Strategic Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Short Term Adviser (STA) Job Listing at Tetra Tech in United States of America (Job ID 52880)

Description

Are you passionate about creating inclusive environments that champion diversity and equality? We are hiring an experienced Strategic Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Short Term Adviser (STA) to provide strategic and technical advice to strengthen BEQUAL's approach towards gender transformative programming in the primary education system.

Contribute to a world where people, communities and the planet thrive.

Tetra Tech International Development is a leading development consulting firm working with government, businesses, and NGOs to solve complex development challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. For more information please visit our website 

The opportunity

• Hybrid role - Remote and in-country (Laos)
• Short-term ideally from March 2026 to June 2028

The program

Phase 2 of the Basic Education Quality and Access in Lao PDR (BEQUAL) Program builds on the successful 7-year partnership between the Government of Australia and Government of Lao PDR in Phase 1 with the goal that “more primary school-aged children in Lao PDR, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, demonstrate increased engagement in learning and improved learning outcomes”.

BEQUAL Phase 2 continues to directly support the education priorities of the Lao Government described in the Education and Sports Sector Development Plan and is aligned to the strategic directions set out in Australia's International Development Policy 2023, and the Australia – Laos Development Partnership Plan 2024-2029.

BEQUAL Phase 2 continues the substantial progress and builds on the achievements of the first phase, assisting the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) to complete a national roll-out of the curriculum for the full five grades of primary education. With curriculum introduced to schools, the program is increasingly focused on supporting policy and strengthening systems for teacher professional development and supporting ethnic students to learn Lao. By the end of Phase 2 the Program will have supported MoES to achieve improved teaching quality and increased student engagement and learning in 30 target districts, particularly those experiencing disadvantage.

Key responsibilities

•  Provide strategic advice to the BEQUAL management team to ensure BEQUAL programming reflects the core principles and priorities of DFAT's new Gender Equality Strategy and Disability Equity and Rights Strategy.
• Develop a GEDSI strategy for the Phase 2 extension period that includes explicit objectives and indicators (both qualitative and quantitative) for gender equality, disability inclusion, and social inclusion of non-Lao speaking groups within primary education.
• Lead on the design and support the implementation of GEDSI-focused research and analysis activities in the Implementation Strategy 2026-28, including Learning Labs.
• Design targeted studies, including data collection and analysis approaches, to unpack gender and social norms underpinning ‘sticky' problems in the education sector, including child protection and school related gender-based violence.
• Design training for MoES management and leadership on gender equality.
• Provide expert input to develop high quality GEDSI-related content for teachers continuing professional development resources, learning labs, research and analysis activities and teaching and learning materials.
• Other duties as required by the Team Leader.

Selection criteria

• Tertiary qualifications in Gender Studies, Social Inclusion, Disability Inclusion, International Development, or a related field are essential.
• Advanced degree in Gender Studies, Social Inclusion, Disability Inclusion, International Development or a related field is highly desirable.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in gender policy, disability policy or inclusive development.
• Experience of working in a GEDSI adviser role in the education sector is essential.
• Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of Gender and Social Inclusion related policies and programs in Southeast Asia. Specific experience of working in Lao PDR is highly desirable.
• Sound knowledge and experience in costing and budgeting of various gender and inclusion activities.
• Sound knowledge of the Australian Government's Aid Program and DFATs International Development Policy, “Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Strategy” and the “Development for All Strategy for strengthening disability-inclusive development” in Australia's aid program and experience with programs funded by the Australian Government, and/or other international donors is essential.
• Experience of working with DFAT is desirable.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong computer skills using all Microsoft Office 365 applications.

For a complete candidate prospectus, please click here. Please use password: TetraTech2026

How to apply

Click the "Apply for job" button. 

Please submit:

• Resume
• Statement of suitability (not exceeding two pages), demonstrating how your qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and personal attributes align with the selection criteria.

Apply before 11:59 PM (AEST) 08 February 2026

Why Tetra Tech International Development?

As a leading development consulting firm, Tetra Tech International Development works with people and communities to solve some of the world's most complex challenges to achieve a positive impact.

Working at Tetra Tech International Development means working within a values-led organisation that invests in flexible work environments built on trust, safety and well-being. Through unified systems, flexible and supportive workplaces, we provide the foundations required for our team to enjoy the work they do and deliver value every day. Read more about our culture, purpose and values here.

Tetra Tech International Development is an equal-opportunity employer and has a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion. We encourage people with disability; First Nations Peoples; and people of all cultures, genders, abilities and experiences to apply.

Should you require additional support with your application, please email IDEV.HRServices@tetratech.com  or phone +61 (08) 8375 4400.

Project opportunity

Australia and Indo-Pacific Teams and Clients

Education (International Development) 

• Organization: 755 IDV