JOANA CUNACA

Associação ComuSanas — SOFSAN Project (Sofala Saneamento) | Sofala Province

Gender, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Specialist | 2025 – Feb 2026

• Led the design and implementation of a GEDSI analysis and inclusion strategy for WASH interventions in rural communities.
• Conducted field assessments, community consultations and barrier mapping for women, youth and persons with disabilities.
• Supported the development of an Inclusive Sanitation By-law, ensuring GEDSI integration and stakeholder consultation.
• Developed social data collection tools and supported partners and government stakeholders through training, including safeguarding and SEA/SH.

· Provided technical support to multiple Pathfinder projects to strengthen adolescent and youth SRHR approaches and GBV integration.

· Supported GBV response mechanisms and referral pathways in coordination with service providers and community actors.

· Facilitated GBV prevention and awareness sessions with communities and target groups.

· Coordinated the distribution of 5,000+ Dignity Kits in Ancuabe (Cabo Delgado), 2022–2024, ensuring beneficiary lists, local logistics, delivery controls and reporting.

· Ensured gender integration within the project and provided technical review of reports and deliverables for quality and compliance.

· Coordinated with school leadership and focal point teachers to support activities within school settings.

· Supported Adolescent and Youth Friendly Services (SAAJs) in line with Ministry of Health standards.

Contributed to strengthening provider attitudes and competencies for gender-equitable and rights-based service delivery

· Supported provincial plans implementation (Manica, Sofala, Tete, Niassa and Zambézia) across gender, youth and GBV components.

· Organized training packages for health providers, community activists and GBV technical working groups.

· Coordinated workplans, monitoring and activity reporting.

· Supported DREAMS initiative implementation (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe).

· Developed workplans and coordinated community activities (recruitment, induction and training of community staff).

· Built partnerships with local organizations and community management committees.

· Supervised field activities and produced descriptive reports and syntheses.

• Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
• Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
• Monitored project timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high-quality output.
• Conducted literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.

• Conducted qualitative interviews (including scheduling, informed consent, and note-taking) with key informants and community participants.
• Transcribed interview recordings and produced clean, organized transcripts for analysis and reporting.
• Carried out literature searches and compiled bibliographies (academic articles, policy documents, and reports) relevant to the study.
• Organized and consolidated reference materials and supporting documentation for the research team.