ACDI/VOCA is a global development design and delivery partner that has implemented effective economic and social development projects in nearly 150 countries since 1963. We empower people to make positive changes in their lives by applying our expertise in sustainable agriculture, resilience, economic opportunity, access to finance, and equity & inclusion to create meaningful, lasting impact. ACDI/VOCA and its affiliates design and implement donor-funded projects, facilitate impact investing, deliver financial services, and partner with businesses to promote inclusive practices and build sustainable supply chains. In 2024, ACDI/VOCA was named a Top Workplace by the Washington Post and received 2024 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence recognition for its innovation, work-life flexibility, compensation & benefits, leadership, and purpose & values.   

Gender, Youth, and Social Inclusion (GYSI) Lead, Laos Trade Integration and Competitiveness 

ACDI/VOCA is seeking a GYSI Lead for an upcoming Trade Integration and Competitiveness Activity in Laos funded by USAID. The anticipated program will aim to diversify economic growth in Laos by stimulating trade and investment, strengthening private sector competitiveness, and facilitating regional integration.   

The GYSI Lead will lead the development and implementation of the program’s overall GYSI strategy and will ensure the integration of women, youth, and other vulnerable populations into all program activities. The program is anticipated to start in 2025 and this position will be based in Vientiane, Laos.

• Lead the development of the GYSI strategy which will guide the GYSI approach for the project (integration of GYSI into all program activities as well as GYSI-specific activities, including technical implementation, MEL, operations, policies, and procedures)   

• Collaborate with the Chief of Party, technical teams, MEL, and other personnel on GYSI strategy implementation and monitoring    

• Lead or assist in the design and implementation of GYSI analyses, impact assessments, and other learning studies   

• Provide technical advice and trainings to program staff, partners, and stakeholders to build their capacity to integrate gender, youth, and other relevant social considerations into designing interventions, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation   

• Review and provide input to project work plans, with attention to GYSI dimensions of technical activities and operations and discuss GYSI issues and priorities with project senior management and other technical specialists   

• Support the M&E Lead to ensure that all data is disaggregated by sex, age, and other social factors in data collection processes, analysis, and reporting   

• Work with M&E and technical teams to incorporate GYSI into CLA plans and practices, including developing GYSI indicators and learning questions, incorporating GYSI issues into pause and reflect sessions, and ensuring that the program reports on GYSI outcomes and impacts   

• Lead or assist in the preparation of reports and documents for submission to USAID and ACDI/VOCA home office   

• Write, coordinate, and disseminate lessons learned among team and program stakeholders   

• Maintain an up-to-date and thorough understanding of GYSI related to program components   

• Bachelor’s degree in sociology, gender, international development, or relevant field is required; master’s degree is desired.  

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in GYSI programming. 

• Knowledge of and experience with USAID rules and regulations related to GYSI is required.   

• Knowledge of do no harm, women’s empowerment, and positive youth development frameworks and approaches is encouraged.   

• Experience conducting gender analysis and other qualitative research a plus.   

• Experience working in Laos required.  

• Fluency in English is required. 

Lao nationals are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Please apply online at www.acdivoca.org/international-jobs. The applications will be reviewed promptly upon receipt, only finalists will be contacted. ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply. ACDI/VOCA will never request payment or charge a fee to apply for any position.