Youth Development Specialist at Connexus Corporation

About the Opportunity

• We are seeking qualified candidates for the position of Youth Development Specialist for the anticipated USAID/Nigeria Value Chain Activity.
• The Youth Development Specialist will be responsible for promoting the inclusion and engagement of youth in agricultural market systems, including working with other Activity staff, local communities, and other stakeholders to design and implement youth-focused initiatives to build youth capacity and enhance market opportunities. Note: this is a preliminary position description and may be clarified further after solicitation release.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Applying positive youth development practices, engage and mobilize youth, including women and those from marginalized groups, fostering their enhanced involvement in agriculture-related activities and initiatives.
• Organize training sessions, workshops, and mentorship programs aimed at equipping youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to actively participate in agricultural market systems.
• Assist youth in identifying and developing viable agribusiness opportunities, providing guidance on business planning, market analysis, and access to finance.
• Facilitate connections between youth and key market actors such as input suppliers, buyers, processors, and financial institutions to enhance their market access and integration.
• Introduce and promote innovative agricultural practices, technologies, and digital tools to youth, helping them to improve productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness in the market.
• Offer technical guidance and support to youth-led agricultural initiatives, supporting them to address challenges and providing solutions to enhance their effectiveness and sustainability.
• Collaborate with local organizations, private sector stakeholders, and other development partners to leverage resources, expertise, and networks for maximizing the impact of youth-focused interventions in agricultural market systems.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Youth Development, Agricultural Economics, Business or another relevant field with a minimum of 6 years of professional experience, preferably for USAID or another donor-funded project; or Bachelor’s degree in Youth Development, Agricultural Economics, Business or another relevant field with a minimum 8 years of experience, preferably for USAID or another donor-funded project.
• Strong understanding of agricultural value chains, market dynamics, and youth-led innovation in agriculture.
• Proven experience designing and implementing capacity building trainings and mentorship initiatives for youth.
• Excellent written communication skills, including ability to contribute to high-quality project reports.
• Fluency in English required and other local languages desired.
• Must be authorized to work in Nigeria.