One Acre Fund

So one of the exciting things about this adventure is discovering different things about Malawi and Africa in general, and all of the exciting and inspirational things going on there.  As part of the potential job search, I have been exploring and researching non-profit aid and development work.  It is sobering to see how many people and organizations are working hard to effect change in Africa!

One organization that has caught my eye is the One Acre Fund.  (http://www.oneacrefund.org/).  One Acre Fund is an organization that focuses on micro-financing in the agricultural sector.  They help farmers grow their income through loans of basic seed and fertilizer, follow up with training on best practices and methods to maximize yields, and provide better market access to make sales at the optimal profit.  If it doesn't sound too complicated, it's because it's not; just a basic idea focused on helping farmers and their families work their way out of poverty while at the same time decreasing hunger in communities where the need is high.  Very impressive!

Needless to say, the prospect of finding work in a place like Malawi can seem overwhelming at times.  What a coincidence that within the first week or ten days of looking, a position as a Program Associate for One Acre Fund was posted, and in Malawi! ( http://www.oneacrefund.org/careers/job-openings/).  One of the first things listed for qualifications needed was this:

• Strong work experiences. Examples include a demanding professional work experience, or successful entrepreneurial experience (e.g. starting a field program in a developing country, leading a conference, starting a business, solid Peace Corps accomplishments).

Well if being a public defender isn't a demanding professional work experience, then I don't know what is.  That being said, a little farther down the line

• Top-performing undergraduate background (include GPA and test scores on your resume).

Well for those of you who know about my undergraduate performance....well, there you go.  Funny to think that my poor academic habits of almost 15 years ago make me cringe as I read that requirement.  Oh well, I'd like to think that a strong showing in law school will help give me a shot.  I get the feeling that the hiring process will be ultra-mucho-out of this world competitive, and actually read on one website that one position at One Acre Fund had 2,000 applications!  So you're saying there's a chance.......

Kate and I have brought one attitude to this whole process, and that is if a door is meant to be open, it will be opened.  If it is meant to be shut, it will be shut.  For those family and friends who make prayer a part of their daily lives, please pray that we will see the plan clearly!

Next blog, some general info about Malawi, and maybe a picture of Lucy the dog!