Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in Programs
Neneh Diallo
Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Officer
Office of the Administrator (USAID)
USAID’s engagement will become more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs, priorities, and solutions of the diverse communities, organizations, and people in the countries in which we work. By September 2025, we will:
- expand locally-led programs;
- ensure that all Missions have a Gender Advisor with a sufficient Level of Effort (LOE)* aligned with internal policy requirements; and,
- update both programs and acquisition and assistance practices to promote equity, inclusion, and accessibility in line with applicable policies and federal regulations.
This APG aligns with the five actions outlined in USAID’s 2024 Equity Action Plan.
*Minimum Gender Advisor LOE for Missions with a program budget of less than $30 Million will be 50 percent; $30-100 million, 75 percent; above $100 million, 100 percent. Per the Automated Directives System (ADS) 205, a Gender Advisor is defined as a person with the technical skills, competencies, and experience necessary to provide appropriate, in-depth guidance to technical and program staff to ensure that gender equality and women’s empowerment are integrated in meaningful ways across the program cycle, but especially in program design. Gender advisors are appointed by Missions or Washington Operating Units and possess an educational background or experience working on gender integration and women’s empowerment in one or more technical fields. In all cases, the advisor will have responsibilities explicitly included in their job description. The Office of Human Capital and Talent Management(HCTM) has pre-classified Standard Position Descriptions on their SPD Page.
