Digital Agriculture and Information, Communication and Technology | Volunteer in Malawi

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Assignment Context

Are you passionate about improving livelihoods for rural and farming communities, especially youth and women, globally? Do you have technology and digital transformation skills to contribute?

As the Digital Agriculture and Information Communication Technology Advisor at ACADES in Lilongwe, Malawi, you will support to improve technology infrastructure, advise on the best technology strategies, and ensure that ACADES’s systems are efficient and secure.

Apply today to have an impact on sustainable economic development for smallholder farming communities in Malawi!

Roles and Responsibilities

• Coordinate the development of Information and Communications Technologies packages (Web and Mobile Apps, and others) for digitalization
• Assist the team to identify, purchase, and customize digital technologies such as mobile gadgets, drones, Artificial Intelligence applications, and connectivity solutions
• In collaboration with staff of the Mlimi digital project, develop and deliver digital literacy training for program staff, digital farmer agents, and agriculture extension officers to ensure effective use of digital tools and platforms
• Mentor and guide staff to provide ongoing technical support, manage troubleshooting processes, and coordinate with service providers for maintenance and updates
• Collaborate with partners and ensure digital solutions are inclusive, supporting gender equity, accessibility, and the involvement of marginalized groups
• Ensure climate action programming throughout the project
• Ensure that a gender equality lens is consistently applied in the execution of all activities
• Support partners to empower young women and promote a culture of gender sensitive representation in all activities and program benefits
• Participate in pre-assignment training
• Participate in at least 3 public engagement initiatives before, during, or after the assignment. Volunteers will be equipped with the tools, training, and support to achieve these goals. Volunteers will also have one virtual check-in with the Public Engagement Officer throughout the course of their assignment
• Set up a personalized volunteer fundraising page on the WUSC fundraising platform and share it in your networks. Volunteers will be supported with the tools, training and support to achieve the fundraising goal
• Submit reports as required by the partner organization and by WUSC.

Experience and Qualifications

• Degree in information technology, computer science or related field
• Strong technical skills in developing and using digital technologies and tools in the agriculture value chains
• Good knowledge of Web and Mobile Apps, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics
• Proven experience designing Information and Communications Technologies applications and digital advisory products focusing on user relevance
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful digital strategies
• Minimum two (2) years relevant professional experience in your field of expertise
• A commitment to gender equality, youth inclusion, and international volunteering
• Flexibility, adaptability, excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity
• Experience with group facilitation and trainings, including content development considered an asset
• Experience living and working internationally considered an asset
• Written and oral fluency in English.

Project Description

Volunteering for development is one of the important ways in which WUSC pursues its mission. The IGNI+E project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, supports over 70 partner organizations to advance gender equality and the economic empowerment of 1.2 million youth around the world. IGNI+E harnesses the knowledge, capacity and expertise of skilled Canadians through volunteer assignments and public engagement activities to assist partners in improving their performance, advocating for gender equality, and implementing more sustainable, innovative and inclusive initiatives and services for poor and marginalised youth, particularly young women. Overseas, our volunteers collaborate with a wide variety of partners, including enterprise and social enterprise development incubators, skills training centres, women’s organizations, and youth groups. In Canada, WUSC works with institutions and individuals to identify, prepare, and support volunteers who travel overseas to support our partners. Our network in Canada also works with WUSC to raise awareness among Canadians to inspire greater action on global development issues. Our collective focus is on sustainable and inclusive changes to create a better world for youth.

Partner Description

ACADES is a social enterprise which invests in the most rural and disconnected communities of smallholder farmers, especially youth and women. Its mission is to create sustainable wealth for smallholder farming communities through provision of tailor-made service packages consisting of agriculture financing, ethical market and farmer capacity development. Over the past 5 years, ACADES has organized and reached over 22,000 farmers with essential products and services.

Support Package

• Support and guidance from the WUSC Volunteer Mobilization Team prior to departure and from WUSC Country Team while on assignment
• Pre-departure training to learn about the volunteering for development program, gain practical skills for living and working in an intercultural context and network with other volunteers
• In-country orientation upon arrival in country of assignment
• Language training in country of assignment, where required
• Modest monthly living and accommodation allowance
• Airfare to and from the assignment country
• Visa/work permit
• Pre-departure medical exam
• Health insurance
• Vaccinations and antimalarial medication
• Criminal record verification
• Vacation leave entitlement
• Debriefing after completion of assignment
• An incredible opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to global development, enhance your professional skills and participate in an experience of a lifetime!