Open job opportunities at One Acre Fund
My name is Eva Koehler and I’m a graduate of SPH (’08, International Health). Since I know the semester is winding down, I wanted to send a note regarding job opportunities at One Acre Fund, my current employer. One Acre’s mission is to improve the lives of the poor via their primary employment: agriculture. We provide credit for farmers, agricultural training, market access solutions and group formation, as part of a comprehensive bundle. I’ve been working for One Acre for 1.5 years now, and I’ve been really happy here – so happy that I want more people to experience it!
Why would public health grads go work for an agricultural organization, anyway?
As I learned at BUSPH, and I’m sure you did too, health, poverty, and nutrition are inextricably linked. Agriculture and localized economic development are critical means to address the upstream causes of disease, especially as the majority of the world’s poor are farmers.
In addition to learning a lot about agriculture, I think One Acre Fund provides an incredible learning opportunity about project execution:
Lessons learned here that are good to know for everyone interested in development/health:
- Staff management and local capacity building – the program constantly tests, refines and systemizes its own internal systems and I would say this is a real strength of One Acre.
- Training development and roll-out, and general behavior change (i.e., is convincing farmers to plant in rows so different from convincing patients to follow vaccination schedules?)
- Working outside of the US, in terms of logistics, working with partners and colleagues of other cultures, coping with less than fabulous supportive systems in everything from copying to electricity
- Evaluation of projects and prioritization of new interventions (many staff start with a project where they run a small research project from background to piloting to potential roll-out)
- One Acre’s approach to development work is different than many INGOs and a great chance to learn.
We take sustainability seriously. Our farmers pay for the products we provide, including the physical goods, the training, and the management of their credit. Our goal is that core operations in each district are fully covered by service fees within 4 years of launch (our organization is only 7 years old, but overall we’re covering between 80 and 90% of core costs program wide).
Because farmers are our clients, and our continued existence depends on their continued participation, we are absolutely dedicated to listening to their needs, interests and suggestions for improvements – they are customers, not beneficiaries.
While not executable in every realm of health care, the push towards sustainability, and one model where it is working well so far, is definitely worth learning more about, from the inside.
Increasingly, we’re using our vast network of farmers to distribute more traditional health projects including:
- Partnerships for chlorination of drinking water in Kenya
- Distribution of simple, proven remedies, including deworming medications
- Trainings on nutrition and other health topics
Finally, I think it’s a great organization to work for. One Acre really wants its staff to stay on – we ask for 2 years minimum commitment, but ideally it would be much longer! We’re expanding within countries and into new countries, and hope to quadruple in size in the next four years, and the people who’ve worked within the organization will be in the best position to lead it. Because of this, I think there’s a genuine commitment to:
- Professional development, including regular updates and mentorship on projects, and regular reviews that help shape each staff members growth to suit both their strengths and interests and the organizations needs. I feel certain that the work I’m doing is put to good use, and that my organization generally cares that I continue to be happy and engaged.
- Benefits and salary:
-
- Salaries for Program Associates start at 15,000 a year, although there is some room for negotiation for those with more work experience than the norm. In addition, typical first year benefits include health insurance, 2 flights to the US per year, housing at your site and shared housing in the capital city, grocery allowance, 5-6 weeks of vacation, and smaller perks for local travel, household needs, etc. Also, keep in mind that you’re not subject to US income tax at this salary level, so other than Medicaid/Social Security you keep virtually all of your paycheck (unless you live in a state which makes you still pay state tax).
- Salaries can grow rapidly with high performance on the job – top performers can double their salary within two years and receive increased benefits.
Okay, I’m sold, what are you looking for and how do I apply?
Qualities that we love:
- International experience: Ideally you have already spent significant time in a developing country, and preferably in a rural environment. Working and living here isn’t for everyone, and it’s helpful if you know how it works for you before you make the commitment. Many of our staff are former members of Peace Corps and Global Health Corps, or have other experiences prior to One Acre.
- Leadership experience: A high level of self-direction, creativity and commitment to guiding others is expected, so if you’ve got work, school or volunteer experience where you’ve led others, hooray!
- Work ethic and critical thinking: There will be challenges and obstacles, so we want people who are willing to call on their energy and creativity to meet goals.
Qualities that are helpful
- French speakers! We’re in two french speaking countries now and would love to start working in more, but we don’t get too many applicants who speak French – this will help you stand out.
If you want to apply:
- Check out the jobs listed at http://www.oneacrefund.org/get_involved/careers. Most people enter as Program Associates, but there are more specific opportunities posted on the site that may be particularly interesting to you.
- Contact me if you have questions or want to discuss opportunities in detail. I’m reachable at eva.koehler@oneacrefund.org. I will do my best to respond.
