Our partner has been working in Zimbabwe since 2007 to produce the best possible training for independent agricultural business owners. The aim of the project is to develop farming businesses and ensure that they become more than simple subsistence farms and are able to provide food, but also an income to the owners. This is achieved through delivering training programmes to agricultural partners across Zimbabwe in which are explanations of how farmers can make the most of the limited resources available to them through up-to-date techniques and methods pertaining to the ideal of becoming sustainable.

Agriculture is a rich part of Zimbabwean culture and accounts for a large percentage of the population’s employment status – as such there is a great deal of reliance on farming industries and people’s lives are made or ruined on the conditions of the harvest. With the techniques and methods our partner provides, the goal is that farmers will be able to take control of their lives and utilise the full potential of their land and equipment.

As our first volunteer with this partner, you will be required to help forge a working relationship between AfID and the partner. It is important that you reflect the values of AfID and establish a connection with their finance staff who you will be working with closely throughout the assignment. Your task will primarily be concerned with the improvement of financial information and analysis, which is of major concern to the organisation – as such you will check their financial processes and functions whilst suggesting the amendments that you see fit. You will also be required to develop their strategy for growth and support them in the creation of a business plan that will allow them to reach more beneficiaries. Throughout the period of time in which you will be working with our partner, you may be required to provide on-site staff training and mentoring with any issues that they raise. Your expertise will be highly regarded and our partner will be thoroughly grateful of any wisdom you can impart.

Our partner has the power to change lives, providing vulnerable families in rural communities with the power to change their financial circumstances and subsequently provide them with a better quality of life. This would be a fantastic opportunity for those who plan to start a career in the international development sector, but it would also be a great chance to get out and explore a beautiful part of the world.

Please note that overseas assignments, in this case Zimbabwe, will incur a placement fee as per the AfID Structured Volunteer Programme fee scale (see website for more details).

Your efforts now could make a difference for generations to come – send your CV to info@afid.org.uk or contact us on +44 (0) 208 741 7000.

For similar roles with AfID, please click here.