Background

Volunteers for Sustainable Development in Africa (VOSIEDA), founded in 2001, is a non-profit organization based in Liberia. It operates in Liberia and neighboring countries of the Mano River Union Basin, including Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone. VOSIEDA’s mission is to promote regional prosperity, reduce extreme poverty, and enhance peace and stability in West Africa. The organization envisions communities prioritizing environmental stewardship and upholding justice and human dignity. VOSIEDA focuses on six program areas: smart agriculture for food security, ecosystem conservation, gender equality and women’s empowerment, business development, democratic governance, capacity building for civil society, and partnerships with the private sector for sustainable development.

VOSIEDA, in collaboration with Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Liberia, is implementing the IKI-funded project “Addressing Deforestation in Smallholder Agricultural Commodity Supply Chains in Liberia” to protect the Upper Guinea Forest Ecosystem. VOSIEDA seeks an Advocacy and Capacity Building Officer to enhance the capabilities of government entities, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders in combating deforestation. The Officer will lead advocacy initiatives, facilitate a multi-stakeholder platform, and promote awareness of deforestation-free supply chains.

Core Responsibilities

Capacity Building

• Map and coordinate national stakeholders to establish a national multi-stakeholder platform on deforestation in Liberia.
• Chair quarterly meetings of the deforestation multistakeholder platform and coordinates its activities.
• Create and implement training plans and materials for farmers’ organizations and community stakeholders, emphasizing agriculture-related deforestation, sectoral policies, and international commitments.
• Conduct training sessions, workshops, and community dialogues to improve the skills and knowledge of local NGOs, CBOs, and community leaders.
• Gather and manage data to support the monitoring and evaluation of capacity-building activities.

Advocacy

• Create, coordinate, and implement advocacy campaigns based on research and policy analysis to promote sustainable land use and deforestation-free smallholder agriculture.
• Produce and broadcast a national educational radio program on zero deforestation, sustainable farming, biodiversity, and environmental protection.
• Invite experts from various sectors to discuss deforestation in smallholder production using multiple digital platforms.
• Promote VOSIEDA’s advocacy, capacity-building, and institutional strengthening initiatives.
• Strengthen ties with civil society organizations, social movements, and policymakers to foster a more inclusive and collaborative approach.
• Represent VOSIEDA in external forums and engage with stakeholders.
• Create advocacy materials, such as policy briefs, campaign content, and reports.

Qualifications & Skills

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, law, education, or a related field, plus at least five years of relevant experience; a master’s degree is preferred. The Advocacy and Capacity Officer should have extensive experience with government stakeholders, community engagement, advocacy, and coalition building. Proficiency in computer skills, multitasking, and exceptional communication, networking, and leadership abilities are essential. Candidates must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and various IT platforms, and attention to detail. Key attributes include integrity, passion for the work, and commitment to teamwork.

Reporting and Relationships

The Advocacy and Capacity Officer directly reports to the Project Manager, with copies to the Resident Program Director, the Finance Manager, and the Team Leader.

How To Apply

Candidates must submit a motivation letter, updated CV, academic credentials, and three reference letters via email to info@vosieda.org by June 19th, 2025. Include the position and your name in the email subject line. False information will result in disqualification, and incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.