Self Help Africa

Description

Self Help AfricaVacancy AnnouncementPosition: Project Officer- Department: Programmes- Location: Oda Bultum, Bedessa, West Hararghe Zone, Oromia- Reports to: Project Manager- Contract Type: Two years fixed term contract, renewable based on performance reviewJob Purpose: • The Project Officer has overall responsibility for the day-to-day delivery and coordination of the Integrated Community Development Project. He/she will provide technical support, mobilise and sensitise communities, and liaise with all relevant stakeholders. The incumbent will facilitate training and events planned for the target farmers within the project area. Moreover, he/she will assist the union/ primary cooperatives and individual project beneficiaries in delivering planned project activities within the specified project period and with expected quality standard. The Project Officer will have responsibility for monitoring progress and producing regular reports and updates on the project.Key Responsibilities:• Coordinate and lead all project field level activities;• Prepare and submit detailed periodic reports (monthly, quarterly and annually);• In collaboration with the project manager coordinate the operations of the community development facilitators, village agents, and RuSACCO officer;• Identify and liaise with all stakeholders and organise/facilitate stakeholders’ workshops;• Undertake organisational capacity assessment of farmer cooperative/unions and gap analysis of soybean and maize, (and other value chains identified by the project) marketing in target area;• Facilitate contract farming agreement between coops/unions and the private sector buyer;• Coordinate training on seed production for maize and soybean, conservation agriculture, pest and disease control, post-harvest handling and quality control, dairy and other livestock;• Review and identify gaps in sources of finance and agro-input suppliers for coops/unions, and liaise with financial service providers;• Support the establishment of revolving funds for identified VCs in the project area;• Coordinate Training of Trainers training for lead farmers and government extension staff;• Coordinate training to coops/unions in leadership and governance;• Visit target communities on a regular basis to discuss with farmers their problems and experiences;• Participate in the development and the implementation of annual project work plans in target areas;• Accomplish activities planned in the project proposal for the target areas;• Gather data for project impact assessment and internal monitoring and evaluation;• Establish and maintain good working relations with government partners at zone and district level;• Ensure gender, HIV/AIDS and environmental aspects are mainstreamed in all project activities;Key Relationships:Internal• Project Manager• Programme Team,• Finance and Administration Team,External• Local Government Authorities,• Financial Institutions,• Other International and Local NGOs,• Private Sector Organisations,• Business Advisors and Mentors.How to apply:• Please submit: A completed application form together with CV/resume and a covering letter before March 17, 2020, explaining why you want the position and why you think you are particularly suited to the role. Applications should be in a Word document or in pdf. Make it clear which position you are applying for by writing the Position in the subject line of your e-mail as follows [CDO+ Your name].The application should be submitted by email to the following email addresses: edlawit.tegegn@selfhelpafrica.net • Closing date for applications is 17 March 2020.• Women applicants are highly encouraged; Self Help Africa is an Equal Opportunities Employer• The detailed job descriptions for the different posts are provided in SHA website: www.selfhelpafrica.org

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's

Desired Skills

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience
Essential
• BSc/BA degree in general Agriculture, Agricultural extension, Agri-business, Agricultural economics, cooperative development or related fields;
• At least five years relevant working experience in community-oriented development work or cooperative development etc.;
• Sound technical knowledge on livestock/ animal husbandry, haricot bean and maize production;
• Good inter-personal and communication skills;
• Capacity and maturity to establish and maintain links with government officials, smallholder farmers and private sector;
• Ability to organise and manage events like farmers’ field days, trainings, and workshops;
• Computer literacy, particularly in MS Word and MS Excel;
• Demonstrable good command of English and Afan Oromo languages (both written and spoken).

Desirable
• Proven ability to work in multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder working environments;
• Experience working in an NGO setting on agriculture and rural development related disciplines;
• Experience of contract-farming arrangements.

Experience Requirements

5-10 years

How to apply