Our client Aga Khan Foundation is looking for a Gender and Social Safeguarding Specialist in
The Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan) is seeking a Gender and Social Specialist to join the Rural Development and Climate Resilience Project (RDCRP) based in Gilgit Baltistan. The specialist will provide essential technical expertise in gender mainstreaming, social safeguarding, and environmental compliance within the project framework. This role focuses on ensuring the project complies with Environmental and Social standards set by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) while supporting government and partner agencies in integrating gender equity and social protection measures effectively. The role contributes to capacity building, grievance management, and promotes inclusive approaches to enhance rural livelihoods and community resilience in a challenging environment. The successful candidate will have a strong background in gender studies, sociology, or anthropology with significant experience in managing social and environmental impacts, particularly within rural development contexts. The role emphasizes collaboration with multiple implementing partners and government units to ensure gender-responsive and socially inclusive strategies are embedded throughout project planning, execution, and monitoring. While the position does not entail team management Responsibilities
, it requires strong communication and coordination skills to lead capacity building efforts and provide technical guidance across diverse teams and stakeholders.
Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and monitor gender and social safeguard frameworks tailored to the context of Gilgit Baltistan that meet the Environmental and Social standards of AFD.
• Develop project-specific guidelines and procedures addressing gender equality, environmental safety, and social safeguards, ensuring they align with local and international requirements.
• Provide technical assistance and backstopping to the Project Management Unit (PMU) and Project Implementing Units (PIUs) to integrate gender-responsive and socially inclusive practices in all project activities.
• Lead the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of Gender Action Plans and environment action plans, ensuring their mainstreaming across all components of the project.
• Conduct capacity building sessions and provide ongoing training to implementing partners, including Aga Khan Health Services, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme, and Aga Khan Foundation International, as well as Field Support Unit staff on gender mainstreaming, social safeguards, and environmental compliance.
• Manage and monitor the grievance redressal mechanism related to gender and social safeguard issues, ensuring timely reporting and resolution of complaints received through the Grievance Redressal Committee.
• Facilitate dialogue and conflict resolution processes in a sensitive and impartial manner to maintain social cohesion and safeguard vulnerable groups within project areas.
• Prepare clear, informative documentation, including guidelines, technical notes, reports, and learning materials to support project implementation and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate closely with government counterparts, community members, and partner organizations to build trust, promote ownership, and enhance the effectiveness of gender and social safeguarding measures.
• Maintain high standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability while adhering to safeguarding principles and organizational policies.
• Support the Project Manager and undertake any additional assignments relevant to gender and social safeguarding as required by the Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan).