Job Description

Mary Joy Ethiopia is a nonprofit development oriented organization serves the community for the past 27⁺ years dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable communities by advancing and implementing integrated development program focuses on livelihood enhancement, education and heath with cross cutting issues of children empowerment, environmental protection, Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS and inclusiveness. 

JOB SUMMARY:

The role of Irrigation Agronomist is to contribute in the planning and implementation of all measures related to irrigated agriculture development where Mary Joy Ethiopia 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.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:                                                                 

• 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 Mary Joy Ethiopia 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 Mary Joy Ethiopia 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 government office and other NGO and community members
• Performs other duties as assigned by the line manager.

REPORTS TO: Project Coordinator

Job Requirements

Required knowledge and experience:

• 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 returnee areas advantageous.
• Experience with international organization, public sector institutions.

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/remote areas, ability to work with minimum supervision
• Strong sense of integrity and personal commitment to the goals and values of Mary Joy Ethiopia
• Good community level facilitation and coordination skills 

How to Apply

Interested applicants should send only resume and application letter within 5 working days of the announcement through Mary Joy Ethiopia in the following email address CLCIK HERE