ACDI/VOCA
Since 1963 and in 148 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that designs and delivers technical and management solutions in agriculture, economic growth, and resilience to promote economic prosperity and social inclusion.
Senior Youth and Agriculture Specialist, Lesotho
ACDI/VOCA is seeking a Senior Youth and Agriculture Specialist for an upcoming Market Driven Irrigation Horticulture (MDIH) Activity in Lesotho funded by Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The program aims to ensure that strong legal and policy frameworks are in place in Lesotho to support the growth of irrigation throughout the country in an equitable and sustainable way. It intends to achieve this goal by improving the capacity of government and other institutions to deliver and sustain the services necessary for inclusive growth in irrigated horticulture.
The Senior Youth and Agriculture Specialist will promote opportunities for youth in the commercial agriculture sector. The program is anticipated to start in 2024 and this position will be based in Lesotho.
Responsibilities
- Support the development and implementation of the program’s overall gender, youth, and inclusion strategy
- Lead the development and promotion of context-sensitive and culturally appropriate youth engagement approaches
- Provide youth engagement and positive youth development technical advice and trainings to program staff, partners, and stakeholders to build their capacity to integrate youth considerations into designing interventions, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation
- Ensure that youth are integrated into all program activities, including technical implementation, monitoring, operations, policies, and procedures by designing activities that target these groups within the scope of the program
- Review and provide input to project work plans, with attention to youth dimensions of technical activities and operations, and discuss youth issues and priorities with project senior management and other technical specialists
- Ensure that the gender and youth interventions supported by the program comply with the regulations and standards established by MCC as well as ACDI/VOCA’s internal Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Policy and Youth Strategy
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in rural development, agriculture, or the social sciences required; master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum 7 years of experience in a senior position designing and implementing programs that promote opportunity for youth (approximately 18-35) in commercial agriculture, and address challenges for youth in this sector. At least three of these years should be in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in designing or implementing capacity building and training for youth in agriculture.
- Experience working with at least two projects that address gender in youth programs.
- Fluency in English required (written and spoken).
Basotho nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Please apply online at www.acdivoca.org/international-jobs. The applications will be reviewed promptly upon receipt, only finalists will be contacted. ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply. ACDI/VOCA will never request payment or charge a fee to apply for any position.