Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Agricultural Finance Volunteer Experts Job at IESC, Abroad

RWdhQmlmTFdyL3pybitMTGF1eW1CQkFTa1E9PQ==
  • IESC
  • Abroad

Job Description

USAID-Funded

Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program

Scope of Work

Agriculture , Agribusiness, and Agricultur al Finance Volunteer Experts

Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program Background:

The USAID-funded Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program (F2F A2F) is designed to unlock access to finance for smallholder farmers, entrepreneurs, and micro- small, and medium-sized enterprises in Kenya, Tanzania, and Liberia by addressing agricultural finance market coordination failures. With a particular emphasis on women, youth, and environmental and natural resource management, F2F A2F will create more equitable , inclusive, and sustainable agricultural systems while increasing production, profitability, sales, jobs, and income.

Focusing on Kenya, Tanzania and Liberia , F2F A 2F will work with local partner organizations and volunteer host organizations to field experts from a variety of sectors in the U.S. , including agriculture, banking , technology and academia to address systematic capacity constraints for farmers and lenders in each targeted country and unlock finance for improved agricultural production. F2F A2F r uns through September 2028.

To address deficits in the financial ecosystem, the F2F A2F Program seeks to: 

1) A ddress systemic financial constraints and unlock access to finance for smallholder farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs ; and

2) I ncrease productivity, profitability, sustainability, and inclusion through improved access to finance.

Currently , we are recruiting U . S . citizens and permanent residents for both in-person and paired remote assignments in Kenya and Tanzania . Assignments in Liberia will begin in early 2025.

Detailed Responsibilities:

Although specific responsibilities vary according to each assignment, volunteer expert s will work in conjunction with IESC’s Washington, DC and F2F A 2 F countr y program staff to execute the following activities:

  • Conduct training for rural SACCOs, microfinance institutions, banks and government enablers (such as youth forums and development banks) to catalyze product development, application of technology , and market outreach for agricultural lending.

  • Train farmers in business plan development, financial management , and improvements in productivity and market access, such as identifying appropriate equipment or technology and how to use it.

  • Link farmers and agribusinesses to lenders and private sector.

  • Coach borrowers on managing cash, repayment of loans, and increasing savings.

  • Train farmers on efficient utilization of inputs, equipment and technology to improve production and sales.

  • Write recommendations for host organizations to improve their organizational effectiveness, management and sustainability.

  • Write reports and conduct debrief s post-assignment.

  • Conduct presentations in the U.S. on experiences and lessons learned through the F2F A2F Program.

Expertise of Volunteer Experts Requested:

  • U.S. Citizen or U.S. permanent resident (as required by the Farmer-to-Farmer Program).

  • Extensive experience in areas such as: financial services, investments, agricultural lending, financial management , accounting, marketing, strategic management, supply chain optimization, business development, agricultural production or agribusiness management.

  • Regional experience (East Africa or West Africa ) and language skills a plus, but not required .

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.

Volunteer Expert Support:

IESC provides comprehensive support to volunteer experts before, during and after the anticipated assignment. Support includes:

  • All travel and logistics arrangements and costs to be provided by IESC including airfare, visas, medical examination, medevac and emergency travel insurance, and transit expenses;

  • Project management and oversight from the country office and the home office in Washington, DC;

  • All accommodation, transport, meals and incidental expenses throughout the duration of the assignment in country;

  • Translation and communications support; and,

  • Follow up and administrative support for the production and dissemination of the final report and deliverables for the project.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Local area, Remote job, Home office,

Similar Jobs

Fairy Tail Travels

Travel Agent Job at Fairy Tail Travels

 ...Our travel agency is searching for friendly and professional Travel Agents to join our team. As a Travel Agent you should be passionate...  ...and international travel trends Degree in Hospitality, Travel, Tourism, Business or relevant field is a plus Personal travel... 

European Wax Center - Plainview, NY

Wax Specialists Wanted! Job at European Wax Center - Plainview, NY

Our fast-paced, waxing center is looking to add to our dynamic team! Our mission is to make our fabulous guests feel gorgeous and confident in their own skin, we just need YOU, the expert! Experience with waxing is not needed; we are proud to grow our people with a comprehensive... 

Crime Scene Resources, Inc

Forensic Scientist II (Latent Print Examination) Job at Crime Scene Resources, Inc

 ...Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). Searches footwear impressions in SICAR/FPX database. Ideal Candidates for Forensic Scientist II (Latent Print Examination) will possess the following: Experience working in an ISO/IEC17025 Accredited Laboratory... 

Everest Consulting

Senior Site Reliability Engineer Job at Everest Consulting

 ...Job Description Role: Site Reliability Engineer Employment Type: Contract - There is no Visa sponsorship for this role Work location: Sanjose,CA Work mode: Onsite- 2 days in a week / 3 days Remote About the Role We seek a highly skilled and dynamic Site Reliability Engineer... 

Venture Solar

Roofer Job at Venture Solar

 ...and DC). Other duties as assigned. What youll bring: Knowledge of hand-held power tools. Experience in PV installations, roof work, general construction, or carpentry - preferred. Basic understanding/experience with electrical wiring of AC and DC systems...