Economic Empowerment Advisor at Peace Corps in Uganda, Uganda

Community groups across Uganda are ready to improve their lives through entrepreneurship and micro-finance activities. You can supercharge their efforts.

Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, with more than 78% of the population under the age of 35. Despite investments in youth-focused opportunities, the unemployment rates remain alarmingly high with many young people trapped in a cycle of poverty. There is a pressing demand for comprehensive programs that empower young Ugandans to establish their own income-generating activities and prepare for a success career.
As an Economic Empowerment Advisor, you will support groups to improve their savings, develop micro-enterprises, and acquire skills that strengthen their employability. Working alongside community members, you will identify and launch income-generating activities, such as beekeeping and soap making, as well as jam and juice making.

Partner Organization Name

Community-based organizations, secondary schools, non-governmental organizations

Required Skills

Competitive candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any business or related discipline
OR • 5 years professional experience in business management

Living Conditions

Volunteers in Uganda live in peri-urban or rural areas, including villages, towns, school campuses, and clinic compounds.

Activities

Mobilize new and existing community groups to identify and pursue sustainable, income-generating activities. Plan and facilitate trainings on financial literacy and marketing topics. Support groups to improve savings and access low-interest credit. Boost agricultural productivity through environmental activities, such as irrigation, water harvesting, and tree planting. You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as nutrition education, malaria prevention, and life skills for youth development.

Training

As an Economic Empowerment Advisor, you will be trained on microcredit mobilization, community analysis, and project design and implementation.

After 10 weeks of training, you will move to a peri-urban or rural community where you will collaborate with community members to identify and launch income-generating activities using available resources.

Job Highlights

Introduce micro-finance and income generation strategies that can change lives. Learn a variety of local languages, such as Luganda, Ateso, Lango, and Lusoga from skilled Language and Cross-Culture Facilitators. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Uganda.

Couple Sector Combinations

Each person must apply separately and qualify for a position in a different sector than their partner.

Couple Training Conditions

Couples will live together during training but may separate occasionally for field-based activities.

Couple Living Conditions

Cohabitating couples are highly encouraged to present themselves as married throughout service due to cultural expectations.