Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Skilled Workforce for Innovation and Financial Sector Transformation (SWIFT) Program in Ethiopia

Job description for Gender and Safeguarding Senior Expert

The SWIFT (Skilled Workforce for Innovation and Financial Sector Transformation) Program in Ethiopia is a partnership between the National Bank of Ethiopia and the Mastercard Foundation aimed at equipping, through the Ethiopia Institute for Financial Studies, about 100,000 young people with market-relevant skills and capabilities that will enable them to drive inclusion, innovation and transformation in the country’s financial sector. The SWIFT Program targets young people, 70% of them women, who are either already employed or looking for employment in the financial sector and need upskilling and/or reskilling.

The lead implementing partner for SWIFT is BKP Economic Advisors (BKP), an economic research and consulting firm based in Germany. Running for four years (2025-29), the Program will have the following five main focus areas: i) Expanding, revising and developing modern finance education curricula and training modules; ii) Establishing a training curricula-oriented research and knowledge hub to inform financial policy and practice in financial inclusion and industry innovation; iii) Establishing online learning platforms and digital tools to make financial training accessible to underserved youths; iv) Supporting NEWFin (Network of Ethiopia’s Women in Finance) by providing targeted support for young women professionals; and v) Upgrading EIFS’ IT, curricular and accreditation capabilities.

Gender and Safeguarding Senior Expert

The Senior Expert will ensure that the SWIFT Program is inclusive and gender responsive. This includes integrating gender equality principles and safeguarding mechanisms across all components of the program.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement Gender and Safeguarding policies and guidelines for the SWIFT Program, ensuring that all program activities are responsive to the needs of women, youth, and other marginalized groups.
  • Provide expert advice and support in designing inclusive training programs, outreach strategies, and materials that promote gender balance and social equity.
  • Lead and oversee the integration and compliance with SWIFT Safeguarding policies and guidelines by project staff and those of partnering institutions in implementation of the Program
  • Oversee recruitment of project participants – youth and women- as well as Program staff and service contract processes to ensure that safeguarding guidelines are observed.
  • Manage issues arising related to safeguarding including escalation measures and provide regular progress reports.
  • Serve as a SWIFT Program focus person on safeguarding matters and manage associated reporting obligations.
  • Conduct gender and social inclusion assessments and provide recommendations to inform program design and implementation.
  • Build capacity of program staff, EIFS personnel, and partner organizations on gender equality, inclusion, and safeguarding.
  • Establish gender-sensitive indicators and support the MEL Expert in monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on gender and social inclusion outcomes
  • Develop strategies for engaging men as allies in promoting gender equality within the financial sector.
  • Liaise with national stakeholders, women’s organizations, and development partners to strengthen collaboration and ensure alignment with national gender policies.
  • Document lessons learned and contribute to program reports, highlighting success stories and challenges related to gender and inclusion.
  • Promote an inclusive and respectful program culture that upholds the dignity and rights of all participants.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Sociology, Development Studies, or a closely related field.
  • At least 8 years of relevant experience in gender equality, social inclusion, and safeguarding within large-scale development programs.
  • In-depth understanding of gender mainstreaming approaches, intersectionality, and inclusive program design.
  • Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing gender, safeguarding and inclusion strategies, particularly in education, youth, or workforce development sectors.
  • Strong familiarity with safeguarding policies, including protection against sexual exploitation.
  • Experience in training and capacity building of program staff, government institutions, and partners on gender and inclusion.
  • Proven ability to conduct gender and inclusion analyses and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
  • Familiarity with monitoring gender-specific indicators and reporting results using disaggregated data.
  • Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and advocacy skills.
  • Proficiency in English and at least one Ethiopian language.

Employment Terms

  • Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (with occasional travel as needed).
  • Contract type and duration: March 2026 – June 2029. The role will initially be engaged on a level of effort basis during year 1, with an expected transition to a full-time position from year 2 onward, subject to satisfactory performance and program requirements. 
  • Reporting To: Resident Program Manager.

Application Method

  • Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their application – a cover letter and an updated CV only– to opportunities@swiftethiopia.org. Please use the subject line “Application – Senior Expert Gender and Safeguarding” and ensure all documents are submitted in PDF format.

Application Deadline

  • Applications must be received no later than 4 March 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.

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