East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community
Vacancy Advertisement: Gender, Equity and Human Rights Specialist
The ECSA-HC is a regional organization set up in 1974 to promote the highest possible standards of health among member countries. ECSA-HC is mandated to foster, among member states, cooperation that will lead to the strengthening of health delivery programmes in the region. The member states are Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Eswatini, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) invites applications from suitably qualified persons, who are nationals of Member States, for the post of Gender, Equity and Human Rights Specialist. The position is tenable at the ECSA Health Community Secretariat based in Arusha, Tanzania. The incumbent will report to the Director of Finance.
1.0 Background of the Organization
The East, Central and Southern African Health Community (ECSA-HC) is a regional organization established in 1974 to promote the highest possible standards of health among member states. It fosters cooperation to strengthen healthcare programmes in the region. The Secretariat implements its activities through four programme clusters:
- Family Health and Infectious Diseases
- Non-Communicable Diseases, Food Security and Nutrition
- Health Systems and Capacity Building
- Knowledge Management, Monitoring and Evaluation
2.0 Broad Purpose of the Post
The Gender, Equity, and Human Rights Specialist will lead the integration of gender equality, equity, and human rights considerations into the Multi-Phase Approach Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (MPA-HEPRR) Project. This includes planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation activities. The specialist will ensure that project interventions are inclusive, gender-sensitive, and aligned with human rights principles.
3.0 Specific Responsibilities
a) Technical Leadership and Advisory
- Provide technical expertise on gender, equity, and inclusion in project design and implementation
- Ensure integration of gender and human rights into health emergency preparedness and response policies
- Support development of tools, guidelines, and frameworks for inclusive health emergency management
b) Capacity Building and Training
- Lead capacity-building sessions on gender and human rights for stakeholders
- Support gender-responsive and human-rights-centred approaches across HEPRR activities
c) Data and Evidence Generation
- Oversee collection and analysis of sex, age, and gender-disaggregated data
- Identify gender and equity gaps and propose corrective actions
d) Community Engagement and Advocacy
- Collaborate with stakeholders to promote inclusive health emergency responses
- Support community engagement to amplify voices of marginalized populations
e) Policy Support and Mainstreaming
- Provide technical assistance in developing gender-sensitive policies and action plans
- Advocate for gender and equity considerations in regional governance frameworks
f) Reporting and Knowledge Sharing
- Document and disseminate lessons learned and best practices
- Contribute to technical reports and presentations
4.0 Education Qualifications and Professional Experience
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Gender Studies and Human Rights
- At least 8 years of progressive experience in gender mainstreaming, equity, and human rights
- Experience with regional/international organizations on gender and human rights
- Proven expertise in capacity-building, policy development, and advocacy
- Experience in research and coordination of gender and human rights assessments
- Knowledge of local and international laws and policies relevant to gender and health emergencies
- Demonstrable experience in project management
5.0 Essential Skills and Competencies Required
- Strong understanding of gender dynamics and human rights in health emergencies
- Ability to analyse and address systemic barriers to inclusion
- Excellent training, facilitation, and communication skills
- Proficiency in data analysis related to gender indicators
- Respect for diversity and results-oriented mindset
- Fluency in English
6.0 Language
- Fluency in both spoken and written English
7.0 Remuneration Package
- An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the right candidate
8.0 Contract Appointment
- Three-year contract, renewable based on performance and mutual agreement
10.0 Method of Application
Nationals of Member States should submit:
- Detailed application letter
- Curriculum Vitae with three referees
- Completed ECSA-HC application form (available at www.ecsahc.org)
- Certified copies of educational and professional certificates
Applications that do not meet the criteria will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
11.0 Deadline for Applications
Applications must be received by 21st June 2025. Submission by email is highly encouraged.
Submit to:
The Director General
East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community
Plot 157 Oloirien, Njiro Road
P.O. Box 1009, Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: +255 27 250 8362/3, 250 4106
Fax: +255 27 254 125/250 8292
Email: [email protected] (cc: [email protected])
Website: www.ecsahc.org
Note: ECSA-HC is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.