Job Description

The textile industry is pivotal in Pakistan's manufacturing sector, holding significant economic importance for the country. Pakistan ranks as the 8th largest exporter of textile products in Asia. A significant portion of the workforce in Pakistan's textile industry comprises of women, representing 30% of the total employment in this sector . The women working in the textile industry face numerous challenges in Pakistan. In 2019, a Human Rights Watch report highlighted the plight of millions of workers in Pakistan’s garment industry who face abuse, labor rights violations, sexual harassment, disempowerment, gender-based discrimination . Keeping this in context, CARE International Pakistan (CIP) is committed to women's economic justice, focusing on dignified work, especially in the textile industry. CARE International Pakistan (CIP) aim to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the challenges faced by women workers employed in the textile industry, with a specific focus on issues pertaining to sexual harassment in the workplace. This research aims to understand the prevalent obstacles encountered by these workers and will ensure the development of effective mechanisms to address their grievances. The Senior Project Officer will serve as the focal point and coordinator for the grievance redress mechanism. The Officer’s key role is to gather insights from and develop a grievance redress mechanism and roll it out with the selected textile units. Position will be based in Islamabad with 50% travel to filed locations.

Responsibilities & Tasks:

1.      Project Implementation: The Senior Project Officer’s roles and responsibilities necessarily include: Mapping of textile industry in Punjab: Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura and in Sindh: Karachi, Understand the existence GRM and implementation of the policies at the national/provincial level and extract the findings (does feedback channels exist or not) and develop action plan based on findings. Conduct primary research on issues pertaining to women working in the textile industry. Develop research methodology which includes: Identification of the research questions Development of data collection tools, data collection, data analysis, key findings and final report Use of key findings to develop effective intervention (Grievance redress mechanism) Conduct consultations with the relevant key stakeholders which includes female/male employees, management, Human Resource department and supervisors’ women working in textile units, donor, textile unit management. Establish Grievances Redress Mechanism (GRM). Establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for smooth operationalization of the GRM, Support in establishing the formal channels of grievance. This may include dedicated confidential helpline, email, WhatsApp, and SMS. Roll out of the GRM mechanism. Orient textile unit management and workforce on grievance redress mechanism Develop Information, education and communication material on grievance redress mechanism.

2.      Coordination/Engaging with stakeholders: Provide technical support to the textile unit management to handle concerns and complaints received by the grievance mechanism. Work with key staff tasked with GRM handling to understand issues pertaining to women workforce. Coordinate with partners/stakeholders and ensure accurate flow of information within the Project team and with external teams within CARE and partner organizations.

3.      Institutionalizing the grievance redress mechanism: Draft and periodically update a GRM Manual with operating procedures and an organogram for grievance redress Train pertinent staff on grievance redress procedures Senior project officer must have excellent facilitation skills. S/he will deliver the basic workers training that provides employees with information about workers’ rights and creates awareness for the assets of a good working environment. The committee training builds towards complaint committees prescribed by the labour law. The management training addresses HR personnel and creates awareness for topics of complaints by workers or committees. Development of IEC material GRM.

4.      Program Quality: Evaluation of the Grievance redress mechanism to gauge the effectiveness and Impact. S/he will conduct regular reviews of the GRM to document its effectiveness and impact. Capture the success stories, End line assessment and compilation of case studies. Document the success and failure of the GRM to correct the course of action.

Job Requirements:

1.             Education Required: A University Degree in social sciences/ Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in business administration, social sciences and/or related field. have established Grievance redress mechanism in his/her previous experience.

Desired: General ability to draft clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form; specific skills in writing reports, concept notes, press releases and articles/stories for traditional and electronic media. S/he should have an extensive experience in reporting, documentation, publication, and audio-visual material preparation in relation to conservation and development fields. Knowledge of computer systems, internet navigation and various office application Strong communication and organizational abilities.

2.       Experience & technical skills:

·         Minimum 5 years of experience in high-quality document editing and formatting.

·         Knowledge of donor guidelines and communication standards.

·         Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

·         Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines efficiently.

·         Good Knowledge in project reporting and communications as demonstrated by successful work experience

·         Demonstrated basic practical experience of coordinating with donor agencies and partner organizations

·         Fluency in written and spoken English and Urdu; knowledge of any other local language will be preferred Excellent computer skills (MS office)

Desired: Fair understanding of project implementation, reporting, communications and monitoring. Understanding of key gender equality considerations, design, approaches and indicators for women’s economic empowerment and equality Flexibility and adaptability, ability to self-manage, work under pressure and meet deadlines Proactivity and ability to present the big picture Capacity to be dynamic, creative and innovative Capacity to plan, organize and deliver results; and Commitment to CARE’s vision and mission.

Working Conditions: The position holder will work independently, will must have the ability to analyze, make decisions and develop alternative approaches to achieve the results.