Livelihoods & Inclusive Economic Growth Specialists

Job Posting Organization:
Goodness and Mercy Missions (GMM) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 by Teh Francis Yai, located in the North West Region of Cameroon. The organization aims to strengthen rural communities by providing essential tools, skills, and opportunities to underserved populations, enabling them to build sustainable and resilient lives. GMM focuses on breaking cycles of poverty through education, economic empowerment, and community development, with a strong emphasis on long-term, community-driven impact. The organization has been recognized for its commitment to international standards in humanitarian and development work, having held Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 201

• GMM operates primarily in the Boyo Division of the North West Region, with activities extending to the West, South West, Littoral, and Centre Regions of Cameroon. The organization’s core values include participatory strategy, sustainability, equity and non-discrimination, accountability, partnership cooperation, empowerment, and inclusion. GMM's programs encompass school sponsorship, women's empowerment, computer training, library services, school construction, solar energy distribution, peace building, and relief aid delivery, all aimed at fostering community development and resilience.

Job Overview:
The position of Livelihoods & Inclusive Economic Growth Specialists involves conducting research and analysis to inform GMM's programming in the Boyo Division and beyond. Volunteers will engage in various lines of inquiry, including market access and value chain research, financial inclusion and digital economic tools, appropriate technology and resource efficiency, and the economic participation of women and young people. Each volunteer will be responsible for producing a comprehensive written deliverable that reviews international research and practice relevant to their assigned area, assesses the implications for GMM's programming, and contributes to the organization's mission of empowering rural communities. The role requires a commitment to understanding the local context and collaborating with GMM staff and community facilitators to ensure that the research findings are culturally appropriate and actionable. Volunteers will work remotely and are expected to maintain regular communication with GMM throughout the assignment period, ensuring that their contributions align with the organization's goals and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough literature reviews and research on assigned topics related to market access, financial inclusion, technology, and economic participation.
• Analyze and synthesize findings to identify viable models and approaches that can be adapted to the local context in the Boyo Division.
• Produce individual written deliverables of 3,000 to 5,000 words, structured as either a literature review or research paper, with complete academic referencing.
• Submit outlines, working bibliographies, and drafts according to the established timeline, responding to feedback and revising work as necessary.
• Collaborate with GMM staff to ensure that research findings are relevant and applicable to the organization's programming.
• Maintain regular communication with GMM via email throughout the assignment, providing updates on progress and seeking guidance as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to review and synthesize complex information.
• Excellent written communication skills in English, with experience in academic writing and referencing.
• Familiarity with issues related to livelihoods, economic development, and community empowerment, particularly in low-resource and crisis-affected settings.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.
• Experience in conducting literature reviews or research papers is preferred.

Educational Background:
A background in social sciences, economics, development studies, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the principles of community development and economic empowerment, as well as familiarity with the challenges faced by rural populations in low-resource settings.

Experience:
Volunteers should have prior experience in research, particularly in areas related to economic development, livelihoods, or community empowerment. Experience working in or with nonprofit organizations, especially in the context of rural development or crisis-affected areas, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the local context of Cameroon, particularly the North West Region, will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all written deliverables must be produced in English. Knowledge of French or local languages spoken in the North West Region of Cameroon would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate better understanding and engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
This is a remote volunteer position, and the duration of the assignment is not specified. Volunteers are expected to work independently while maintaining regular communication with GMM. The role is designed to be flexible, allowing volunteers to manage their time effectively while meeting the outlined milestones and deadlines. Compensation details are not provided, as this is a volunteer position.