The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a private, non-denominational, international development agency established in 1967. It seeks sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and ill-health with special emphasis on the needs of rural communities in mountainous and other resource poor regions, primarily in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its main areas of focus are education, health, rural development, environment and strengthening civil society.
The Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan) [AKF (P)] is seeking a high caliber professional consultant for on Gender-Responsive Disaster Risk Reduction Report for Improving Responses and Increasing Resilience to Disasters in Vulnerable Areas of Chitral.
Project Background:
The “Improving Responses and Increasing Resilience to Disasters in Vulnerable Areas of Chitral” is a European Union funded project and co-funded by the Aga Khan Foundation. It aims to strengthen community resilience to climate-induced disasters, including floods and glacial lake outburst events and is structured around three key result areas:
Strengthening government response agencies on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Disaster Preparedness (DP).
Developing and piloting a cash disbursement system.
Developing and piloting a crisis modifier mechanism.
The project commenced in July 2024 and is being implemented in selected vulnerable locations of Upper and Lower Chitral, benefiting approximately 101,592 people directly.
The consultant will ensure gender considerations are systematically embedded into all project activities, to promote equitable and inclusive outcomes for women and men in Chitral’s vulnerable communities.
Objectives
The consultant will:
Ensure gender considerations are integrated into the strengthening of Government Response Agencies on DRR and DP.
Incorporate gender-responsive approaches in the development and piloting of the Cash Disbursement System.
Embed gender-sensitive strategies in the design and implementation of the Crisis Modifier.
Promote equitable participation and benefits for women and men across all project activities.
Scope of Work
The consultant will undertake the following tasks:
1. Gender Integration in Government Response Agencies:
Conduct a gender analysis of current DRR and DP practices within government agencies in Chitral
Develop gender-responsive guidelines and training modules for government officials to enhance inclusive disaster preparedness and response
Facilitate workshops to build capacity among relevant government officials on gender-sensitive DRR and DP strategies.
2. Gender-Responsive Cash Disbursement System:
Design a gender-equitable framework for the cash disbursement system, ensuring accessibility for women, including those with limited mobility and literacy
Pilot the system with gender-specific considerations, such as women-friendly distribution points and targeted outreach.
Monitor and document gender-disaggregated data on cash disbursement outcomes.
3. Gender-Sensitive Crisis Modifier:
Develop a crisis modifier mechanism that prioritizes the needs of women and marginalized groups during climate-related emergencies.
Pilot the crisis modifier, ensuring gender-specific triggers and response protocols are effective and inclusive.
Evaluate the gender impact of the crisis modifier through community feedback.
4. Coordination and Reporting:
Collaborate with the Project Manager and Gender Focal Person and relevant AKDN agencies, local NGOs to ensure gender integration aligns with local socio-cultural norms.
Provide monthly progress reports on gender integration efforts and outcomes to the Project Team.
Output
Gender Analysis and Gender Action Plan
Gender Integration Recommendations Report
Training Modules
Deliverables
The consultant is expected to deliver:
Gender Analysis Report for DRR and DP practices
Gender-responsive guidelines and training modules for relevant government agencies
Gender-equitable framework and implementation plan for the cash disbursement system
Gender-sensitive crisis modifier mechanism design and pilot plan
Evaluation report on gender impact of the crisis modifier
The consultant will also be expected to provide monthly progress reports.
Qualifications
Advanced degree in gender studies, social sciences, environmental sciences, or a related field.
At least 10 years of experience in gender mainstreaming within climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, or humanitarian projects, preferably in Pakistan.
Preference will be given to those who have already worked with ECHO funded projects.
Expertise in designing and implementing gender-responsive programs, particularly in rural and disaster-prone areas.
Proven skills in stakeholder engagement, training, and capacity building with a focus on women’s empowerment.
Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies with a gender lens.
Familiarity with Chitral’s socio-cultural context, including gender dynamics
Knowledge local languages (e.g., Khowar, Urdu) will be an asset.
Excellent communication and report-writing skills in English.
Timeline
The consultancy will span 3 months (30th August 2025 to 30th November 2025), aligned with the project timeline:
Weeks 1-4: Gender analysis, Gender Action Plan and capacity building of government agencies
Weeks 4-8: Gender-responsive design and piloting of cash disbursement system and crisis modifier.
Weeks 8-10: Monitoring, evaluation, and final reporting on gender integration.
Weeks 10-12: Presentation of Final Report
Reporting
The consultant will report to the Project Manager and Gender Focal Person for the project and coordinate. Monthly progress reports and a final gender impact evaluation report will be expected towards the end of the consultancy.
Budget
The fee for this consultancy will be decided based on experience.
Apply By:
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
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A CV highlighting relevant experience in gender mainstreaming and disaster risk reduction.
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A cover letter outlining their approach to embedding gender in the project’s result areas.
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A proposed work plan and budget estimate in PKR.
Applications should be sent to following emails by 30th August 2025
Project Manager [email protected] keeping the Gender Focal Person [email protected] and Advisor Rural Development [email protected] in cc.
AKF(P) recruitment and selection policy and procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and the safeguarding of children, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees in accordance with AKF(P)’s Safeguarding policy.
The deadline for the submission of application is Saturday, August 30, 2025. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
