Since 1963 and in 148 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that designs and delivers technical and management solutions in agriculture, economic growth, and resilience to promote economic prosperity and social inclusion.

Senior Social Behavior Change (SBC) Specialist, Lesotho

ACDI/VOCA is seeking a Senior Social Behavior Change (SBC) Specialist for an upcoming Market Driven Irrigation Horticulture (MDIH) Activity in Lesotho funded by Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The program aims to ensure that strong legal and policy frameworks are in place in Lesotho to support the growth of irrigation throughout the country in an equitable and sustainable way. It intends to achieve this goal by improving the capacity of government and other institutions to deliver and sustain the services necessary for inclusive growth in irrigated horticulture.

The Senior SBC Specialist will lead the design and implementation of SBC strategies. They will support program objectives related to irrigated horticulture, gender and youth inclusion, value chains/market systems, and nutrition and food security. The program is anticipated to start in 2024 and this position will be based in Lesotho.

Responsibilities

• Implement SBC strategy with program partners and stakeholders
• Conduct formative research to inform the SBC strategy, including but not limited to barrier analysis, market segmentation, identification of existing messaging materials, and identifying priority and influencing groups
• Provide guidance and technical support for staff on how to implement SBC approaches
• Work with the program’s Senior Gender and Agriculture Specialist to train community-based champions to be role models for changing behaviors and social norms that restrict participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, or other systematically excluded groups in on-and off-farm economic opportunities, market access, control over income, and leadership
• Develop user-centered design, messaging and training materials to promote inclusive and transparent irrigation scheme management

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant social science discipline required; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience designing and implementing SBC projects with a focus on community-based and gender responsive approaches in agriculture, water management, or food security.
• At least 5 years of experience in project management at a senior strategic/managerial level.
• Experience working on at least one project in Sub-Saharan Africa required; Lesotho preferred.
• English required (written and spoken); Sesotho is an advantage.

Basotho nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.