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Flexible Schedule
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Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
USAID-Funded Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program Support Agricultural Lending and Loan Product Development for a Tanzanian Commercial Bank Description of the Program: Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC) serves as the lead implementer for the Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program (F2F A2F) to address deficits in the financial ecosystem hindering investment and growth in agriculture for individual farmers, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through the delivery of volunteer technical assistance. IESC has designed a thematic F2F program to generate sustainable, broad-based economic growth and create jobs in the agricultural sector with a special focus on assistance to women and youth. Focusing on Kenya, Tanzania, and Liberia, the F2F A2F Program will work with local partner organizations and volunteer hosts to field pro bono experts from the U.S. agriculture, corporate, and banking sectors to address systemic capacity constraints for farmers and lenders in each targeted country and unlock finance for improved agricultural production leading to utilization of agricultural technologies and increased sales and incomes. Problem Statement: Smallholder farmers represent two tremendous opportunities for financial institutions (FIs) in Tanzania: a market opportunity to grow their client base, and an impact opportunity to advance a social mission. However, increased risk in agricultural finance and the lack of specialized financial expertise of the agriculture sector are commonly quoted as the main constraints inhibiting FIs from offering agricultural finance products. Financial Institutes view farmers as poor book-keepers with limited financial skills and a lack of collateral facility. Consequently, they do not advance credit to farmers. Due to the risks involved, financial institutions’ lending decisions emphasize collateral, credit history, extensive loan processing documentation, and high interest rates. This creates major barriers for agribusinesses. However, FIs have recently become aware of the potential of the agriculture sector in Africa and have identified the link between future profitably and the growth of agricultural lending. Most financial institutions do not have internal expertise on agriculture, so they are unsure how to structure loan products that meet the needs of farmers and mitigate risk. The Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program has partnered with a commercial bank that has been operating for over 20 years with 17 branches in the country. The bank recently established stronger leadership and hired new experienced staff in agri-finance. They are aiming to venture back into agri-lending after experiencing high non-performing loans (NPL). The bank's NPL is now 17%. The bank needs support training their staff in the technical skills needed to understand agriculture, agribusiness, and business plan analysis for agribusiness investments. This will help the loan officers make better decisions before approving loans and lower the chance of NPLs. Furthermore, the bank needs support to design and develop a user-friendly agri-lending product that meets the needs of agricultural MSMEs, helps the FI to tap into the agriculture sector, and increases its client-base and revenue. This commercial bank needs knowledge on how to develop products that take into consideration the needs of the target audience, market trends, competitor analysis and securities regulations . The host also needs support to develop an agri-lending product for MSMEs. F2F A2F is recruiting a U.S. citizen or permanent resident experienced volunteer expert in agri-finance and agriculture product development. Objectives: Train bank staff in agriculture lending Develop a loan product structure. Deliverables: Training materials A loan product Final trip report with four to six measurable and achievable recommendations for the host organization Power Point Presentation summarizing the accomplishments of the assignment for the host organization and the USAID Mission Training attendance sheets that include participants' names, ages, genders and fully completed and signed by all attendees. Volunteer Support IESC provides round-trip economy airfare, lodging, and a daily stipend based on the location of travel. IESC will reimburse visa fees, CDC-recommended and required vaccines, transportation to the airport, and other assignment-related expenses. Typically, an in-country staff member accompanies volunteers on the first and final days of their assignment. When volunteers travel independently, our field team checks in daily. All drivers, hotels, and assignment locations have been carefully vetted for safety. IESC’s global security advisor is available 24/7 in case of a safety or security concern. If there is security risk, they provide real-time updates in a WhatsApp security group. Additional Travel Information: Dar es Salaam is the largest city and financial hub of Tanzania. With a population of over five million people, Dar es Salaam is the largest city in East Africa and the 6th largest in Africa. Located on the Swahili coast, Dar es Salaam is an important economic center and one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Its climate is hot and humid with an annual rainfall of 43 inches (1,100 mm). Swahili, also known as Kiswahili, is the official language of Tanzania and is prevalently spoken throughout Dar es Salaam. English is a secondary language used in hotels, restaurants, and areas mainly frequented by tourists. Other key information Volunteer experts are expected to bring their own laptop for use on assignment Flights, ground transportation and hotels will be booked and paid for directly by IESC Volunteer experts will be provided with a smartphone with a local sim card for use during the assignment F2F A2F assignments are very engaging and a full-time commitment while in-country. Any tourism or other personal activities in-country must be conducted after the assignment is completed. Travel and lodging conditions may vary depending on the location of the assignment. Volunteer assignments may require extended travel via taxi to remote locations or stays in rural areas with fewer amenities. IESC can provide more information about travel and lodging during the volunteer onboarding process. Volunteer Outreach: USAID and IESC encourage all F2F A2F volunteers to participate in public outreach. An important objective of the program is to increase awareness of Americans’ good work in developing countries. Volunteers should select at least one outreach activity from the list below, to be completed within one month of return to the US: Write an entry for the IESC website. Post a photo, video, or text related to the F2F A2F assignment on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, personal website or other social media site, and send a link to IESC staff. Send a press release to a local newspaper in the volunteer’s hometown. (IESC can provide a template) Write something for an alumni or professional association newsletter, or other publication. (IESC can help as needed). Give a presentation about the F2F A2F assignment to colleagues, students, religious group, rotary club, etc. Send an email about F2F A2F to friends, family, or colleagues. Requested Expertise of Volunteer Expert: At least a bachelor’s degree, MBA, or equivalent in Finance, banking, Agriculture, Economics, Marketing, and any other related course 7-10 years of banking/Agri-finance services industry experience. Experience in product development, strategic planning, and implementation preferred. 5+ years of experience or equivalent expertise in product management or a relevant domain area. Advanced knowledge of the product development life cycle, design, and data analytics. Experience in developing Agri-lending products will be an added advantage. Experience working in Tanzania and/or the region is a plus. Strong leadership and communication skills and capacity to plan strategically and flexibly. Sufficiently physically fit, with appropriate medical clearance. Writing Skills: reporting requires good computer skills including, but not limited to, working, and generating reports with MS Word. Experience with PowerPoint presentations is desirable. Good writing and analytical skills, interpersonal communication, and presentation skills (adult education skills). All F2F A2F volunteers must be US citizens or permanent residents. Learn more about the Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program here: https://iesc.org/program/usaid-f2f-a2f/ You can submit an application directly on the IESC career page: https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=IESCORG&cws=39&rid=2744 Please reach out to IESC's Volunteer Engagement Associate, Rachel Hyman, with any questions- rhyman@iesc.org
Date Posted: Sep 17, 2024
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Flexible Schedule
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Geita, Tanzania
USAID-Funded Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program Conduct Market Research for Horticulture Crops in Tanzania Description of the Program: Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC) serves as the lead implementer for the Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program (F2F A2F) to address deficits in the financial ecosystem hindering investment and growth in agriculture for individual farmers, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through the delivery of volunteer technical assistance. IESC has designed a thematic F2F program to generate sustainable, broad-based economic growth and create jobs in the agricultural sector with a special focus on assistance to women and youth. Focusing on Kenya, Tanzania, and Liberia, the F2F A2F Program will work with local partner organizations and volunteer hosts to field pro bono experts from the U.S. agriculture, corporate, and banking sectors to address systemic capacity constraints for farmers and lenders in each targeted country and unlock finance for improved agricultural production leading to utilization of agricultural technologies and increased sales and incomes. Problem Statement: Horticulture in Tanzania is a tremendous opportunity to enhance income, improve nutritional outcomes, engage women and youth, and create jobs throughout the value chain. As Tanzanian society has become more conscious of healthier dietary and lifestyle choices, there has been an increasing demand for diversified food products including fruits and vegetables. However, horticulture crop production continues to be dominated by smallholders and farmer groups with more than 80% of farms less than 2 ha. These smallholder horticulture farmers are faced with several challenges including marketing and limited market information. Smallholders in rural areas are often poorly linked to markets. They cannot adequately access functional market information, so they sell their produce in informal markets in the surrounding communities. These farmers are excluded from many of the most profitable channels, such as direct sales to supermarkets, exports, and access to contract agreements. Since many small-scale farmers do not have negotiation skills to determine prices for their bulk horticulture produce, the market does not allow small producers to raise prices on their produce. Often middlemen make much higher profit margins than the producers which limits the incentive for smallholder farmers to expand production. The Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program has partnered with an Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Society (AMCOS) group in a rural area in the Geita region of Tanzania whose members are engaged in small-scale horticultural farming; they grow their own food, and their income is mostly centered within the small-scale horticulture sector. The AMCOS’ main horticulture crops market is a mining company in the region that consume 35% of their produce. The informal market purchases 35% of produce, but they struggle to sell the remaining 30% of produce. The AMCOS members have already received training on horticulture crops farming from the mining company to help the farmers produce quality fruits and vegetables (driving the farmers to produce what the mining company requires). However, despite producing sufficient quality and quantity of horticulture crops, limited access to formal markets leaves members to remain poor and vulnerable. The AMCOs needs support to better understand the horticulture market, increase their access to market information, and link farmers to new markets. This will enable small-scale farmers to increase production, income, and food security in rural areas. F2F A2F is recruiting a U.S. citizen or permanent resident experienced volunteer expert in agriculture crops market research to help AMCOS members access horticulture crop market information and connect them to formal markets Objectives of the Assignment: Conduct horticulture crops market research in Tanzania, with a focus on the Lake Zone areas (Mwanza and Mara) to determine new market channels, including other mining companies, hotels and apartments, etc. Recommend a list of potential horticulture crops customers for the AMCOS, including market specifications and other details needed for the AMCOS to pursue the new market channels Deliverables: Horticulture crop market research report with recommendations, including a specific list of initial target customers for horticulture produce. Field trip report with four to six recommendations. PowerPoint presentation for the host organization and the USAID Mission Volunteer Support IESC provides round-trip economy airfare, lodging, and a daily stipend based on the location of travel. IESC will reimburse visa fees, CDC-recommended and required vaccines, transportation to the airport, and other assignment-related expenses. Typically, an in-country staff member accompanies volunteers on the first and final days of their assignment. When volunteers travel independently, our field team checks in daily. All drivers, hotels, and assignment locations have been carefully vetted for safety. IESC’s global security advisor is available 24/7 in case of a safety or security concern. If there is security risk, they provide real-time updates in a WhatsApp security group. Additional Travel Information: Geita is in the northwestern part of Tanzania and is known for its rich gold mining activities and the presence of Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa. It is approximately 90 kilometers from Mwanza City. The journey from Dar es Salaam to Geita involves flying to Mwanza and driving about 3 hours to Geita. The dry season runs from June to October while the wet season runs from November to May. Farming and pastoralism are the major occupations of Geita’s inhabitants. Dar es Salaam is the largest city and financial hub of Tanzania. Its climate is hot and humid with an annual rainfall of 43 inches (1,100 mm). Swahili, also known as Kiswahili, is the official language of Tanzania and is prevalently spoken throughout Geita and Dar es Salaam. Other key information: Volunteer experts are expected to bring their own laptop for use on assignment Flights, ground transportation and hotels will be booked and paid for directly by IESC Volunteer experts will be provided with a Samsung smartphone with a local sim card and airtime for use during the assignment F2F A2F assignments are very engaging and a full-time commitment while in-country. Any tourism or other personal activities in-country must be conducted after the assignment is completed. Travel and lodging conditions may vary depending on the location of the assignment. Volunteer assignments may require extended travel via taxi to remote locations or stays in rural areas with fewer amenities. IESC can provide more information about travel and lodging during the volunteer onboarding process. Volunteer Outreach: USAID and IESC encourage all F2F A2F volunteers to participate in public outreach. An important objective of the program is to increase awareness of Americans’ good work in developing countries. Volunteers should select at least one outreach activity from the list below, to be completed within one month of return to the US: Write an entry for the IESC website. Post a photo, video, or text related to the F2F A2F assignment on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, personal website or other social media site, and send a link to IESC staff. Send a press release to a local newspaper in the volunteer’s hometown. (IESC can provide a template) Write something for an alumni or professional association newsletter, or other publication. (IESC can help as needed). Give a presentation about the F2F A2F assignment to colleagues, students, religious group, rotary club, etc. Send an email about F2F A2F to friends, family, or colleagues. Requested Expertise of Volunteer Expert: A master's or doctoral degree in business, commerce, agricultural science, horticulture, or marketing At least 7 years of experience working in market research on food products. A good understanding of horticulture crops produces. Experience working in Tanzania and/or the region is a plus. Strong leadership and communication skills and capacity to plan strategically and flexibly. Desire to improve the start-up businesses. Sufficiently physically fit, with appropriate medical clearance. Writing Skills: reporting requires good computer skills including, but not limited to, working, and generating reports with MS Word. Experience with PowerPoint presentations is desirable. Good writing and analytical skills, interpersonal communication, and presentation skills (adult education skills). Learn more about the Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program here: https://iesc.org/program/usaid-f2f-a2f/ You can submit an application directly on the IESC career page:https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=IESCORG&cws=39&rid=2739 Please reach out to IESC's Volunteer Engagement Associate, Rachel Hyman, with any questions- rhyman@iesc.org
Date Posted: Sep 17, 2024
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Flexible Schedule
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Thika, Kenya
USAID-Funded Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program Conduct a Fruit Puree Sterilization and Good Manufacturing Practices Training in Kenya Description of the Program: Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC) serves as the lead implementer for the Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program (F2F A2F) to address deficits in the financial ecosystem hindering investment and growth in agriculture for individual farmers, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through the delivery of volunteer technical assistance. IESC has designed a thematic F2F program to generate sustainable, broad-based economic growth and create jobs in the agricultural sector with a special focus on assistance to women and youth. Focusing on Kenya, Tanzania, and Liberia, the F2F A2F Program will work with local partner organizations and volunteer hosts to field pro bono experts from the U.S. agriculture, corporate, and banking sectors to address systemic capacity constraints for farmers and lenders in each targeted country and unlock finance for improved agricultural production leading to utilization of agricultural technologies and increased sales and incomes. Problem Statement: Kenya’s climatic conditions are ideal for horticulture production. The horticulture industry in Kenya is the fastest growing agricultural sub-sector. While it has immense potential to create jobs and enhance household incomes, it faces numerous challenges, including high post-harvest losses. Post-harvest loss is estimated at 30-50% of production. Efforts to reduce post-harvest losses provide an attractive opportunity to improve incomes, food security and livelihoods. This is being pursued through a range of solutions, among them agro-processing. The Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program (F2F A2F) has partnered with a Kenyan based agro-processing company that creates world-class healthy snacks and food ingredients using tubers, fruits and vegetables sourced from smallholder farmers mainly from Eastern parts of Kenya. Its current products include dried fruit, dried fruit rolls, granola, orange flesh sweet potato (OFSP) snacks, and aseptic OFSP puree. The company is hoping to tap into the growing fruit puree market in Kenya and the region. The company has recently acquired and installed a fruit puree processing plant to expand its product offerings by producing various types of fruit puree from tropical fruits such as mango, banana, guava and pawpaw. Its current team has no experience in fruit puree sterilization and the good manufacturing practices specific to fruit puree. The company has incurred huge costs to set up the new processing plant and does not have the resources to hire additional staff. Therefore, they have reached out to F2F A2F to support training its current production team on fruit puree sterilization and good manufacturing practices. Therefore, F2F A2F is recruiting a U.S. citizen or permanent resident volunteer expert with experience in food processing to train its staff on fruit puree sterilization and good manufacturing practices. Through this support, the F2F A2F volunteer expert will help create a sustainable supply chain, enhance incomes for farmers, and reduce food waste through local value addition. Objectives of the Assignment: Train a select team on fruit puree sterilization and aseptic packaging Train the company’s production team on good manufacturing practices Identify additional areas that could benefit from F2F A2F technical support Deliverables: Training materials developed List of people trained A PowerPoint presentation highlighting achievements and recommendations Trip report Volunteer Support IESC provides round-trip economy airfare, lodging, and a daily stipend based on the location of travel. IESC will reimburse visa fees, CDC-recommended and required vaccines, transportation to the airport, and other assignment-related expenses. Typically, an in-country staff member accompanies volunteers on the first and final days of their assignment. When volunteers travel independently, our field team checks in daily. All drivers, hotels, and assignment locations have been carefully vetted for safety. IESC’s global security advisor is available 24/7 in case of a safety or security concern. If there is security risk, they provide real-time updates in a WhatsApp security group. Volunteer Outreach: USAID and IESC encourage all F2F A2F volunteers to participate in public outreach. An important objective of the program is to increase awareness of Americans’ good work in developing countries. Volunteers should select at least one outreach activity from the list below, to be completed within one month of return to the US: Write an entry for the IESC website. Post a photo, video, or text related to the F2F A2F assignment on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, personal website or other social media site, and send a link to IESC staff. Send a press release to a local newspaper in the volunteer’s hometown. (IESC can provide a template) Write something for an alumni or professional association newsletter, or other publication. (IESC can help as needed). Give a presentation about the F2F A2F assignment to colleagues, students, religious group, rotary club, etc. Send an email about F2F A2F to friends, family, or colleagues. Requested Expertise of Volunteer Expert: A master's or doctoral degree in food technology and processing or closely related area At least 10 years’ experience working in food processing Practical experience in fruit puree manufacturing Practical experience in fruit puree sterilization and aseptic packaging Practical experience in conducting good manufacturing practices trainings Experience working in Kenya and/or the region is a plus Strong leadership and communication skills and capacity to plan strategically and flexibly Experience delivering group training Sufficiently physically fit, with appropriate medical clearance Writing Skills: reporting requires good computer skills including, but not limited to, working, and generating reports with MS Word. Experience with PowerPoint presentations is desirable Good writing and analytical skills, interpersonal communication, and presentation skills (adult education skills), ability and desire to teach in both classroom and factory settings All F2F A2F volunteers must be US citizens or permanent residents Learn more about the Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program here: https://iesc.org/program/usaid-f2f-a2f/ You can submit an application directly on the IESC career page: https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=IESCORG&cws=39&rid=2699 Please reach out to IESC's Volunteer Engagement Associate, Rachel Hyman, with any questions- rhyman@iesc.org
Date Posted: Sep 17, 2024
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Flexible Schedule
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Oloitoktok, Kenya
USAID-Funded Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program Develop an ICT Policies and Procedures Manual for a Kenyan Social Enterprise Description of the Program: Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC) serves as the lead implementer for the Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program (F2F A2F) to address deficits in the financial ecosystem hindering investment and growth in agriculture for individual farmers, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through the delivery of volunteer technical assistance. IESC has designed a thematic F2F program to generate sustainable, broad-based economic growth and create jobs in the agricultural sector with a special focus on assistance to women and youth. Focusing on Kenya, Tanzania, and Liberia, the F2F A2F Program will work with local partner organizations and volunteer hosts to field pro bono experts from the U.S. agriculture, corporate, and banking sectors to address systemic capacity constraints for farmers and lenders in each targeted country and unlock finance for improved agricultural production leading to utilization of agricultural technologies and increased sales and incomes. Problem Statement: The Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program in Kenya has partnered with a social enterprise that promotes agroforestry practices and sustainable land-use management. They work in harmony with nature and use innovative approaches to mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity, and uplift communities through inclusive, participatory, and ethically driven programs. Its programs include 1. Agroforestry training programs to farmers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to integrate agroforestry practices into their farms. 2. Tree Planting Campaigns to restore and protect degraded lands, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate climate change. 3. Support farmers to identify and implement diversified, high-value, market-oriented agroforestry systems for income generation and resilience building. 4. Research and Development to seek or innovate creative solutions that address emerging challenges in agroforestry and land management. The organization lacks documented policies, protocols, and procedures in information and communication technology (ICT); this creates challenges that hinder effectiveness and efficiency at the board, management, and staff levels and expose the organization to legal risks. The organization needs support to develop policies and procedures to clarify roles and responsibilities, guide managers in decision making, protect suppliers and buyers, improve employee performance and job satisfaction. Additionally, they will improve overall effectiveness and efficiency, minimize potential liability, protect reputation and brand and provide legal protection. F2F A2F is recruiting a U.S. citizen or permanent resident volunteer expert to work alongside the nonprofit organization and support its team in this endeavor. The volunteer expert will support the social enterprise review, revise and/or develop policies, protocols, and procedures with a focus on ICT. The volunteer will also evaluate deployed geo-mapping technology and identify areas of improvement. The assignment aims to improve the organization’s overall effectiveness and efficiency. The outcome of the volunteer assignment is expected to deepen the organization’s market resilience, compliance with regulations, transparency to partners and beneficiaries, and long-term sustainability. Objectives: Review, revise and/or develop an ICT policies and procedures manual. Evaluate the effectiveness of deployed Geo mapping technology Train the board and management on the implementation and use of the various policies, procedures and protocols developed. Deliverables: ICT policy and procedure manual Training materials developed and a list of people trained Trip report A PowerPoint presentation for debriefing purposes Volunteer Support IESC provides round-trip economy airfare, lodging, and a daily stipend based on the location of travel. IESC will reimburse visa fees, CDC-recommended and required vaccines, transportation to the airport, and other assignment-related expenses. Typically, an in-country staff member accompanies volunteers on the first and final days of their assignment. When volunteers travel independently, our field team checks in daily. All drivers, hotels, and assignment locations have been carefully vetted for safety. IESC’s global security advisor is available 24/7 in case of a safety or security concern. If there is security risk, they provide real-time updates in a WhatsApp security group. Volunteer Outreach: USAID and IESC encourage all F2F A2F volunteers to participate in public outreach. An important objective of the program is to increase awareness of Americans’ good work in developing countries. Volunteers should select at least one outreach activity from the list below, to be completed within one month of return to the US: Write an entry for the IESC website. Post a photo, video, or text related to the F2F A2F assignment on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, personal website or other social media site, and send a link to IESC staff. Send a press release to a local newspaper in the volunteer’s hometown. (IESC can provide a template) Write something for an alumni or professional association newsletter, or other publication. (IESC can help as needed). Give a presentation about the F2F A2F assignment to colleagues, students, religious group, rotary club, etc. Send an email about F2F A2F to friends, family, or colleagues. Requested Expertise of Volunteer Expert: ICT specialist with ten years of practical experience. Demonstrated experience with ICT for non-profits or social enterprises. Demonstrated experience in developing, reviewing, and updating organizational policies and procedures. Experience working with small-holder farmer agri-businesses in developing countries is a plus Experience working in Kenya and/or the region is plus. Strong leadership and communication skills Demonstrated capacity to plan strategically and flexibly. Experience delivering group training. Skilled in adult training methods. Sufficiently physically fit, with appropriate medical clearance. Experience with PowerPoint presentations is desirable. The ability to work through translators in the field is essential. Cultural sensitivity issues in communication. Good writing and analytical skills and interpersonal communication The US volunteer must be a US citizen or permanent resident. Learn more about the Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program here: https://iesc.org/program/usaid-f2f-a2f/ You can submit an application directly on the IESC career page: https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=IESCORG&cws=39&rid=2742 Please reach out to IESC's Volunteer Engagement Associate, Rachel Hyman, with any questions- rhyman@iesc.org
Date Posted: Sep 17, 2024
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Flexible Schedule
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Nairobi, Kenya
USAID-Funded Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program Develop a Gender, Youth & Social Inclusion Strategy for a Kenyan Nonprofit Description of the Program: Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC) serves as the lead implementer for the Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program (F2F A2F) to address deficits in the financial ecosystem hindering investment and growth in agriculture for individual farmers, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through the delivery of volunteer technical assistance. IESC has designed a thematic F2F program to generate sustainable, broad-based economic growth and create jobs in the agricultural sector with a special focus on assistance to women and youth. Focusing on Kenya, Tanzania, and Liberia, the F2F A2F Program will work with local partner organizations and volunteer hosts to field pro bono experts from the U.S. agriculture, corporate, and banking sectors to address systemic capacity constraints for farmers and lenders in each targeted country and unlock finance for improved agricultural production leading to utilization of agricultural technologies and increased sales and incomes. Problem Statement: F2F A2F Program in Kenya has partnered with a Kenyan nonprofit organization that supports small holder farmers and Agri SMEs to increase productivity, income, and competitive job creation. It pursues this goal through capacity building which includes skills development, technical support, business advisory, and financial and market linkages. The organization wants to formulate an evidence-based gender and social inclusion strategy to better support women, youth, and other marginalized groups. Specifically, the strategy will include gender and social inclusion as a cross-cutting issue in the organization’s strategic implementation plan, including programs, policies, practices, systems, staffing, culture, and resources, to deliver on the organization’s commitment to addressing gender inequality and social exclusion. The process will involve integrating human rights approaches through a thorough analysis of existing frameworks, stakeholder perspectives, and cross-cutting issues. Therefore, F2F A2F is recruiting a U.S. citizen or permanent resident volunteer gender expert to work alongside the nonprofit leadership and staff to develop a gender, youth, and social inclusion (GESI) strategy and action plan. Objectives of the Assignment: Map local and national stakeholder groups for future engagement, and for inclusion in the GESI analysis. Conduct a GESI analysis in the project areas to identify key challenges and opportunities. Develop a GESI strategy and action plan Deliverables: Gender, youth and social inclusion strategy and action plan A GESI monitoring and evaluation framework Trip report PowerPoint presentation for debriefing purposes Volunteer Support IESC provides round-trip economy airfare, lodging, and a daily stipend based on the location of travel. IESC will reimburse visa fees, CDC-recommended and required vaccines, transportation to the airport, and other assignment-related expenses. Typically, an in-country staff member accompanies volunteers on the first and final days of their assignment. When volunteers travel independently, our field team checks in daily. All drivers, hotels, and assignment locations have been carefully vetted for safety. IESC’s global security advisor is available 24/7 in case of a safety or security concern. If there is security risk, they provide real-time updates in a WhatsApp security group. Additional Travel Information: Volunteer experts are expected to bring their own laptop for use on assignment Flights, ground transportation and hotels will be booked and paid for directly by IESC Volunteer experts will be provided a smartphone with a local sim card for use during the assignment F2F A2F assignments are very engaging and a full-time commitment while in-country. Any tourism or other personal activities in-country must be conducted after the assignment is completed. Travel and lodging conditions may vary depending on the location of the assignment. Volunteer assignments may require extended travel via taxi to remote locations or stays in rural areas with fewer amenities. IESC can provide more information about travel and lodging during the volunteer onboarding process. Volunteer Outreach: USAID and IESC encourage all F2F A2F volunteers to participate in public outreach. An important objective of the program is to increase awareness of Americans’ good work in developing countries. Volunteers should select at least one outreach activity from the list below, to be completed within one month of return to the US: Write an entry for the IESC website. Post a photo, video, or text related to the F2F A2F assignment on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, personal website or other social media site, and send a link to IESC staff. Send a press release to a local newspaper in the volunteer’s hometown. (IESC can provide a template) Write something for an alumni or professional association newsletter, or other publication. (IESC can help as needed). Give a presentation about the F2F A2F assignment to colleagues, students, religious group, rotary club, etc. Send an email about F2F A2F to friends, family, or colleagues. Requested Expertise of Volunteer Expert: A postgraduate university degree in social or natural sciences or other relevant discipline, preferably with a specialization in gender and social inclusion A minimum of 5 years’ practical experience in the field of gender equality and gender mainstreaming Formal training in gender analysis and gender planning and demonstrated expertise in mainstreaming gender in projects and programs Some understanding of the gender context in Sub Saharan Africa, and experience working with government institutions and international or non-governmental organizations Familiarity with gender analysis tools and methodologies Strong communication skills, and ability to liaise with various stakeholders, including government officials. Understanding of development / poverty alleviation issues, including issues relating to gender equity, youth, and other marginalized groups Excellent writing and reporting skills and proficiency in English All F2F A2F volunteer experts must be US citizens or permanent residents Learn more about the Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program here: https://iesc.org/program/usaid-f2f-a2f/ You can submit an application directly on the IESC career page: https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=IESCORG&cws=39&rid=2712 Please reach out to IESC's Volunteer Engagement Associate, Rachel Hyman, with any questions- rhyman@iesc.org
Date Posted: Sep 17, 2024
