of gender equity and social inclusion principles across all aspects of WaterAid Nigeria’s work. This includes strategic leadership in designing, implementing, and evaluating WASH programs that address the structural and systemic barriers to equitable access for marginalized and vulnerable populations.
In this role, you will be expected to:
Lead in determining the technical objectives relating to Gender and Social Inclusion and how they are delivered and achieved. You will be held accountable for the integrity and effective delivery of the technical advice and services. You are seen as a thematic authority and are expected to effectively handle the most challenging technical assignments. With a strong understanding of organisational approaches, dynamics and ways of working, You are expected to bridge gaps and siloes, proactively establishing and maintaining relationships with colleagues across WaterAid and beyond and facilitating joined-up and comprehensive efforts to advance WaterAid’s programming globally.
Requirements
To be successful, you’ll need:
- A relevant post-Graduate degree or equivalent work experience, for example Person specification master’s degree in gender studies, women’s studies, sociology, international development, or a related field required. With at least 7 years of experience at management level on gender and development
- Demonstrable understanding of GESI dynamics in Nigeria context, including understanding of relevant frameworks and experience in working on social norms and attitudinal changes required to make progress on gender and equity.
- Proven track record in business development, including leading bid opportunities and technical writing, alongside experience presenting technical content to external audiences and working on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
- Strong writing ability in English. Experienced in producing practical knowledge products targeting needs of diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in project management, including the ability to plan and coordinate, gender-focused initiatives.
View Full Job Description
How to apply: Click Apply to upload your CV and Cover letter.
Closing Date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on 26th August 2025.
Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?
At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.
Pre‑employment screening
To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy.
Benefits
As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country’s context and policies. These will be shared during the process
Our Global Commitment:
Our People Promise
We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.
Safeguarding
We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).
Together, we’ll change the world through water.
Join us and be part of the change !
