TISA is Seeking a Programs Officer: Gender Transformative Agrifood Systems – Apply By 20 May 2026
The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA) is seeking a qualified and passionate professional to fill the role of Programs Officer – Gender Transformative Agrifood Systems. Based in Nairobi, the position offers an opportunity for experienced development practitioners to contribute to gender justice, participatory governance, and equitable agrifood systems transformation in Kenya.
The role is situated within TISA’s Livelihoods and Just Economies Programme and focuses on strengthening women’s empowerment, feminist movement-building, food systems governance, and accountability processes at both county and national levels.
About TISA
The Institute for Social Accountability is a national civil society organisation established in 2008 and committed to promoting sound policy, effective local governance, and public accountability in Kenya.
Over the years, the organisation has developed expertise in:
- Participatory governance
- Advocacy and civic engagement
- Capacity building
- Public accountability systems
- Practice learning and policy engagement
TISA works closely with state and non-state actors to strengthen democratic governance and support inclusive development processes.
About the Position
The Programs Officer – Gender Transformative Agrifood Systems will lead the design, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of programmes focused on advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment within agrifood systems.
The successful candidate will support feminist organising, policy advocacy, coalition building, and participatory governance initiatives while ensuring that gender-responsive approaches are integrated throughout programme implementation.
Position Details
- Organisation: The Institute for Social Accountability
- Position: Programs Officer – Gender Transformative Agrifood Systems
- Department: Livelihoods and Just Economies
- Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
- Reports To: Head of Programs
- Supervises:
- Programs Assistant
- Interns
Core Responsibilities
The role combines programme management, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, movement building, and gender mainstreaming responsibilities.
Programme Design and Implementation
The Programs Officer will lead the development and implementation of gender-transformative initiatives across agrifood systems and livelihoods programming.
Key Duties Include:
- Designing programme concepts, work plans, and implementation strategies
- Coordinating programme activities and deliverables
- Integrating feminist and gender-responsive approaches into programming
- Managing timelines, budgets, and reporting requirements
- Ensuring alignment with TISA’s strategic priorities
The role requires strong understanding of gender justice and participatory development methodologies.
Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Advocacy
The officer will engage with diverse stakeholders to strengthen accountability systems and advocate for women’s rights within agrifood governance structures.
Responsibilities Include:
- Building partnerships with:
- Women-led organisations
- Community groups
- County governments
- National institutions
- Donors and development partners
- Representing TISA in policy dialogues and advocacy forums
- Supporting evidence-based advocacy on:
- Gender equality
- Food systems governance
- Public finance accountability
- Livelihoods justice
- Developing:
- Policy briefs
- Advocacy messages
- Position papers
- Stakeholder engagement strategies
The role also involves facilitating collaboration between grassroots movements and institutional actors.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)
The successful candidate will contribute to programme monitoring and learning systems to strengthen impact and accountability.
MEAL Responsibilities Include:
- Tracking programme indicators and deliverables
- Coordinating data collection and documentation
- Supporting donor reporting and evaluations
- Producing impact stories and case studies
- Supporting gender-sensitive monitoring and evaluation systems
- Contributing to internal and external M&E reporting processes
The role requires familiarity with results-based management approaches and programme learning systems.
Feminist Movement Building and Community Engagement
A major focus of the position is strengthening feminist organising and supporting inclusive governance processes.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Supporting grassroots women-led groups and farmer organisations
- Facilitating civic engagement and community accountability processes
- Building coalitions and solidarity spaces for feminist advocacy
- Promoting participation of marginalised groups in governance systems
- Supporting social justice movements within agrifood systems
The position prioritises approaches that centre grassroots voices and community-led transformation.
Gender Mainstreaming and Capacity Building
The Programs Officer will serve as the organisation’s gender mainstreaming focal point.
Responsibilities Include:
- Ensuring gender integration across TISA programmes and operations
- Developing gender-responsive tools and guidelines
- Delivering training and capacity-building sessions
- Supporting staff and partners on gender-sensitive practices
- Strengthening organisational approaches to inclusion and equality
Resource Mobilisation and Team Leadership
The officer will also contribute to fundraising efforts and team coordination.
Additional Duties Include:
- Identifying funding opportunities for gender-focused initiatives
- Supporting proposal development and donor engagement
- Supervising Programs Assistants and interns
- Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
- Supporting professional growth and team development
Qualifications and Experience
The Institute for Social Accountability is seeking candidates with substantial experience in governance, gender justice, and programme implementation.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in:
- Economics
- Agricultural Economics
- Community Development
- Political Science
- Gender Studies
- Development Studies
- Social Sciences
- Law
- Or related fields
A master’s degree is considered an added advantage.
Required Experience
- Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant programme management experience
- Experience in:
- Gender-transformative programming
- Feminist methodologies
- Governance and accountability work
- Strategic advocacy and movement building
- Community engagement and facilitation
- Experience working with:
- County governments
- Public institutions
- Grassroots organisations
- Social movements
Knowledge of agrifood systems and value chain approaches is also required.
Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Commitment to gender equality and social justice
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Professionalism and accountability
- Ability to work independently
- Willingness to travel frequently to project locations
Application Process
Interested candidates are required to submit:
- Cover letter indicating expected salary
- Updated resume with at least three professional referees
Applications should be combined into one document and emailed to:
Applicants must use the subject line:
- “Programs Officer – Gender Transformative Agrifood Systems”
Applications should clearly demonstrate experience in:
- Feminist organising
- Governance and accountability work
- Gender-transformative programming
- Community and policy engagement
Application Deadline
- Closing Date: 20 May 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
VIEW THE TERMS OF REFERENCE
For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
