Position: Senior Youth and Agriculture Specialist – MCA Lesotho HTGSD
Opportunity Type: Full-Time Job
Location: Maseru, Lesotho
About the Organization:
Connexus Corporation is an international development consulting firm that provides consulting services in the areas of agriculture, finance and enterprise development. Connexus’ mission is to provide high quality global consulting services to transform international development and build local capacity. Connexus is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Position Description
Connexus is seeking a Senior Youth and Agriculture Specialist for the anticipated MCA Lesotho Horticulture Training, Gender, and Social Development (HTGSD) opportunity. The core objective of this initiative is to design and implement training and capacity building activities for smallholder farmers and emerging agribusinesses across the horticultural value chain, with a particular focus on the inclusion of women and youth. Falling under the Market-Driven Irrigated Horticulture (MDIH) Project, HTGSD seeks to improve the social, institutional, and business enabling environment for commercial horticulture production and optimize the utilization of irrigation infrastructure investments.
As the Senior Youth and Agriculture Specialist, you will be tasked with designing and implementing youth-centered approaches to promote the inclusion of youth (ages 18-35) in commercial horticultural production in Lesotho.
The position will be based in Lesotho. This position is contingent upon project award and approval by MCA Lesotho.
Tasks and Responsibilities
- Lead the implementation of youth-centered approaches to increase the participation of youth in on-farm management, production, marketing, and post-harvest handling in the horticulture value chain.
- Design and manage field assessments to tailor programming to socioeconomic and capacity barriers experienced by youth across the four irrigation sites under MDIH.
- Identify areas where strategic engagement on youth issues could substantially advance youth as drivers of horticulture value chain development in Lesotho.
- Develop strategies that address barriers to youth participation such as land access and use, financial capacity, and perceptions of agricultural livelihoods.
- Ensure youth-centered approaches are integrated into capacity building and training activities across the project.
- Coordinate with MEL staff to develop targets and indicators for youth inclusion in activities across the project, particularly in commercial horticulture.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in discipline relevant to the position, such as rural development, agriculture, or the social sciences.
- 7 years of experience in a senior position designing and implementing programs that address challenges and promote opportunity for youth (approximately 18 – 35) in commercial agriculture. At least three years of the candidate’s experience should be in sub-Saharan Africa.
- 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.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills in English.
- Must be authorized to work in Lesotho.
Deadline: Jan. 31, 2024
How to Apply
Interested candidates can send their resume and cover letter to [email protected] with “Senior Youth and Ag Specialist – HTGSD” in the subject line. No phone calls please.