ACDI/VOCA is a global development organization working in over 60 countries around the world. In Tanzania, ACDI/VOCA is implementing the USAID-funded Feed the Future Tanzania Kilimo Tija Activity, which aims to transform the Tanzanian horticulture market system into a more vibrant, competitive, resilient, and inclusive one capable of fueling sustained growth and drawing in new market participants.

ACDI/VOCA believes that all people should have the opportunity to achieve better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. With diverse partners, ACDI/VOCA empowers people to succeed in the global economy.

Pursuant to its mission, ACDI/VOCA is actively seeking an accomplished, skilled and talented professional to fill the role of Youth and Gender Specialist. This position is anticipated to collaborate closely with the Youth and Inclusion Manager to facilitate the execution of the strategy for gender, youth, and social inclusion (GYSI), ensuring the seamless integration of women, youth, and other vulnerable populations across all facets of project activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with project specialists (finance, business, agronomy, etc.) to pinpoint business opportunities for youth and women-led initiatives.
• Devise and lead systems aimed at streamlining gender and youth activities to foster production and productivity within the project’s operational region, guided by the Youth and Social Inclusion Manager.
• Develop and compile weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports, ensuring the maintenance of a robust database at the regional level to track productivity and the utilization of inputs and services by youth and women participants in the KTA.
• Assist partners and stakeholders in integrating and enhancing gender and youth inclusion within the project.
• Support the design, planning, and implementation of suitable curricula to enable the regional office to plan and execute training programs that promote youth, gender, and social inclusion.
• Conduct capacity-building sessions for various stakeholders, including Associations, SACCOs, Saving Groups, and other microfinance institutions in ZOI, focusing on areas such as microenterprise lending, the use of digital tools, or related domains.
• Recommend strategies and approaches to sustainably enhance youth and women engagement in the KTA.
• Organize awareness-raising events and workshops within communities to promote horticultural sector opportunities for women and youth.
• Facilitate access to and adoption of productivity-enhancing technologies that are youth and women-friendly.
• Participate in routine and periodic data collection and monitoring.
• Collect baseline data and follow-up data using OCA, M4 for beneficiaries.
• Ensure the effective implementation of the Youth and Gender Engagement strategy at all times.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Youth and Social Inclusion Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in gender studies, community development, sociology, social work, or other relevant fields.
• A minimum of five years of pertinent experience working with gender, youth, and social inclusion issues.
• Preferred experience with agriculture productivity, agribusiness, and market systems development, along with working with the private sector to advance gender and youth issues.
• Understanding of the Tanzania Horticulture/Agriculture sector environment is required.
• Willingness to work in a rural setting with various stakeholders, including farmers, buyers, financiers, etc.
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English and Kiswahili are essential.
• Ability to travel to project areas in ZOI.