Agronomist

Job Description

Position Title: Agronomist

Duty Station: Dolow

Organizational Unit: Programmes

Reporting Directly To: Area Coordinator

Overall Supervision By: Project Manager

Directly Reporting Staff: 3

1. OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE

We are looking for an agronomist to investigate and implement solutions for LLG beneficiaries in food production and farming activities in Gedo. In this role, you will examine, research, and solve problems related to crop management, crop yields and quality. You will also develop tailored agronomic approaches and oversee interventions on behalf of LLG. To be successful in this role, you should be focused on developing and promoting better farming practices. As an Agronomist, you should be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and analytical with excellent listening, communication, and problem-solving skills.

2. RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Main duties & Responsibilities:

§ Work with the LLG project team and Community Resilience Committee (CRC) in the identification,

§ selection and registration of the BRCiS other programmes’ beneficiaries in Gedo region and ensuring that the targeting process is participatory and transparent.

§ Work with the LLG programmes manager, Area Coordinator and other programme staff to ensure the achievement of the objectives of LLG’s humanitarian development/emergency programmes in Gedo.

§ Make regular field visits to inspect and monitor the overall crop performance and persistence of pest infestation or damage caused by pest.

§ Introduction/Application of organic and provides on the-job training and technical know-how on organic fertilizer to field extension workers.

§ Management of the activities of FFS particularly farm inputs and conduct training on the basis of training gabs identified

§ Prepare and conduct field days and exposure visits for FFS to strengthen group cohesion, dynamic and performance of FFS

§ In collaboration with field extension workers select the sites and establish the Farmers Field School (FFS) communal demonstration plots.

§ In collaboration with field extension workers, field officer/Assistants and farmers organize and conduct field days on FFS communal plots in wider farming community are invited.

§ Able to prepare training curriculum on crop husbandry and post-harvest management (PHM) techniques and conduct training to extension workers and FFS facilitators based on crop cycle period

§ In conjunction with extension workers/field assistants and field officers prepare and conduct on the-job training session for FFS groups in demonstration plot based on crop calendar seasons.

§ In collaboration with field coordinator, extension workers and target farmers conduct seasonal crop harvest assessment.

§ Provide technical input and support to Project/Field Officers, Field Assistants, Community Extension Workers on the project capacity building issues

§ In –conjunction with Project Engineers participate the identification of weak river sections and canals to be rehabilitated through cash for work.

§ Monitoring and Reporting

§ Collect (or support others to collect) and compile all required monitoring data in a timely manner.

§ In conjunction with LLG field team and CRC Collect information on LLG’s humanitarian response in the area of SCRP.

§ Continuously monitor the humanitarian/food security situation across LLG BRCIS program areas and provide accurate reports to your line manage.

§ Monitor soil condition and evaluate parameters such as soil fertility, compaction, drainage, and soil moisture contents

§ Formulate field agricultural plans and share with field staff and at the same time do reviews of agricultural plans on monthly basis

§ Participate with project field staff in formulating community action plans and submitting the report on right time

§ Undertake additional assessments, beneficiary interviews in case necessary, to keep up to date with community perceptions of the project, changing needs and opinions.

§ Participate in project assessments, surveys, surveillance, program reviews and other monitoring activities as required.

§ Compile and prepare monthly, quarterly, annually and field reports at the field level and submit to the Program Manager

§ Contribute to the preparation and collection of case studies to demonstrate programme impact

§ Undertake regular visits to the project sites and report back with findings/recommendations

§ Participate participatory evaluations in the project areas and make necessary recommendations to improve project activities

§ Monitor & supervise and make follow-ups for the project activities using project monitoring tools.

§ Liaise with LLG WASH and other teams to ensure collaboration and integrated support to vulnerable families wherever possible.

§ Participate in internal programme meetings as required

§ Attend National Food security monthly meetings in Dolow

§ Coordinate and guide Project/Field officers, Field assistants and Community extension workers in undertaking periodic training need assessments and identify training gaps of partners of CBOs (Community Disaster Management Committees, Canal committees, Farmer Field Schools Self Help Groups, Community Extension Workers.

§ Look for opportunities to expand, improve or adapt the programme and advise the LLG management

§ Other tasks as may reasonably be requested by the LLG management

Skills and Qualifications
§ Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, or related field.

§ Proven experience in agronomic research and fieldwork.

§ Additional certifications are an added advantage.

§ Ability to work outside, stand, walk, kneel, and stoop for extended periods.

§ Proficiency with computers, especially MS Office and diagnostic scientific software relating to agriculture field.

§ Exceptional active listening and verbal and written communication skills

§ Strong knowledge of crop production techniques, soil science, and pest management.

§ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

§ Ability to work independently and in a team.

How to apply
Interested candidates, who meet the above requirements, should apply through the following link Career – Lifeline Gedo (lifelineorganisation.org) by submitting their applications (cover letter, updated CV and contacts of 3 professional referees) with the subject line “Application for Agronomist ” The closing date for application is 15th June 2024. Applications and CVs submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Kindly note candidates from the locations we have our offices will be shortlisted

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Due to the fact this position is urgent, applications will be shortlisted on a regular basis, and we may offer posts before the closing date.