Job Description

SOS Children’s Villages invites applications from suitably qualified and interested candidates who fulfill the eligibility criterion for the below position.

Position Title: Gender Officer

Reporting To: Education Manager

Location: Mogadishu

JOB SUMMARY

The Gender Officer will lead and coordinate gender mainstreaming efforts across SOS Children’s Village Somalia programs. The role focuses on promoting gender equality, preventing gender-based violence (GBV), and ensuring the integration of gender-sensitive approaches in child welfare, education, and community programs. The officer will collaborate with internal teams, community partners, and relevant stakeholders to implement gender-responsive policies, training, and advocacy initiatives.

The Gender Officer will play a key role in advancing gender equality within SOS Children’s Village programs in Somalia. This position is responsible for ensuring that gender-sensitive approaches are embedded across all programs, policies, and interventions, with a strong focus on child protection, education, health, and youth empowerment. The officer will work closely with internal teams, local communities, government institutions, and partner organizations to address gender disparities, prevent gender-based violence (GBV), and promote the rights and well-being of children—particularly girls and vulnerable groups.

Given the context of Somalia, where gender-based inequalities and protection risks remain significant, the officer will work on strengthening community-based support systems, enhancing survivor protection mechanisms, and engaging stakeholders in gender-responsive programming. The role also requires active participation in national and regional gender networks, collaboration with government and NGO partners, and contribution to donor reports and funding proposals to sustain and expand gender-focused initiatives.

This position demands a strong understanding of gender issues in humanitarian and development settings, excellent advocacy and training skills, and a deep commitment to child rights and protection. The Gender Officer will be instrumental in ensuring that SOS Children’s Village programs in Somalia are inclusive, equitable, and empowering for all children, families, and communities.

Gender Mainstreaming & Policy Integration

• Lead the development and implementation of gender-responsive strategies across SOS Children’s Village programs in Mogadishu.
• Ensure that all programs—including child protection, education, health, and youth empowerment—incorporate gender-sensitive approaches.
• Develop and update gender policies and guidelines in alignment with national laws, SOS Children’s Village global standards, and international gender frameworks.
• Provide technical support to ensure the organization’s policies and activities actively promote gender equality and address disparities affecting children, especially girls.

2. Capacity Building & Training

• Design and conduct gender training for SOS staff, caregivers, Children & youth, community workers, and local partners on topics such as gender equity, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, and child protection.
• Develop user-friendly training materials, toolkits, and awareness-raising content on gender issues for various audiences, including children, youth, and families.
• Build the capacity of program teams to apply gender-sensitive approaches in their work and ensure gender-responsive service delivery.

3. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention & Response

• Establish and strengthen referral mechanisms for survivors of GBV, ensuring they have access to psychosocial support, healthcare, legal assistance, and safe spaces.
• Collaborate with child protection teams to implement gender-sensitive safeguarding practices.
• Support case management for children, particularly girls, who have experienced or are at risk of violence, early marriage, or exploitation.
• Work closely with community leaders, women’s groups, and local authorities to raise awareness and prevent GBV.

4. Advocacy & Community Engagement

• Lead community outreach efforts to challenge harmful gender norms and promote positive gender roles, particularly in child-rearing, education, and decision-making.
• Develop advocacy campaigns to promote girls’ education, women’s leadership, and gender equity in the community.
• Represent SOS Children’s Village Somalia in gender-related networks, coalitions, and government-led working groups.
• Strengthen partnerships with local and international NGOs, government agencies, and other stakeholders working on gender issues.

5. Monitoring, Evaluation, & Reporting

• Develop gender-sensitive indicators and track progress in gender mainstreaming efforts.
• Conduct gender analysis, assessments, and research to identify gaps and recommend improvements.
• Prepare reports, success stories, and case studies showcasing the impact of gender initiatives within SOS Children’s Village Somalia programs.
• Contribute to grant proposals and donor reports related to gender-focused projects.

6. Child & Youth Empowerment

• Work closely with SOS youth groups and child-led initiatives to promote gender equality and leadership skills among young people.
• Develop mentorship and skills-building programs that encourage girls and young women to pursue education and leadership opportunities.
• Engage boys and young men in discussions and activities that challenge stereotypes and promote positive masculinities.

7. Emergency & Humanitarian Response

• Ensure gender considerations are integrated into SOS Children’s Village Somalia’s emergency response activities, including child protection in humanitarian settings.
• Support gender-responsive interventions in crisis situations, ensuring that women, girls, and vulnerable groups receive adequate support and protection.

Experiences and Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Gender Studies, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field. A master degree is an added advantage.
• Experience in gender mainstreaming, GBV prevention, or child protection within NGO or humanitarian settings.
• Strong facilitation and training skills, with experience in conducting gender-related capacity-building sessions.
• Knowledge of international gender policies and frameworks, such as Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) Sustainable developmen Goals (SDGs), and child protection guidelines.
• Ability to work with vulnerable groups, particularly women, girls, and children.
• Strong advocacy, networking, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Experience:

• Previous experience in a child-focused organization or community development programs.
• Familiarity with SOS Children’s Village programs and policies is an advantage

Child Safeguarding Policy: 

SOS Children’s Villages organization is committed to safeguarding the rights of the children and therefore, is expected that every individual who joins with SOS Children’s Villages Somalia understand his/her responsibility in protecting and keeping children always safe

Skills Required

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