Community Economic Development Specialist - Volunteer Position - Onsite in Botswana

Project description

Several local Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Okavango, North West, Chobe and Ghantsi districts in Botswana have requested the support of Peace Corps Response Volunteers (PCRVs) to serve as Community Economic Development Specialists. CSOs in Botswana include local cooperatives, businesses, and enterprises, and they have significant potential to offer a lot of value to tourists who visit Botswana; however, as small-scale businesses/enterprises they face challenges due to limited skills in quality, pricing, marketing, and general financial and basic business management. They have identified needs for support in areas related to basic business management, marketing strategies, and finance management.

The PCRVs will support targeted community-based eco-tourism business/enterprise partners, with a focus on women’s economic empowerment groups and youth-led initiatives, to ensure systems and structures are in place to service producers and customers. The PCRVs will mainly support these community-based eco-tourism business/enterprise in their efforts to have access to the tourism value chain by providing training, mentorship, and capacity-building support to enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence in various aspects of organizational, financial, and business management skills; supporting their efforts to produce high-quality, market value products and services; and supporting their marketing initiatives. In addition, the PCRVs will also assist in identifying and leveraging resources to support capacity strengthening initiatives.

Candidates selected for this position will be arriving in Botswana together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, marketing and advertising, finance management or a related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in business administration, entrepreneurial work or social enterprise, marketing, financial management, networking and developing relationships.
• Demonstrated intercultural skills and motivation, including flexibility, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, ability to work independently, resourcefulness, and creativity.
  
  

Living conditions

Learn more about the Volunteer experience in Botswana: Get detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics in order to make a well-informed decision about serving.

Medical considerations

Before you apply, please review medical clearance and legal clearance to learn about the process.