Technical Writer (Enabling Environment)

united kingdom

What You’ll Be Doing

USAID Makanati seeks an experienced technical writer consultant to finalize a report on the business case for creating an enabling environment for women’s employment and leadership. The consultant is expected to review and refine the report sections (including the writing and analysis) and streamline and standardize the sections, reconciling them with the literature review, as a final report document. USAID Makanati previously conducted a literature review and collected primary data through Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions. Currently contracted USAID Makanati consultants will draft and submit report sections for their assigned sectors, which the technical writer will be asked to review and refine. The consultant will also be tasked with providing overarching analysis including on recurrent themes or issues across sectors and writing up such analysis for a section of the report.

Who We Are

At Nathan, a Cadmus company, we recognize that solving the world’s most challenging problems can’t be accomplished alone or with cookie-cutter solutions. That’s why we look for team players and problem solvers who are driven to use their unique perspectives and intellectual curiosity to help deliver breakthrough solutions that achieve transformative goals. On the Nathan team, you’ll collaborate with leading experts to help our clients across the globe.

Activity Overview

USAID Makanati Women’s Economic Empowerment and Leadership Activity is a 5-year USAID funded activity launched in November 2021 and implemented by EnCompass LLC in partnership with Nathan Associates, Integrated International and JoWomenomics. USAID Makanati aims to contribute to improving women’s access to waged employment and leadership opportunities in Jordan. This will be done through three interlinked objectives:

Increased women’s access to jobs in the private sector and leadership opportunities in the private and public sectors

Improve positive perceptions, practices, and advocacy for women’s labor market participation

Stimulate and enforce more equitable, safe, and accessible working environments for women

USAID Makanati will leverage the interconnectedness of workplace, individuals, community, and government to create Champions of Change that help to establish pathways through which social change and economic opportunities lead to a systemic shift from women’s exclusion to inclusion in market systems:

Government policy reforms that support equality and equity in workforce participation for women

Company policies for hiring, retaining, and promoting women in the workplace; and,

To both soft and hard skills training to build confidence and strengthen demand-driven skills to enable women to compete for employment

Barriers to women’s economic participation such as transportation, sexual harassment in public places, and care services

USAID Makanati is developing a business case for the enabling work environment. The objective of this work is to increased opportunities and improve pathways towards waged employment and leadership for women in the workforce, guided by both a sector and sub-regional focus. These efforts will culminate in:

Per targeted sectors towards women’s hiring, retention and advancement to achieve increased women’s higher labor force participation leading to sustainable economic growth; and

Articulated business case to support a more diverse labor force that includes women at all layers of employment including leadership positions including recommendations for action specific to sectors and sector-agnostic with a focus on specific sub-regions where possible

The assessment collates existing data and research findings from across Makanati’s baseline assessments. Including: the GESI, Community Economic Mapping, Legal Review, WEE Unit Assessments, Addendum consultation sessions and focused discussions, as well as community focus groups and individual interviews. Makanati has investigated the existing private sector policies, workplace culture, professional development opportunities, staff perceptions and bias, and documented local, regional, and international good practices. The final report is intended to offer analysis, identify challenges and opportunities, and formulate recommendations for improvement in the following sectors: manufacturing, transport and logistics, media and creative industries, and tourism.

Responsibilities

Review sector reports

Review 6 sector reports (transport, logistics, tourism, manufacturing, media, and creative industry), examine findings based on the literature review part and the primary data collection

Review statistical analysis provided by USAID Makanati based on the primary research to incorporate it into the primary research section of the final report

Review recommendations outlined in the literature review and ensure alignment with the final report template; this process involves reconciling the recommendations from the literature review with those in the final report, resulting in a consolidated list of recommendations

Uncover recurring themes and trends across the sectors and write a section of the report analyzing these and providing other overarching analysis

Develop practical and highly actionable recommendations to support a more diverse labor force. that includes women at all layers of employment including leadership positions, and next steps for Jordan’s private sector touching upon workplace culture, gender balance and diversity across organizations, women’s participation, retention in the labor force, and leadership

Recommendations should include “corporate diplomacy” principles and practices to aid their communication with communities especially in sectors that are currently seen as unsuitable for women’s employment, as well as principles as relevant to relationships with communities and local government/municipalities

These recommendations will inform Makanati’s action planning

Business Case and Action Planning

For each target sector, develop a business case brief and action plan detailing the steps to implementing recommendations within the sector

Business case brief should highlight how promoting women’s employment, retention, and advancement can benefit firms, sectors, and economies

It should also include local, regional, and global best practices, proof points, and examples from the sector

Briefs are intended to be shared with associations and firms in each respective sector to help guide future gender equality and women’s employment and advancement measures

Sector action plans should help map out next steps to addressing challenges and risks in each sector and promoting opportunities and good practices

Final Report

Prepare a client-ready, draf final report that synthesizes findings on successes, challenges, opportunities, and risks, as well as concrete and actionable recommendations on how to improve gender mainstreaming and equality practices and policies within Jordan’s private sector – across targeted sectors. Includes:

Write an executive summary, which should highlight key findings and recommendations (no more than 3 pages)

Review, refine, and if necessary, rewrite, sections on each sector, ensuring concise language throughout, including shortening sections to make them consistent and to cut out unnecessary details, ensuring findings are clear and data is correctly triangulated and interpreted including review of the annexes

Respond to/integrate feedback and comments from both internal Makanati staff and external stakeholders including but not limited to USAID

Qualifications

English native speaker and writer, Arabic language skills preferred

Master’s degree in economics, financial analysis, or related field

Experience working with donor organizations including USAID

Proven experience in technical writing, particularly in the context of economic analysis and gender equality

Familiarity with USAID projects and guidelines preferred

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and draw actionable insights

Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Attention to detail and ability to adhere to deadlines

This position requires a candidate who can work independently, demonstrate initiative, and contribute effectively to a collaborative team environment

Experience in gender mainstreaming and equality practices is highly desirable

Period of Performance: May 15 – July 15, 2024

How to Apply:

We welcome your CV and preferably cover letter at [email protected] . Please apply by May 10, 2024, with “Technical Writer, Enabling Environment Business Case” in the subject line. This position will remain open until filled.

Additional Information:

Cadmus is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination. Cadmus is committed to providing a respectful workplace where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation (including gender identity and/or expression), national origin, military and veteran status, physical and mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Learn more about Cadmus by visiting our website at: http://www.cadmusgroup.com