Job Description

PARTNERING ORGANISATION:

African Model Forest Network

ASSIGNMENT LOCATION:

Kribi (Southern region, Cameroon) and Lomié (Eastern region, Cameroon)

LENGTH OF ASSIGNMENT:

This project consists of four short (3 months) and 6 long-term assignments (12 months)

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR FUNDING:

Must be a Canadian or American citizen/permanent resident

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS:

Able to speak French (level 4-5) and English (level 2-3)

Click here to assess your language proficiency.

CONTEXT

The rural regions of the Basin which extends from the Congo to Cameroon, are characterized by low agricultural productivity and weak local economic growth. People living in these areas are therefore entirely dependent on products that can be found in nature and are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Given that abundance and frequency of rainfall are crucial to the success of agricultural production, these rural populations are exposed to increased vulnerability in terms of food security and living conditions.

For that reason, it is necessary to target the root of the problem by firstly fostering resilience of food production systems. It is also important to strengthen and improve marketing and efficiency of value chains based on agricultural and agri-food productions and non-timber forest products, and to promote environmental businesses. This aspect of the project sets out to enable local actors to attain higher levels of income and increase their access to capital so as to better deal with unexpected circumstances arising from climate change.

PROJECT

This project was created based on previous activities and lessons learned through two Model Forests (MF) in Campo-Ma’an (Southern region, Cameroon) and Dja & Mpomo (Eastern region, Cameroon). Since 2010, Cuso has partaken in activities that relate to the implementation of these Model Forests. These actions were developed on the basis of the priorities set up by local actors.

This project aims to establish a system for technical support, aiding in the delivery of services and the creation of sustainable and profitable businesses – that would be self-sustaining and resilient – and be managed by the communities in order to increase food security and economic development, all while improving these communities’ resiliency to climate impacts.

The target beneficiaries will be the rural agricultural producers – particularly women, children, and aboriginal communities – who represent the foundation of the region’s agri-food system.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES STRUCTURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FOLLOWING RESULTS:

1. increased agri-food productivity by introducing new innovative techniques relating to eco-agriculture, improved seeds, biofertilizers and alternative crops.
2. increased household incomes by adding economic value to products via their transformation, by ensuring a better organization of value chains and by relying on pre-existing markets for a more effective marketing strategy.

A team of local partners will also be mobilized to provide the expertise required to facilitate the delivery of certain aspects of the project, including the African Model Forest Network, VSO Cameroon, the Dja & Mpomo Model Forest and the Campo-Ma’an Model Forest.

Up to 10 volunteers will take part in the mobilization of communities and agricultural groups through participatory decision-making and market research, as well as by supporting the development of sustainable enterprises.

NECESSARY SKILLS

This project requires the expertise of various types of professionals (up to 10 volunteers) who will form strategic working groups. We are currently seeking to fill the following positions:

• Market Information Systems Specialists (3 – short term)
• Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor (1)

The following postings will also relate to this project:

• Sustainable Economic Development and Value Chains Advisers (2)
• Community Mobilization Advisers (2)
• Organizational Development Advisor (2) (6 to 12 months)

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

• University degree in a related field
• Minimum of three years’ experience working in sectors related to the positions aforementioned
• Ability to collaborate in a multicultural environment and overcome diverging viewpoints, as well as establish solid working relationships with various institutions
• Ability to ride a motorbike
  

Desired

• Good knowledge of land-access issues
• Experience in participatory decision-making or conflict management
• Basic knowledge of sustainable agriculture and rural development
• Good knowledge of conservation issues: human-wildlife conflicts
• Experience working in a development context and acquisition of work experience with aboriginal people

TRAINING AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Our training and support package covers the costs of being an overseas volunteer, allowing you to enjoy a modest but healthy lifestyle while you volunteer abroad. This includes:

• Attendance at a Cuso International assessment day (candidates are expected to cover the first $150 of the most cost-effective travel expenses and accommodation costs)
• Travel and accommodation costs associated with five day pre-departure training course held in Ottawa.
• Return airfare and visa/permit (this includes a return flight in the case of a family emergency)
• Coverage for required vaccinations, medications and health insurance
• Accommodation while overseas
• A modest living allowance, which varies depending on the country where you are placed
• Quarterly payments to support you in your placement
• Modest support for accompanying partners

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please apply online quoting referral code CMR0001-0002-0001 and the name of the placement.

About the Organization

Cuso International is a non-profit development organization that works through volunteers. Each year, we send hundreds of global citizens to work on collaborative development projects in more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. We are one of North America’s leading international development organizations that works through volunteers.