About this role
Project Description
Are you passionate about protecting the environment while strengthening community agricultural resilience? Assist in the development of the next generation of agriculture experts who will lead improvements in Guinea’s food security through implementation of sustainable and regenerative techniques.
Sustainable agroforestry is essential in Guinea. Since 2000, Guinea has lost 29 percent of its tree cover area. By integrating trees into farming systems, agroforestry directly combats deforestation; restores vital ecosystems, like the Fouta Djallon Highlands that feed major West African rivers; and strengthens the resilience of the 84 percent of Guineans who rely on agriculture for survival. École Nationale des Agents Techniques des Eaux et Forêts (ENATEF) seeks a Volunteer to strengthen practical training activities in forestry, agroforestry, land restoration, plant and seed production and conservation, environmental education, and sustainable natural resource management.
As an Agroforestry Advisor, you will work closely with ENATEF trainers, students, and local partners to develop educational tools, facilitate activities, and share skills and resources with community members. The goal is to sustainably improve future training and, as a result, improve natural resource management and community resilience in Guinea.
Required Skills
Master's degree in agriculture or related field.
AND
Three or more years of work experience in one of the following areas: farming systems, irrigation design, crop and animal production, post-harvest and pest management for commercial industry, or in agriculture program management at a university or extension service.
Living Conditions
All Volunteers will live in their own house or in an apartment within walking distance of the school. Housing is typically comprised of multiple rooms with standard furnishings. All lodgings have electricity and water. Volunteers have easy access to nearby markets for food, clothing, home, and personal products. There are several cafes, restaurants, and street vendors nearby. Volunteers will have access to cellular reception and internet. Occasional outages may occur, but they are usually resolved quickly.
You will be placed in in Mamou town and will be within a one-to-two-hour drive of other volunteers in the Mamou region. Mamou is a mountainous, tropical area where you will be working at activity sites within and just outside the town. There is a Peace Corps regional office and transit house based in Mamou which serves as a resource for Volunteers.
Job Highlights
Develop your skills in agroforestry and sustainable natural resource management.
Plan and design learning activities, build relationships with community partners, and coach others in agroforestry best practices.
Develop lasting friendships through cultural exchange and community engagement.
Activities
Assess priorities for capacity development and cocreate action plans to address them.
Develop training and learning resources.
Develop and adapt training methodologies and practical field-based learning principles.
Facilitate classroom and field-based learning activities with students.
Coach trainers and students on different agroforestry and sustainable resource management techniques.
Network with community stakeholders and partners to develop collaborative partnerships.
Support the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as English tutoring, computer literacy, or youth sports.
Training
After a two-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to an urban community where you will collaborate with ENATEF to assess their local needs and develop a work plan in line with their established goals.
Peace Corps/Guinea will provide you with French language resources and may pair you with a local tutor to build your basic language skills and help you better connect with the community.