Position Title: Block Coordinator
Location: Bonli, Sawaimadhopur, Rajasthan
Organization: CECOEDECON (UNFPA supported project)
Duration: Till December’26
1.Background:
With the technical and financial support of UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), CECOEDECON is implementing project “SWABHIMAAN” with an aim to advance Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights while adopting human right based, gender transformative and evidence-informed approach with focus on young people representing marginalized and vulnerable section of the society.
Gender Based Violence (GBV) is one of the most pervasive human rights violations and restricts the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially the SDG 5 on gender equality. UNFPA’s 10th Country Programme in India (2023 – 2027) has a specific sub output - community based mechanisms and structures strengthened to implement strategies that transform regressive gender norms that justify and perpetuate gender GBV and harmful practices. In this context, UNFPA through its implementing partner CECOEDECON proposes implementation of a project to strengthen the capacities of Panchayati Raj Institutions including Elected Representatives of Panchayats by working with Indira Gandhi Panchayati Raj & Gramin Vikas Sansthan, Government of Rajasthan for mainstreaming gender in training and planning of panchayats as well as demonstrating pilot models on developing Women and Girl Friendly Gram Panchayats (WGFGP).
The project aims to work towards the theme 9 ‘Women Friendly Villages’ identified by Ministry of Panchayati Raj for localization of SGDs. The project will work towards enhancing the value and well-being of women and girls by addressing discriminatory social norms at the local community level by building the capacities of Panchayati Raj Institutions and demonstrating pilot models. Sawaimadhopur district is being developed as the model intervention site for this project.
The project aims at strengthening model Gram Panchayats in Sawai Madhopur to transform them into Women & Girl Friendly Gram Panchayats (WGFGP), while integrating gender-just climate solutions. The role will focus on strengthening Mahila Sabhas, Gender-Responsive Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs), and Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) reporting, alongside building capacities of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and community structures.
The position of Block Coordinator is created to support the effective implementation of the WGFGP program at the block level by strengthening Panchayats’ capacities for gender-responsive planning, facilitating convergence of services for women and girls, and ensuring regular monitoring and reporting of program activities.
The Block Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the various tasks of the project at block level and ensuring that they are completed on time, and to the required quality standards. S/hewill work closely with the District Project Coordinator and will implement program interventions at block and gram panchayat level. The Block Coordinator will be responsible for strengthening WGFGP and will facilitate scaling up of the same.
2.Specific Job responsibilities include:
A. Strengthening Model WGFGP Interventions at Block Level:
• Provide handholding and mentoring support to identified Gram Panchayats for transformation into Women and Girl friendly Gram panchayat (WGFGPs) and integrating gender-just climate solutions.
• Strengthen Mahila Sabhas to ensure meaningful participation of women in local governance and decision-making.
• Support development and effective implementation of Gender-Responsive GPDPs, integrating priorities of women and girls and gender-just climate solutions
• Facilitate PAI reporting and tracking, ensuring quality data entry.
• Review GPDPs and track their implementation and outcomes.
• Develop and monitor a meeting calendar for Panchayat and Block-level committees; ensure regularity and effectiveness of meetings.
B. Capacity Building & Institutional Strengthening:
• Support capacity building of PRIs, frontline workers, and community-level action groups (core groups) on WGFGP, gender-responsive governance, Panchayat Advancement Indicator, addressing GBV and child marriage. Coordinate with team for capacity building initiatives on gender-just climate solutions.
• Facilitate trainings at district, block, and Gram Panchayat levels, including pre- and post-training assessments and reporting.
• Strengthen the functioning of Panchayat-level committees through regular mentoring, follow-ups, and technical support.
• Enable community structures to address issues related to gender equality, safety, and climate resilience.
C. Stakeholder Engagement & Convergence:
• Establish and maintain strong linkages with government officials, PRIs, frontline workers, peer educators, CSOs, FBOs, and religious leaders on advancing the work on WGFGP, addressing child marriage, gender-just climate solutions.
• Participate in and contribute to Block and Gram Panchayat-level meetings, presenting program progress and key learnings.
• Facilitate convergence with line departments (Panchayati Raj, Health, Education, WCD, Social Justice, Police, etc.) for coordinated service delivery.
• Strengthen referral mechanisms to ensure access to services for women and girls facing violence or harmful practices.
• Ensure alignment of WGFGP initiatives with relevant government schemes and programmes.
D. Community Mobilization & Behaviour Change:
• Support and facilitate community awareness campaigns on gender equality, prevention of GBV, child marriage, menstrual health, girls’ rights, and climate resilience.
• Promote active participation of women’s groups, adolescent groups, and community-based organizations in governance processes.
• Encourage community ownership in building WGFGP, addressing harmful practices and GBV and developing safe, inclusive, and climate-resilient Panchayats.
E. Documentation, Reporting & Knowledge Management:
• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports.
• Document success stories, innovations, and field learnings from model Panchayats.
• Capture best practices on WGFGP and gender-just climate solutions for replication and scale-up.
• Maintain and regularly update a database of program interventions, indicators, and outcomes at the block level.
• Ensure proper documentation of meetings, field visits, and monitoring formats, along with analysis of gaps and action points.
• Share key insights and evidence with district and state teams on a monthly basis (and as required), particularly on gender-responsive GPDP and the Panchayat Advancement Indicator, to inform and strengthen broader WGFGP programming.
3.Qualification and Experience:
• Graduate/Post Graduate degree in Social Science/ Humanities/ Sociology/Rural Development
• 2 to 5 years of work experience with community and different stakeholders including government officials, Panchayat Representatives, CSOs etc on gender and related issues.
• Ability to liaise with government and non-government partners in the areas of women empowerment and localization of SDGs.
• Demonstrable technical expertise and field experience in gender equality with particular reference to rural development and Panchayat Raj Institutions.
4.Competencies:
• Willing to travel extensively in the block and district
• Computer proficiency with high level of familiarity with commonly used Windows and MS Office software and database software.
• Excellent oral and written communication & presentation skills.
• In-depth knowledge of gram panchayats and rural development in the state/District
• Ability to speak and understand local dilect
5.How to apply:
Interested candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to submit the following documents:
• An updated curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting relevant experience.
• A cover letter (maximum two pages) articulating suitability for the position.
• Contact details of at least two professional references.
Applications should be submitted to: cecojobs@gmail.com, with the subject line “Application – Block Coordinator. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. CECOEDECON and UNFPA are equal opportunity employers and encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from marginalised communities
6. Field visits: 20 visits per month
4. Location: Bonli, Sawaimadhopur.