Ei-iE

Education International Latin America (Equal Opportunity Employer) invites applications for the post of Regional Coordinator in Gender and Diversity Policies in Education Unions located in EILA Regional Office, San José, Costa Rica.

About Education International

Education International (EI) is the world’s largest Global Union Federation. Through our 386 member organizations, we represent more than 32.5 million teachers and education support personnel in 178 countries and territories in a shared mission to defend the right to public education with social equality for all people. EI works towards strengthening the unions in the education sector, promoting the ongoing improvement of working conditions in the sector, the solidarity and cooperation, and leading the fight against discrimination in educational spaces and society.

The education sector in Latin America is made up of 70% women. To remain democratic and relevant, education unions must have clear strategies for representation, participation, and mobilization for women workers. Gender Equality is one of the many challenges that the education sector in Latin America must face in parallel with the commercialization strategies in education, cuts in public budgets, worsening labor conditions in the sector, violation of human and union rights, discrimination against workers and students based on gender or sexual orientation, and the situation of educational exclusion among indigenous people. That is why Education International’s Office for Latin America is seeking to hire a Regional Coordinator to lead our work on gender and diversity strategies in education unions.

Should you apply?

The candidate for this position has dedicated her/their professional life to build fairer conditions between men and women, considers that the union movement as a dynamic force necessary to strengthen democratic life in our countries, has the knowledge and attitudes to build collaborative work dynamics and has the enthusiasm and flexibility to travel across Latin America, and support the development of local activities alongside national unions and social movements allied with Education International (EI) in the region.

To whom will you report?

The Regional Coordination in Gender Strategies reports directly to the Regional Director based in Costa Rica and to the EI General Secretary based in Brussels.

The general work strategy is led by the Regional Office, which comprises a team of 7 people. The overall work strategy is framed within the political guidelines of the World Congresses of Education International and follows the political orientation of the Regional Committee, consisting of union leaders from across Latin America.

What is the main strategy you will oversee?

This position aims to support education unions in defining and developing policies for gender equality as well as diversity and inclusion. The person in this role assists unions in establishing policies for women's participation at decision-making levels, as well as incorporating a gender and diversity perspective into union bylaws, union training content, and collective negotiations.

What are the main tasks?

• Coordinate and update the regional strategy to promote policies for women's participation and the inclusion of a gender and diversity perspective in education unions across Latin America.
• Design and implement regional and national strategies with education unions for reflection, training, and promotion of policies for equality and inclusion in union policy, educational policy, and labour policy.
• Work with national and regional partners, including teachers' organizations, governments, and multilateral organizations.
• Support and encourage the participation of women unionists in institutional representation activities, dialogues with institutions and governments, various strategic alliances, etc.
• Coordinate the planning of activities, research processes, and campaigns together with the Regional Office team.
• Liaise with allies and donors: prepare briefs and reports on the project progress of equality policies in unions.
• Elaborate on project and grant proposals to mobilize new funding.
• Monitor and oversee South-South cooperation initiatives and foster solidarity among union organizations.
• Manage the research consultant team for the "Sumando Igualdad" Observatory.
• Maintain alliances with other global unions, labor federations and multilateral institutions in the areas of gender and diversity.
• Coordinate with EI Head Office based in Brussels and prepare documentation for the General Secretary.
• Prepare documentation and information of interest for the political actions of the Regional Committee and for the Latin American members of the Global Executive Committee.

What is the professional profile?

The candidate´s experience includes:

• Proven experience in contributing to social articulation processes and strengthening institutional frameworks of unions and/or social organizations in Latin America.
• At least eight years of coordinating projects and programs with regional scope in Latin America.
• Demonstrable experience in building relationships with strategic allies in institutional and international spheres.
• Demonstrated experience in the planning and implementation of institutional strengthening projects with gender perspective, including monitoring budget execution and the preparation of technical reports.
• Proven experience in developing training programs and methodologies aimed at unions and/or social organizations.
• Skills in facilitating meetings and supporting technical and programmatic processes in international political spheres.

Preferably, you have as well:

• Coordinated programs or projects for trade unions, women's organizations, and/or other social movements in the region.
• Been a panelist in forums, conferences, etc.
• Had comfort working as part of multicultural teams.

What is your academic background?

• A university degree in Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, and/or Project Management, preferably obtained from a public Latin American university.

What languages skills do you need for this post?

• Spanish is your mother tongue, and you have oral and written English proficiency.
• Writing reports, drafting briefs, and tailoring information to accessible vocabulary.
• Proficiency in Portuguese would be considered as an asset.

Other requirements:

• To reside in Costa Rica and currently hold a legal permit to work in Costa Rica.
• Possess the ability to travel independently throughout the region.
• You excel in navigating multicultural environments and working with a diverse range of individuals.

What do we offer?

• A work environment committed to eradicating all forms of violence and discrimination in the workplace and that promotes work-life balance.
• A competitive remuneration package, social security benefits and excellent working conditions. This position is subject to Costa-Rican social and fiscal regulations.
• The appointment will be made from an agreed date upon the completion of the selection and appointment process.

How to apply?

Applications must include a resume (CV) and a cover letter outlining how the candidate meets the criteria for appointment set out above. All applications will be treated confidentially. Please address your application to the EI General Secretary and submit it to ([email protected]) by February 23rd 2025.

EI is committed to the principles of employment equity and to diversity in its workforce.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.