The Facilitating Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Trade (FIRST) Project is a five-year initiative (2024-2029) funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by Cowater International. The project supports the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and regional trade agreements through a gender-responsive, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable approach. A key objective of FIRST is to strengthen the participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in small-scale cross-border trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozambique and Zambia. Achieving this requires evidence-based policymaking supported by research institutions that can generate and apply gender-and inclusion-sensitive trade data.  

 

To this end, FIRST seeks an experienced consultant to assess institutional Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) capacity and develop tailored GEDSI Capacity-Building Plans for selected research institutions in each target country. 

 

2. Objective of the Assignment  

To design and deliver practical, context-specific GEDSI Capacity-Building Plans that enable national research institutions to integrate GEDSI considerations into trade policy research, data collection, analysis, and reporting. 

 

Working in close collaboration with FIRST field teams in the DRC, Mozambique, and Zambia, the consultant will: 

Assess the current capacity of three partner research institutions (one per country) to mainstream GEDSI considerations in research, data collection and training materials. 

 

Identify institutional gaps, strengths, and priority needs through structured assessments and consultations with: 

Institutional leadership and management teams 

Gender focal points and inclusion officers 

Academic and technical staff engaged in trade-related research 

Relevant government ministries and agencies 

Civil society and advocacy organizations working on gender, disability, and inclusion 

Private sector and trader associations 

Design institution-specific plans with actionable measures, implementation timelines, and monitoring frameworks to ensure ownership and sustainability. 

 

Phase 2: GEDSI Capacity Needs Assessments 

Capacity Needs Analysis Reports for DRC, Mozambique, and Zambia. Each report will provide a structured assessment of institutional gaps, strengths, and priority needs. The analysis will be informed by comprehensive evaluations and in-depth stakeholder consultations, ensuring that findings capture both the technical and contextual dimension of GEDSI capacity. 

Phase 3: Tailored GEDSI Capacity-Building Plans 

GEDSI-specific Capacity-Building Plans for DRC, Mozambique, and Zambia. Each plan will outline actionable recommendations, an implementation roadmap and a monitoring framework to track progress and ensure sustainability. 

 

Proven experience in conducting institutional assessments and designing tailored capacity-building plans, including implementation roadmaps and monitoring frameworks. 

Substantive knowledge of trade and development policy in African contexts, with the ability to link GEDSI priorities to trade policy research, data collection, and analysis. 

Prior work experience in Mozambique, the DRC, and/or Zambia is an asset. 

Demonstrated facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, including consultations with government institutions, research organizations, civil society and private sector actors. 

Strong writing and analytical abilities, with the capacity to translate technical inputs into clear, actionable, and context-appropriate outputs. 

Bilingual fluency in English and French, or English and Portuguese (written and spoken) is essential. 

Familiarity with the AfCFTA, regional governance frameworks, or inclusive trade initiatives is an asset. 

 

 

 

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law. 

We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted. 

 

Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2017. 

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Cowater International est un employeur dévoué à l’égalité d’accès à l’emploi. Nos critères d’embauche sont basés sur le mérite et les qualifications en fonction de l'expérience professionnelle et des attentes du poste. Cowater a une politique de non-discrimination à l’égard de ses employés et de ses candidats, peu importe la race, la religion, le sexe, l'identité sexuelle, les handicaps, l'âge ou autre forme protégée par la loi.