Agriculture and Agriculture Finance F2F Volunteer Experts

Company: Fox Rehabilitation
Location: Washington
Posted on: February 25, 2021

Job Description:

Agriculture and Agriculture Finance F2F Volunteer Experts Location Worldwide Department Programs Employment Type Volunteer Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program Scope of Work Agriculture--and Agriculture--Finance Volunteer Experts Farmer-to-Farmer Access to Finance Program Background: The Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Access to Finance Program is designed to address deficits in the financial ecosystem hindering investment and growth in agriculture for individual farmers, as well as micro, small, and medium sized enterprises, with a special focus on assistance to women and youth. Focusing on Kenya, Tanzania and Sri Lanka, the F2F Access to Finance Program will work with local partner organizations and volunteer host organizations to field experts from the U.S. agriculture, corporate and banking sectors to address systematic capacity constraints for farmers and lenders in each targeted country and unlock finance for improved agricultural production. To address deficits in the financial ecosystem, the F2F Program seeks to: 1) enhance farmers' bankability via pre-loan preparation including mentoring youth and women with entrepreneurship training; 2) catalyze product innovation by building the capacity of hosts while helping them better understand the needs of farmer borrowers, mitigate the risks of agricultural lending, and better reach women and youth as customers; and 3) provide post-loan support by coaching borrowers and providing complementary assistance on utilization of equipment and technology. Detailed Responsibilities: Although specific responsibilities vary according to each assignment, volunteer expert will work in conjunction with IESC's Washington, DC and Farmer-to-Farmer country program staff to execute the following activities:

• Conduct trainings 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 post-assignment.
• Conduct presentations in the U.S. on experiences and lessons learned through F2F 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 South Asia) and language skills a plus, but not required. USAID and IESC encourages all F2F 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 two months of return to the US: --- Write an entry for the IESC blog. --- Post a photo, video, or text related to the F2F assignment on a personal website, blog, Facebook page, Twitter, or other social media site. -And send a link to IESC staff. --- Send a press release to local newspaper(s) in the volunteer's home town. (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 assignment to colleagues, students, church group, rotary club, etc. --- Send an email about F2F to friends, family, or colleagues. 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.

Keywords: Fox Rehabilitation, Washington DC , Agriculture and Agriculture Finance F2F Volunteer Experts, Accounting, Auditing , Washington, DC