Overview:

Chemonics International seeks a Livelihoods Lead for the anticipated USAID-funded Benin Northern Economic Livelihood for Youth (NELY) Activity. The NELY activity specifically targets young people living in northern Benin, particularly young men who are vulnerable for recruitment to violent extremist groups. This proposed activity will listen to young men and women and work with them to design locally specific interventions that target improving purchasing powers, developing self-sufficiency, and improving inclusion in the modern economic marketplace. This will be done through introducing relevant technologies, partnering with the private sector and seeking out solutions that engage young vulnerable men and women. As a result of co-creation, young men and women will work together, develop interconnectedness, mutual interdependence, and stronger community resilience as well as have meaningful life experiences that invest them in the development of their communities.

The Livelihoods Lead will lead programming to increase and promote sustainable livelihoods and foster economic security in Northern Benin.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic vision, management and technical direction of program activities related to livelihoods.
• Build relationships with the private sector, relevant government ministries, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Lead the development of aspects of the work plan related to livelihoods.
• Support economic development assessments, and use data to inform programming.
• Collaborate with operations, monitoring & evaluation, grants and other program teams to implement, monitor, and closeout activities.

.Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in international development, peacebuilding, conflict resolution or other relevant field.
• Eight (8) to Ten (10) years of professional experience in implementing peacebuilding and reconciliation related donor funded programs.
• Five (5) years of experience working in Benin or West Africa.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with national and local government counterparts and civil society organizations.
• Strong interpersonal, supervision, and written/oral communication skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and French required.
• Experience working in or supporting programs in the West Africa region, preferred.
• Position likely based in Cotonou, with significant regular travel to Northern Benin expected