Assignment Type: Canadian International VolunteerEligibility Requirements: Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada onlyAssignment ID: VA-106953Assignment Title: Digital Agriculture and Information Communication and Technology AdvisorPartner: Associated Center For Agro-Based DevelopmentCountry: MalawiDuration: 4 to 5 monthsTime Commitment: Full Time Assignment ContextAre you passionate about improving livelihoods for rural and farming communities, especially youth and women, globally? Do you have technology and digital transformation skills to contribute? As the Digital Agriculture and Information Communication Technology Advisor at ACADES in Lilongwe, Malawi, you will support to improve technology infrastructure, advise on the best technology strategies, and ensure that ACADES’s systems are efficient and secure. Apply today to have an impact on sustainable economic development for smallholder farming communities in Malawi! Roles and ResponsibilitiesCoordinate the development of Information and Communications Technologies packages (Web and Mobile Apps, and others) for digitalizationAssist the team to identify, purchase, and customize digital technologies such as mobile gadgets, drones, Artificial Intelligence applications, and connectivity solutionsIn collaboration with staff of the Mlimi digital project, develop and deliver digital literacy training for program staff, digital farmer agents, and agriculture extension officers to ensure effective use of digital tools and platformsMentor and guide staff to provide ongoing technical support, manage troubleshooting processes, and coordinate with service providers for maintenance and updatesCollaborate with partners and ensure digital solutions are inclusive, supporting gender equity, accessibility, and the involvement of marginalized groupsEnsure climate action programming throughout the projectEnsure that a gender equality lens is consistently applied in the execution of all activitiesSupport partners to empower young women and promote a culture of gender sensitive representation in all activities and program benefitsParticipate in pre-assignment trainingParticipate in at least 3 public engagement initiatives before, during, or after the assignment. Volunteers will be equipped with the tools, training, and support to achieve these goals. Volunteers will also have one virtual check-in with the Public Engagement Officer throughout the course of their assignmentSet up a personalized volunteer fundraising page on the WUSC fundraising platform and share it in your networks. Volunteers will be supported with the tools, training and support to achieve the fundraising goalSubmit reports as required by the partner organization and by WUSC. Experience and QualificationsDegree in information technology, computer science or related field Strong technical skills in developing and using digital technologies and tools in the agriculture value chainsGood knowledge of Web and Mobile Apps, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data analyticsProven experience designing Information and Communications Technologies applications and digital advisory products focusing on user relevanceProven track record of developing and executing successful digital strategiesMinimum two (2) years relevant professional experience in your field of expertiseA commitment to gender equality, youth inclusion, and international volunteeringFlexibility, adaptability, excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivityExperience with group facilitation and trainings, including content development considered an assetExperience living and working internationally considered an assetWritten and oral fluency in English. Project DescriptionVolunteering for development is one of the important ways in which WUSC pursues its mission. The IGNI+E project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, supports over 70 partner organizations to advance gender equality and the economic empowerment of 1.2 million youth around the world. IGNI+E harnesses the knowledge, capacity and expertise of skilled Canadians through volunteer assignments and public engagement activities to assist partners in improving their performance, advocating for gender equality, and implementing more sustainable, innovative and inclusive initiatives and services for poor and marginalised youth, particularly young women. Overseas, our volunteers collaborate with a wide variety of partners, including enterprise and social enterprise development incubators, skills training centres, women’s organizations, and youth groups. In Canada, WUSC works with institutions and individuals to identify, prepare, and support volunteers who travel overseas to support our partners. Our network in Canada also works with WUSC to raise awareness among Canadians to inspire greater action on global development issues. Our collective focus is on sustainable and inclusive changes to create a better world for youth. Partner DescriptionACADES is a social enterprise which invests in the most rural and disconnected communities of smallholder farmers, especially youth and women. Its mission is to create sustainable wealth for smallholder farming communities through provision of tailor-made service packages consisting of agriculture financing, ethical market and farmer capacity development. Over the past 5 years, ACADES has organized and reached over 22,000 farmers with essential products and services. Support PackageSupport and guidance from the WUSC Volunteer Mobilization Team prior to departure and from WUSC Country Team while on assignmentPre-departure training to learn about the volunteering for development program, gain practical skills for living and working in an intercultural context and network with other volunteersIn-country orientation upon arrival in country of assignmentLanguage training in country of assignment, where requiredModest monthly living and accommodation allowanceAirfare to and from the assignment countryVisa/work permitPre-departure medical examHealth insuranceVaccinations and antimalarial medicationCriminal record verificationVacation leave entitlementDebriefing after completion of assignmentAn incredible opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to global development, enhance your professional skills and participate in an experience of a lifetime! Interested in this exciting opportunity? Sumbit your application by clicking on APPLY TO THIS POSITION. WUSC’s Safeguarding PolicyWUSC’s activities seek to balance inequities and create sustainable development around the globe; the work ethic of our staff, volunteers, representatives and partners shall correspond to the values and mission of the organization. WUSC promotes responsibility, respect, honesty, and professional excellence and we will not tolerate harassment, coercion and sexual exploitation and abuse of any form. Successful applicants will be required to sign off on the WUSC Code of Conduct and the Self-Disclosure Form. International and national volunteers will also be required to submit a criminal record verification. WUSC is a signatory to the Cooperation Canada Leaders’ Pledge on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct. The pledge represents the shared commitment as Canada’s global development and humanitarian leaders to ensure the full implementation of practices and policies that will protect and respond to our own staff, volunteers and the communities we serve. We are committed to creating safe and respectful workplaces and programs that promote gender equality and are free from gender-based violence, including by addressing and responding to all abuse of power, holding people to account, and protecting the vulnerable. Read the full pledge. Know someone who would be perfect for this opportunity? Please share!