Overview

The Future Leaders Program at One Acre Fund is a 12-month accelerated development initiative for high-potential, impact-driven professionals in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Burundi, or Malawi. Participants gain hands-on experience with agricultural and social impact projects, combined with tailored mentorship and professional development opportunities.

About One Acre Fund

One Acre Fund is a non-profit social enterprise headquartered in East Africa, dedicated to helping smallholder farmers grow more food and earn higher incomes.

Vision 2030: Serve over 10 million farmers and generate $1 billion in impact
Mission: Provide farmers with resources, training, and support to increase productivity and income

Program Highlights

The Future Leaders Program equips participants with skills to tackle real-world challenges in agriculture and development. Key elements include:

Hands-on project involvement across One Acre Fund operations
Targeted mentorship from experienced leaders
Professional development sessions focusing on leadership, project management, and impact measurement
Exposure to cross-country programs and operations

Candidate Requirements

Eligibility:

Legal right to work in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Burundi, or Malawi (One Acre Fund cannot sponsor work permits)
Bachelor’s degree or higher
2–4 years of relevant work experience
Working proficiency in English; fluency in a local language such as Swahili, Kirundi, Amharic, Chichewa, or French is preferred

Skills & Aptitudes:

Strong project management and stakeholder engagement
Ability to translate strategic memos into actionable project plans
Experience designing systems, processes, or partnerships from the ground up
Data-driven decision making and sound business judgment
Experience with social enterprises, agriculture, or rural development is advantageous but not required

Application Process

Candidates can apply online through the One Acre Fund portal. All applicants must personally engage in interviews and assessments. Responses should reflect genuine experiences and personal thinking rather than AI-generated content.

Program Benefits

Participants gain:

Practical leadership experience in social enterprise and agriculture
Mentorship from senior professionals across One Acre Fund
Professional development opportunities aligned with career growth
Direct contribution to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers

By the end of the program, participants are positioned to take on senior roles within the organization or similar social impact initiatives across Africa.