Livelihoods Officer

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant. Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Department

Programs - Pact strives for a world where all people are heard, capable, and vibrant. The Programs Team helps realize this objective by bridging program management, technical support, and business development, enabling Pact to achieve its global strategy. We ensure program excellence through continuous learning, monitoring and evaluation and provide organizational and industry-wide thought leadership by leveraging a complementary set of cross-functional, multi-disciplinary skills, expertise, and experiences. The Programs team: influences progressive change through the development and implementation of global and regional strategies and business plans; supports advancement of innovative solutions; pursues new business opportunities; and drives effective internal and external engagement to maximize Pact’s impact across the globe. Across all aspects of its role, the Programs Department adheres to and promotes a culture of inclusion, accountability, and respect.

Position Overview

Pact is recruiting a Livelihoods Advisor for an upcoming project focused on artisanal gold mining, environmental rehabilitation, and alternative livelihoods in Los Programas de Desarrollo con Enfoque Territorial (PDET) regions in Colombia with focus on the departments of Antioquia, Choco, and Bolivar. By formalizing small-scale mining, addressing environmental degradation, and promoting alternative livelihoods opportunities, mining communities in Colombia can experience more equitable and environmentally sustainable economic growth.

The Livelihoods Officer is responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of livelihoods activities, which will require close coordination with USAID, Pact partners, Pact staff, and livelihoods stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical and strategic support to Pact’s work in livelihoods diversification and economic strengthening of the gold mining community.
• Develop a strong connection with the agricultural sector (crop and livestock) in specified regions, determine farming needs, and work with local partners to address those needs.
• Support farmers and on-farm/off-farm agribusinesses with oversight of partners, demonstration plots, introduction of new agricultural technologies and practices, collaboration on agricultural/production and marketing strategies, and training programs.
• Through partner and stakeholder organizations facilitate a full range of appropriate economic strengthening options for households (i.e., income generation, market opportunities, farming, etc.).
• Provide start-up and ongoing technical support to develop project Work Plans and technical solutions and assist field teams to implement project activities.
• Ensure continuous adherence to globally recognized best practices.
• Develop toolkits, edit/review donor reports, collect success stories, and coordinate efforts to identify and document best practices from programming.
• Other tasks as required to achieve the project Objectives and Expected Results.

Basic Requirements

• Master’s degree in international development, economic development, agriculture/horticulture, or another related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience implementing livelihoods/economic development-related projects with technical expertise, especially regarding agricultural/horticultural value-chain development (viz. cacao, fruits, plantains, cassava, chicken, fish, and non-timber forest products).
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.
• Established facilitation and project management skills.
• Experience with USAID and/or other donors preferred
• Experience and understanding working with governments, the private sector, and international donors.
• Ability to develop/maintain strong relationships with local partners.
• Demonstrated understanding of and experience working with program teams in remote and challenging settings.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong writing, oral, and interpersonal skills
• Fluency in English and Spanish.
• Experience in Colombia preferred.
• Willingness to travel to remote locations.
• Familiarity with the following regions a plus: Choco, Antioqui, Cauca, Bolivar, Narino).

Preferred Qualifications

• Colombian nationals are strongly preferred

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, citizenship status, genetic information, matriculation, family responsibilities, personal appearance, credit information, tobacco use (except in the workplace), membership in an employee organization, or other protected classifications or non-merit factors.

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