GENDER TECHNICAL ADVISOR & TRAINER

Position description

NARUC’s International Programs department seeks to empower the global community of regulators to drive meaningful change in their energy sectors. Working in partnership with U.S. and international government officials, our projects support real improvements in the quality and effectiveness of regulation in foreign countries through dialogue and collaboration. We utilize the talents and expertise of state commissioners and staff in our work, sharing the best of what the NARUC community has to offer.

The Gender Technical Advisor & Trainer (GTA&T) position will provide advanced technical guidance on programming related to gender equality and mainstreaming as a trainer, curriculum developer and coach. With funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), NARUC supports USAID’s Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) Initiative. In 2020, NARUC launched its Advancing Women Leaders in Energy (AWLE) initiative in Eastern Europe & Eurasia. Through this project, NARUC’s goal is to transform the socio-cultural norms at energy regulatory commissions to ensure women can succeed and advance in their careers. NARUC is collaborating with energy regulatory commissions in support of organizational changes combined with training and mentoring to create a profound impact on the overall effectiveness of the commissions, which can in turn serve as a gender-inclusive example for the regional energy sector.

Under NARUC’s programming for results design, the GTA&T must be able to identify necessary steppingstones and phases to improve gender equity and ensure successful mainstreaming efforts at participating organizations, within the context of emerging economies.

The position reports to the Senior Director, International Programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The GTA&T will provide technical expertise on gender equality, mainstreaming, Human Resource policies, and skills development for regional and national-level workstreams that are focused on individual- and institutional-level changes in the Europe & Eurasia region for energy regulatory authorities. Primary roles include preparing technical gender training materials (including preparation of individual or small-group exercises, background readings, comprehensive toolkits/guides for train-the trainer sessions, etc.), leading workshops/trainings, and providing direct coaching/mentoring services (and/or serving as the leader to train/coach NARUC volunteers who may also serve as coaches/volunteers). The GTA&T will also review and edit materials prepared by volunteers, NARUC staff, and/or others.

The GTA&T will work primarily with the Gender Program Manager and Gender Program Officer on the AWLE initiative, and also provide expertise to other NARUC international projects that have gender components.

Technical Leadership, Content Development and Delivery

• Designs training courses and materials, especially regarding professional development, leadership, gender mainstreaming, unconscious bias, career development, gender equitable (HR) policies and practices.
• Develops innovative gender mainstreaming strategies and action plans.
• Designs and implements train-the-trainer sessions with full suite of curricula on a variety of gender-related topics.
• Identifies and implements innovative and interactive training formats and content (for both in-person and virtual formats).
• Uses strong knowledge of human resources good practices in order to effect positive change at energy regulatory commission’s participating in NARUC’s gender programming.
• Familiarity with the energy sector work in developing country environments, with preference for knowledge of socio-cultural contexts in Southeast Europe and Eurasia.
• Uses advanced research and organizational skills, communication and intercultural skills, adaptability, and creativity as well as professional experience to ensure NARUC’s international gender projects achieve results.

Reporting and Coordination with Clients and Partners

• Builds and sustains relationships with foreign partners to ensure project/activity design meets planned objectives/goals and addresses on-the-ground challenges.
• Briefs donors on partner capacity building needs, challenges, and results, and when appropriate, utilizes case studies, best practices, and program reporting.
• Assists with identifying and pursuing new business opportunities and relationships.
• Attends critical events and liaises with donors to develop new projects, provide expert guidance, and/or report on key results.
• Uses ME&L strategies to gather information with partners and feed into project design.

Internal Training and Support

• Promotes transfer of knowledge to program staff, including sharing good practices and lessons learned in planning and implementation.
• Provides support to program staff in identifying project visions and in the design of work plans, activity agendas, and other program documents and planning that lead to actionable steps and results by the recipient foreign energy regulator.
• Contributes to the department’s supportive work environment, open communication, accountability, collaboration, and decision-making.

Compliance & Financial Management

• Ensures compliance with NARUC and USG policies and regulations as well as operational and financial procedures.
• Maintains appropriate documentation to support program files, budget planning, expense reports, and financial audits.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• BA/BS from an accredited college or university in educational design, gender, or international-related field. Advanced degree in a gender-related field is highly desirable.
• Minimum seven years of progressive professional expertise related to developing and delivering training modules leading to individual and institutional change.
• U.S. citizenship or existing work authorization is required.
• Knowledge of the non-profit field and/or USG grant/contract requirements is a plus.
• Subject matter expertise in addressing unconscious bias required. Experience related to institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives is a plus.
• International travel - 35-45% is required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, juggle multiple projects, and meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated organizational and problem-solving abilities and attention to detail are essential. Ability to multi-task based on fluctuating priorities and requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and diplomacy for working with all levels of staff, external entities, and NARUC leadership.
• Excellent proficiency in critical thinking, analytical skills, verbal presentations, and writing skills.
• Ability to handle and maintain the confidentiality of highly sensitive information and issues.

Application instructions

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This is an exempt position. The position is grant-funded, and continued employment is based on client funding and satisfactory work performance.

Work location is flexible with operating hours in the Eastern time zone; employees have the option of working from NARUC’s Washington, DC office.

This description is not an attempt to list all essential functions of this position. Job duties may change over time, based on NARUC’s needs.

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interested individuals should submit a cover letter with salary requirements and a resume to: international [email protected]