Agribusiness Advisor (Volunteer) at Cuso International

Cuso International is a not-for-profit development organization that works to eradicate poverty and inequality. Each year, we mobilize hundreds of volunteer professionals to work alongside local partners to maximize their impact through capacity building. We work in partnership with governments, civil society organizations, multilateral agencies and the private sector to develop and deliver programs aimed at advancing gender equality, promoting the empowerment of women and girls, and improving access to and quality of economic opportunities for young people.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Agribusiness Advisor (Volunteer)

Location: Calabar, Cross River
Length of Placement: 6 Months
Language Requirements: English Reading and Speaking Level 4 - Advanced, Writing Level 5 - Fluent.

About the Project and the Partner
Project - Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE):

• Cuso International will deliver the Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE) project, with a contribution from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) over seven years (2020-2027).
• SHARE aims to improve the economic and/or social well-being of the poorest, most marginalized and vulnerable people, particularly women and girls, in developing countries, with a view to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.
• In addition to increasing engagement of Canadians in international development and key global issues, this project will aim to increase the performance of country partners to deliver more inclusive, innovative and environmentally sustainable development initiatives that advance gender equality, in support of the action areas of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.

Training and Briefing:

• We commit to helping you prepare as best as possible for your placement. You will have an advisor to support you through the process and will receive essential training as part of your preparation. This training is designed to maximize your understanding of your placement and culture, help you identify and plan your own learning, and help you stay safe and healthy during your placement.

Overview of Pre-departure Training:

• Skills and Knowledge for Working in Development (SKWID) program - A 45-hour training program that uses a blended learning approach including 4 days of in-person sessions and online e-modules to be completed before and after the in-person session.
• Self-directed briefing documents, online training and external resources accessed through the volunteer portal
• Online health briefing
• Fundraising 101 Webinar

In-Country Training and Learning:

• You will receive an In-Country Orientation (ICO) that builds upon the pre-departure training. This will be conducted by either the country program office or the supporting partner organization. This normally lasts for 2-10 days (depending on language learning requirements and other factors).
• In some countries, volunteers will be able to access ongoing language training opportunities. In-Country Orientation equips you with the relevant skills, knowledge, and country-specific information to be successful in your placement. Furthermore, our Country Program Office or local partner will provide you with continuous in-country support throughout the duration of your placement

The Volunteer’s Role

• Are you passionate about helping small farmers improve their productivity? If so, this might be the role for you!
• In this role you will work closely with the project team in agricultural development planning while working directly with small-scale farmers to increase the marketing of their goods, to reduce post-harvest losses, and to strengthen the farming operations of various beneficiaries.

As a Volunteer, You will:

• Conduct various learning workshops across various Agribusiness sectors.
• Perform research of applicable value chains and market access.
• Provide support, coaching, and mentoring to small-scale businesses.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Business Development or any other Agriculture and Rural Development-related field.

Essential Background:

• 2-4 years’ experience in Agriculture work and/or small-scale business.
• Managerial skills, particularly in activity management, working with groups and teams of professionals and liaising with government and non-government organizations.
• Strong experience in end-market assessment & analysis.
• Experience in learning facilitation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Support Package

• Modest monthly living allowance (varies depending on country)
• Accommodation while in placement, return airfare/transport and cost of health insurance for volunteers from outside the region
• Training and orientation (more details below)
• On the ground support through our Cuso International country program office
• Access to Employee Assistance Program while in placement and upon return

Terms and Conditions

• Cuso International terms and conditions allow you to lead a modest and healthy lifestyle while being effective in your placement. This support package will cover basic living expenses for one volunteer and is not intended to cover home-based expenses (ex. loans, support payments, etc.) or luxury items such as imported items in placement or international personal travel.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.