Myanmar: Technical Lead: Conflict Sensitive Agriculture and Community Development

Mar 12, 2019 | FHI 360
View Original

FHI 360 is a global development organization with a rigorous, evidence-based approach to human development. Our professional staff includes experts in health, nutrition, education, economic development, civil society, environment and research. FHI 360 operates from 60 offices with 4,800 staff in the U.S. and around the world. Their commitment to partnerships at every level and multidisciplinary approach enable FHI 360 to have a lasting impact on the individuals, communities and countries FHI 360 serve–improving lives for millions. FHI 360 is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Technical Lead: Conflict Sensitive Community Agricultural Development for an anticipated 5-year USAID-funded agriculture and food systems development activity. The position is contingent upon funding.

Activity Description:

The purpose of this activity is to advance peace and reduce interethnic tensions by creating bonds of mutual self-interest and urban-rural linkages along production and market value chains with marginalized ethnic groups in conflict-affected areas of Myanmar. To accomplish this, the activity will facilitate and support the transformation of agriculture and food systems in the Zone of Influence by increasing the productivity, inclusiveness and competitiveness of key value chains. One of the ways this objective is to be achieved is through the increased peace and stability through economic interdependence among market actors of different ethnic backgrounds.

Position Description:

The Technical Lead under this activity will look for opportunities to align incentives between various ethnic groups and the ethnic majority, and promote inclusive, mutually beneficial and transparent interactions that will build trust and reinforce these inter-ethnic relationships and lead to greater community and household resilience. The technical lead will analyze and be able to promote solutions based on the heterogeneity within and between communities, households and individuals in terms of assets and resources, and their relative abilities to cope with shocks to increase the interactions and interdependence of the various ethnic groups that are operating within the regions within the Zone of Influence. Using industry best practices, the ideal candidate will operate across the various diverse ethnic groups within the Zone of Influence to ensure inclusive economic growth, collaboration across conflict affected communities and identify approaches to ensure resiliency among the diverse communities affected by conflict.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical leadership on the design and use of conflict sensitive development approaches;
  • Identify best methods to engage various ethnic groups across the Zone of Influence to promote economic interdependence and interaction;
  • Identify barriers and develop and refine as needed all relevant project materials and tools to ensure an inclusive approach in conflict effected communities;
  • Provide technical assistance to project staff, implementing partners, stakeholders and others. 

Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree or its international equivalent in peace building, conflict transformation, conflict resolution or a related field
  • Minimum eleven (11) years of relevant experience designing and implementing activities related to conflict affected community development
  • Relevant experience must be in managing sectors and/or sub-sectors of agricultural, agribusiness, market systems and value chain development interventions
  • Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills and experience in managing team
  • Experience in a complex, conflict sensitive environment working with various ethnic minorities and majorities to promote inclusive economic opportunities
  • Experience using industry best practices (e.g. positive community engagement, do no harm, etc.)
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and foster relationships with diverse local counterparts, civil society organizations, donors, and donor-funded implementers.
  • Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to think strategically and navigate politically sensitive terrain
  • Demonstrated strong writing and oral presentation skills in English required, and professional proficiency in Burmese preferred.