Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Specialist

Company Description iHUB is a globally recognized innovation center that's part of the Co-Creation Hub, dedicated to accelerating the application of social capital and technology to enhance economic prosperity in Kenya and across the continent. We are committed to leapfrogging the African tech & entrepreneurship scene by creating an environment of experimentation, helping innovators build market-relevant solutions and connecting organizations and people

At iHUB, we are committed to playing a critical role in fast-tracking the African technology entrepreneurship scene by creating an environment of trust and experimentation that facilitates the growth of entrepreneurs and their companies.
We have been at the forefront of innovation, being the main catalyst for regional technology acceleration and a role model for tech hubs in emerging markets since 2010. In 2019 iHUB became part of a wider collective of Co-Creation Hub Africa (CcHUB), which includes Design Lab in Rwanda, & CcHUB Namibia, Elimu, Syndicate & Growth Capital; all these companies collectively contribute to stimulating innovation and the application of technology across Africa for social impact across diverse sectors. Together as CcHUB, we are Innovating for African Economic prosperity.

Job Description

Role Overview

Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) is seeking a highly skilled Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager to lead and implement DEI strategies across the organization's operations in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Namibia, and other African countries where CcHUB operates. Reporting to the Safeguarding, Gender, and Child Protection Specialist, the DEI Manager will work collaboratively with the Gender Manager and other teams to ensure that an intersectional safeguarding approach is embedded in all DEI initiatives. The DEI Manager will be responsible for ensuring that CcHUB's practices and units are inclusive, equitable, and culturally sensitive while also driving innovation and thought leadership in DEI across the tech and innovation ecosystem.

This role will provide technical support in inclusive proposal development, conduct gender and diversity audits, and action key findings to foster a more inclusive environment across CcHUB's programs and human resources interventions. The DEI Manager will also contribute to building CcHUB's reputation as a leader in DEI within the tech and innovation space while supporting the organization's growth and commitment to an inclusive and equitable work culture.

Key Responsibilities

1. DEI Strategy Development and Implementation

Develop, lead, and manage the implementation of a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategy that reflects the needs of CcHUB's diverse stakeholders across Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Namibia, and other regions.

Collaborate closely with the Safeguarding, Gender, and Child Protection Specialist and Gender Manager to ensure an intersectional approach to DEI, integrating safeguarding principles into all DEI initiatives.

Develop clear DEI objectives, KPIs, and action plans that align with CcHUB's mission and vision, and work with internal teams to drive progress on these objectives.

2. Intersectionality in Safeguarding and DEI Integration

Ensure the intersectionality approach is integrated into all DEI efforts, recognizing how different aspects of identity—such as gender, race, ability, socio-economic status, and age—interact to shape experiences of inequality and discrimination.

Lead efforts to ensure that CcHUB's programs and operations, around EdTech, Design for Health, Research, Startup Support, Higher Education Innovation, Design Lab, and Learning Science, support teams such as Admin, Community Support, People Team, and Finance Team, among others, are designed to be inclusive and accessible to all, particularly to address any discrimination, lack-inclusion, lack of fairness or any inequality.

Provide technical support and guidance to ensure safeguarding protocols consider the diverse identities of individuals involved in CcHUB's programs.

3. Conducting Gender and Diversity Audits

Lead gender and diversity audits across CcHUB's practices and units to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

Develop action plans based on audit findings, ensuring that CcHUB's interventions promote equity and inclusivity across program design, staffing, and beneficiary engagement.

Ensure regular monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on progress against gender and diversity audit recommendations.

4. Technical Support and Inclusive Proposal Development

Provide technical support in the development of inclusive proposals and ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations are integrated into project designs and funding applications.

Work closely with program teams to develop strategies and interventions that embed DEI in programmatic activities, ensuring that proposals align with DEI best practices and principles.

5. Collaboration with the People and Culture Team

Partner with the People and Culture Team to embed DEI principles into human resources policies and practices, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and career development.

Support the development and implementation of inclusive hiring practices, ensuring diverse representation across all levels of the organization.

Contribute to creating an inclusive work environment where all staff, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and supported in their professional growth.

6. Training and Capacity Building

Design and deliver DEI and safeguarding training programs for staff, partners, and stakeholders across CcHUB's operations in Africa.

Build capacity across teams to ensure a shared understanding of DEI principles, particularly how they intersect with safeguarding and gender equality.

Develop resources, toolkits, and learning materials that support the ongoing education of staff and partners on DEI topics, including unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and equitable decision-making.

7. DEI Thought Leadership

Position CcHUB as a thought leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion across the tech and innovation ecosystem in Africa.

Lead on DEI-related research and thought leadership initiatives, contributing to articles, presentations, and external events that promote CcHUB's work in DEI.

Collaborate with external partners, networks, and organizations to stay informed of the latest trends, best practices, and innovative approaches to DEI, integrating them into CcHUB's strategy.

8. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Develop and manage DEI monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress against goals, measure impact, and identify areas for improvement.

Prepare regular reports on DEI progress, challenges, and successes, providing recommendations for continued improvement to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Ensure that DEI data is collected, disaggregated, and analyzed to inform decision-making and programmatic adjustments.

Qualifications

Qualifications and Experience

A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, safeguarding, or related fields, preferably in international development, tech, or social innovation sectors.

Proven experience in developing and implementing DEI strategies in multicultural and complex environments, ideally within Africa.

A strong understanding of intersectionality and its application to safeguarding gender equity, and child protection is desirable.

Experience conducting gender and diversity audits and translating findings into actionable strategies.

Excellent communication and facilitation skills with the ability to lead trainings, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives on DEI and safeguarding.

Demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships with internal teams, external stakeholders, and diverse communities.

Experience in proposal development and providing technical input into program design to ensure inclusivity.

Strong analytical, monitoring, and reporting skills, with experience in using data to drive decision-making and measure impact.

A commitment to creating equitable and inclusive spaces for all individuals, particularly those from marginalized and underrepresented groups.

Skills and Attributes

Advanced degree in social sciences, gender studies, human rights, or a related field.

Experience working in African contexts with an understanding of the diverse socio-political and cultural dynamics in the region.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities with strong attention to detail.

Innovative and forward-thinking mindset, with a passion for advancing equity and inclusion within the tech and innovation sectors.

Additional Information

Please note this is an onsite role