Gender and Youth Specialist

Overview:
ACDI/VOCA is a global development design and delivery partner based in Washington, D.C. We have implemented effective economic and social development projects around the world since 1963. Our areas of expertise include: Agriculture, Economic Growth, Resilience, Finance, and Equity & Inclusion. We employ some 1,000 people in the United States and overseas. In 2019, we implemented 63 programs in 24 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Beyond our competitive compensation, full array of insurances, generous 401(k) plan, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, commuter subsidy, career development, we also offer a vibrant, friendly, diverse, inclusive, passionate, and inspiring work environment.

The Gender and Youth Specialist’s responsibilities will include supporting the production of high-quality deliverables in a timely manner; training and mentoring/coaching project teams and staff; networking with donors and partners; and representing the GYSI team’s work through presentations and publications. This position will report to the Director, Gender and Youth.

Responsibilities:
Integration and Support: Act as a technical resource for integrating gender, youth, and social inclusion approaches into projects. Support implementation and operationalization of the ACDI/VOCA Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Policy and Youth Strategy. Provide support and technical oversight in the development of key project deliverables. Advise teams on implementation of GSI- and youth-sensitive and -transformative approaches.

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Identify learning needs and build capacity of project and home office staff. Support the capture and dissemination of lessons learned and promising practices across projects, teams, and divisions. Promote collaboration across headquarters and project offices. Capture, develop, standardize, and share tools, resources, and processes that promote gender, youth, and social inclusion. Develop relationships with experts in the industry through external events, professional development opportunities, working groups, and communities of practice.

Research and Learning: Support and/or lead research encompassing innovative, ethical, and qualitative studies. Analyze primary and secondary data using appropriate methods. Contribute to or author products for diverse audiences, including reports, white papers, and other outputs. Collaborate with Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) staff to develop learning questions, indicators, and other resources/methods to advise field staff on gender, youth, and social inclusion.

External Outreach: Promote ACDI/VOCA’s image as an organization with technical strengths in gender, youth, and inclusive market systems. Foster good relationships with industry partners and individuals and participate/present at international and domestic meetings, workshops, and conferences. Support and enhance the company’s culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion and align with our corporate values by treating others with respect and congeniality.

New Business: Provide technical guidance and support to proposals in the areas of gender, youth, and social inclusion. Occasionally review the technical contributions of consultants or take on the role of contributing writer where appropriate. Identify and meet with other organizations/donors to find potential funding or partnership opportunities. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Master’s degree in international development, gender studies, behavioral economics, agronomy, sociology or other related field required (additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of advanced degree). Minimum of 5 years’ experience required. Experience with overseas work and/or in international development or related field strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience and technical knowledge in gender and development, particularly related to food security, agricultural value chains/market systems, or nutrition-integrated agriculture strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience and technical knowledge of positive youth development approaches preferred. Knowledge of social behavior change methods and approaches desired. Knowledge of qualitative research methods and standards, with field research experience strongly desired. Experience conducting gender, positive youth development, or other related participatory trainings for US and overseas audiences strongly desired. Experience with USAID programming strongly desired. Strong interpersonal and team skills, with ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures strongly desired. Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently. Ability and willingness to travel internationally. Fluency in English required. Additional fluency in French, Swahili, Spanish, or Russian are strongly desired.

While the requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please apply online at http://www.acdivoca.org/work-with-us/. No phone calls please. Only finalists will be contacted. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply. EOE/AA. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.