Job Description

Reports To: Project Coordinator

Reporting To Potholder: None

Duration: 6 months with possibility of extension based on availability of fund and performance

Our Values

Investing in smallholder farming is the number one way to combat poverty in rural Africa. Farm Africa is a leading NGO specializing in growing agriculture, protecting the environment and developing businesses in rural Africa.

• EXPERT. Deep expertise and insightful evidence-based solutions are at the heart of everything Farm Africa does.
• GROUNDED. Positive change starts with Africa’s people, so our experts work closely with local communities, engaging them in every level of decision-making.
• IMPACTFUL. We take a long-term view so we can deliver lasting changes for farmers and their families.
• BOLD. We model innovative new approaches and are not afraid to challenge strategies that are failing.

About Farm Africa

Effective agriculture has the power to change lives. It underpins prosperity, food security and stability the world over. Farm Africa focuses on transforming agriculture and managing natural resources sustainably. We champion a holistic approach that boosts yields, protects the environment and connects smallholder farmers to thriving markets.

We work with different types of farmers in a range of regions. Their local situations vary, but the problems they face are all too familiar: lack of training and technology, inadequate inputs, no finance, vulnerability to climate change and poor links to markets.

We have an ambitious strategy to expand our work over the next five years. We’ll increase our impact, lift more communities out of poverty, work with more corporate partners who share our vision, open up more agricultural markets, provide more expertise, and make change happen.

Background

Farm Africa is implementing a large number of projects/programmes in the areas of agriculture (crop and livestock), natural resources management and market engagement across Ethiopia. We are increasingly designing and implementing complex and integrated multi-sector projects, some by ourselves and others in partnership with like-minded organizations in the form of consortium.

Currently, Farm Africa is implementing WFP-supported Livelihood Promotion and Resilience Building for Refugees and Host communities in Somali Regional States, Ethiopia. The project is implemented in Dolo Ado and Bokolmayo woredas of Somali region and specifically in Buramino, Godbokol and Bokolmayo Refugee Camps (the first two refugee camps are in Dollo Ado Woreda while Bokolmayo refugee camp in Bokolmayo woreda).

The project works to address livelihood challenges faced by host and refugee communities in Dollo Ado area as a result of hydro-meteorological, biophysical and socio-economic shocks and aims to enhance food security, build resilience and reduce the heavy dependence on food aid. It does this through climate-smart crops and livestock production; sustainable management and use of natural resources such as land, water and rangelands; market linkages and institutional capacity building for sustainability. 

Purpose of The Role

The role of Irrigation Agronomist is to contribute in the planning and implementation of all measures related to irrigated agriculture development where farm Africa engaged to run this project. The post holder will provide technical advice on irrigation scheme design and construction, water management, irrigation development, drainage, flood control, water user association organization & strengthening and infrastructure development works; promote small scale irrigation scheme combined with best agronomic practices and promote high value crops that provide quick and high return. She/he will coordinate irrigated farm demonstration site establishment following the Farmer Field school approach and ensure that beneficiaries use improved agronomic techniques and technologies. 

Key areas of responsibilities are:

• Advise on the cultivation of food crops, vegetables, fruit trees and fodder crops;
• Design and assist in implementing demonstration plots for innovative agricultural crops & agronomic practices;
• Provide technical support to the post-harvest handling and marketing of local agricultural products;
• Working together with livelihood development advisor/expert assist local communities in setting up water user groups (associations);
• Work together with the NRM expert/or soil and water conservation engineer and livelihood development and marketing experts;
• Taking part in supervision of works, acceptance of works related to irrigation scheme development;
• Contribute to the elaboration of environmental and social impact assessments for the individual measures to be implemented;
• Establish baselines and follow-up of project indicators.
• Together with project staffs prepare work plans and budget in line with project proposal.
• Ensure that the project is implemented according to the plan.
• Collaborating with the project staffs, provide technical support and liaise with the staffs of relevant government partners and research organizations.
• Work closely with other FARM Africa Projects staffs in the area.
• Actively participate in regular planning, monitoring and evaluation of project progress.
• Ensure that voluntary farmers & beneficiaries are targeted in the implementation of activities.
• Coordinate and run training on improved agronomic practices in collaboration with the Project coordinator & other Farm Africa staff of the project.
• Undertake period assessment and participatory evaluation of various crop varieties based on farmers’ criteria.
• Give training on climate smart agriculture for project beneficiaries including sensitizing of climate change and its adaptation.
• Involve relevant government department staffs at various levels in the implementation of the project and aware them the progress
• Monitor and document the project progress, lessons, good experience and impact with the community representatives.
• Submit weekly/bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and six month reports to the project coordinator.
• Establish and maintain good working relationship with GO and NGO and community members
• Performs other duties as assigned by the line manager.

These essential functions are not to be interpreted as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required. All work responsibilities are subject to having performance goals and/or targets established.

Job Requirements

Prosomal Specification

Education, Qualifications & Other Knowledge

Essential

• MSC/BSC in Agronomy, Irrigation Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Crop sciences, Arid land agriculture, Extension and other related disciplines
• Knowledge of the development & policy environment in Ethiopia 
• Proven knowledge in the economics of irrigation agronomy.
• Knowledge of gender and social inclusiveness

Experience

Essential

• At least five years of practical work experience in the field of irrigation agriculture (focus on small-scale irrigation would be an asset)
• Good Experience in rural development particularly in diversified livelihood and participatory research approaches.
• Practical experience of working on community empowerment, business development, capacity building and natural resources management
• Experience of project planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation.

Desirable

• Previous NGO work experience in rural development, particularly in refugee areas
• Experience with international organization, public sector institutions and/or funding agencies

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Very good English language skills (written and spoken)
• Computer literacy, excellent record keeping and report writing
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Good team building skills and the ability to work in a multi partner approach 
• Budget and financial management, training need assessment and training facilitation
• Willingness to reside in rural/marginal areas, ability to work with minimum supervision
• Strong sense of integrity and personal commitment to the goals and values of Farm Africa
• Good community level facilitation and coordination skills 

Desirable

• Knowledge of local language (Somali)

How to Apply

Those who meet the above requirements should submit their short CV (maximum of 3 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 1 page) addressing ethrecruitment@farmafrica.org with the subject

Irrigation Agronomist for LPRB project by November 15, 2020.

Documents cannot be returned and due to large number of applications, only short listed candidates will be contacted. Applications are especially welcomed from female applicants