icddr,b is a Bangladesh-based international health research institute that strives to solve key public health problems through high-quality scientific research and innovation. As a values-based organization, icddr,b encourages women and people with disabilities to apply.

icddr,b invites applications for the position of Gender & Diversity Specialist with Human Resources under the Central Management Services. The appointment will be made on a Fixed-Term basis for 2 years which is renewable depending on performance and availability of funds.

Position Description:

The Gender & Diversity Specialist will be required to play a pivotal role in developing, implementing and managing gender and diversity policies and practices with the objective of improving the inclusiveness and diversity of the workforce and providing for an equitable and fair working environment at icddr,b within the guidelines of the Human Resources Strategy; and organizational values and guidelines.

The Gender & Diversity Specialist will be responsible for the following:

• Programme Management: Understand strategic objectives; Derive implications for gender and diversity; Assess internal challenges and progress on achieving gender and diversity objectives; Stay abreast of developments in gender and diversity practices; Incorporate such analysis into a Gender & Diversity Policy, articulate it and finalize the policy with Head, HRM; Create operational plans, goals and scorecards; Create and maintain resources and toolkits to support diversity and inclusion efforts; Estimate and secure necessary financial and non-financial resources; Monitor the progress of operational plans and achievement of gender & diversity goals; Serve as a resource for employees regarding gender and diversity issues, providing guidance and support as needed; Promote and support initiatives that enhance workplace culture and inclusivity; Direct team and take appropriate corrective actions in order to provide for a fair and equitable working environment for all staff; specially women and people of diverse backgrounds.
• Advocacy and Relationship Management: Work collaboratively with staff at all levels and foster an inclusive environment; Represent the organization at external events, conferences, and community meetings related to gender and diversity; Develop and strengthen relationships with external organizations and institutes for knowledge sharing (e.g. in developing a gender & diversity analysis framework); Seek buy-in and support from icddr,b leadership for progressive policies; Liaise with Gender, Health and Human Rights Research Group; Provide consulting and advice on gender issues to Centres and Services; Plan events to encourage gender & diversity activities across icddr,b (e.g. International Women’s day, Diversity day, cultural programs for different nationalities etc.); Partner with relevant teams for execution; Identify various communication platforms; Conceptualize communication material (e.g. posters, banners); Disseminate communication material to focal points, office managers, and field sites for display; Update the management about latest developments and activities in order to spread awareness & influence behavior on gender and diversity related issues.
• Training Management: Design training curriculum and content for new / revised programs e.g. diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); sexual harassment, women’s rights, respecting cultures etc.; Prepare annual training calendar; Oversee logistics arrangements for training; Deliver training programs as per schedule; Conduct gender & diversity sessions; Collect training feedback and modify course content, if required; Develop other initiatives (such as health-seeking behavior intervention) in order to educate people on gender and diversity issues.
• Process Improvement: Stay informed about industry best practices and emerging trends in gender and diversity and scan external environment for current thinking on gender & diversity policies, initiatives and processes; Be aligned and adopt standard PSEA practices introduced by the international community; Introduce new practices and policies to widen scope of icddr,b’s agenda on gender & diversity (e.g. sexual harassment, age discrimination, discrimination against any minority group such as transgenders etc.); Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and update gender and diversity policies and strategies; Identify areas of improvement in existing policies and implementation activities to improve effectiveness; Conceptualize new ideas to improve DEI and oversee deployment of such improvements in order to improve the working environment at icddr,b for all staff; specially for women and people of diverse backgrounds.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect, analyze, and report on diversity metrics and progress toward DEI goals; Comply with PSEA guideline and provide regular update to the stakeholders including donors; Prepare and present reports to senior management and other stakeholders on the status of gender and diversity initiatives; Conduct regular audits in order to ensure compliance with diversity-related regulations and standards.

Required qualifications and experience:

Education and relevant experience:

• An excellent academic record from a reputed University with having Master’s degree preferably in Gender Studies / Sociology / Psychology / Development Studies

• 10 years of years of experience with exposure to gender, cultural sensitivity and diversity related programs including developing and implementing diversity and inclusion programs, policies, and training.

Location: Dhaka.

Salary & benefits:

• Annual Tk. 2,552,900 inclusive of house rent, conveyance, and other admissible benefits;
• 14.8% provident fund contribution, income tax paid by icddr,b, children allowance @Tk.1,917/- per child per month, festival bonus, contributory healthcare support including dependent spouse and children, group life insurance, and subsidized canteen. Transport and daycare facilities are subject to space availability.

Notes of attention:

• Only short-listed candidates shall be invited for written test / interview;
• icddr,b does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process;

Interested candidates who fulfil the requirements should submit online applications using icddr,b website: career.icddrb.org by August 31, 2024.