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Job Title:   Project Officer – Livelihood and Agroecology (3 positions)  

Organisation: HEKS/EPER (Swiss Church Aid)

Duty Station: Yumbe, Obongi and Koboko, Uganda

About Organisation:

HEKS/EPER was founded in 1946 by the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches (FSPC) as the aid organization of the Protestant Churches in Switzerland committed to the dignity of every human being. This respect for human dignity finds expression in the universal human rights. All human beings should be able to lead a life in dignity and in social, economic and political security based on fundamental Christian values such as justice, self-determination, respect, solidarity, responsibility, and participation.

Job Summary:   The Project Officers (3 positions) – Livelihood and Agroecology play a critical role in enhancing agricultural productivity and improving the livelihoods of rural communities through the integration of sustainable agricultural practices, resource management, and community engagement. This position involves designing and implementing agronomy-based and environment-friendly livelihood programs, conducting needs assessments, and collaborating with local stakeholders to address agricultural practices and resources gaps in agricultural practices and resources. The officer is responsible for capacity building through training and workshops, conducting research on local agricultural conditions, and establishing monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess program effectiveness. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for fostering community relationships and advocating for sustainable agriculture policies, while a commitment to improving rural livelihoods and a proactive approach to problem-solving are key personal attributes for success in this role.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Development and Implementation.

• Design and implement agronomy-based livelihood programs that align with organizational objectives and community needs.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify gaps in agricultural practices and resources within the community.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and government agencies, to develop effective strategies for program execution.

Capacity Building and Training.

• Organize and facilitate training sessions, workshops, and demonstrations for farmers on sustainable agricultural practices, crop management, and soil conservation techniques.
• Develop educational materials and resources to enhance farmers’ knowledge of agronomy and promote best practices in crop production.
• Mentor and support local agricultural extension workers to ensure the dissemination of information and practices is effective and sustainable.

Research and Innovation.

• Conduct research on local agricultural conditions, crop varieties, and agronomic practices to identify innovative solutions that can enhance productivity and sustainability.
• Collaborate with agricultural researchers and institutions to stay abreast of new developments in agronomy and integrate relevant findings into program activities.
• Evaluate the impact of implemented agronomic practices and programs on community livelihoods and agricultural productivity.

Monitoring and Evaluation.

• Establish monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of livelihood programs and agronomic interventions.
• Collect and analyze data on program outcomes, including crop yields, income levels, and community satisfaction.
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate findings to stakeholders, including donors, community members, and organizational leadership.

Resource Management.

• Assist in the identification and mobilization of resources, including funding, materials, and human capital, to support agronomic programs.
• Develop partnerships with local businesses, NGOs, and government agencies to leverage resources and enhance program sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and procedures in the management of resources and program implementation.

Community Engagement and Advocacy.

• Foster strong relationships with community members to build trust and encourage participation in agronomic initiatives.
• Advocate for policies and practices that support sustainable agriculture and the livelihoods of rural communities.
• Facilitate community forums and discussions to gather feedback and promote collective decision-making regarding agricultural practices and livelihood strategies.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, or a related field is required.

Experience

• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in agronomy, agricultural development, or a related field, with a focus on livelihood improvement in rural settings.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, capacity building, and community engagement is essential.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices, crop management, and soil health.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis, with experience in monitoring and evaluation methodologies.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Work in remote areas with regular travels by motorbike; a valid riding permit is a must, class ‘’A”.
• Technical Competencies.
• Familiarity with agricultural extension services and rural development programs.
• Proficiency in using agricultural technology and tools to enhance productivity and sustainability. Understanding of socio-economic factors affecting rural livelihoods and agricultural practices.

Personal Attributes.

• A commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving the livelihoods of rural communities.
• Strong leadership qualities, with the ability to motivate and inspire others.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability to work in diverse community settings.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Working Conditions.

The Livelihood Officer will primarily work in rural settings, engaging directly with farming communities.

This role may require travel to remote areas and the ability to work in varying weather conditions. Flexibility in working hours may be necessary to accommodate community needs and activities.

Commitment to HEKS/EPER’s Value and Mission.

The post holder commits to the organization’s values and core beliefs as well as HEKS/EPER’s strategy and mission. Moreover, each employee commits always to act as per the HEKS/EPER code of conduct, the Internal Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (FRC) code of conduct of the humanitarian context and the good governance guidelines of the Field Financial and Administrative Guidelines.

How to Apply:

HEKS/EPER values diversity among its staff. We welcome applications from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities.

All interested and qualified candidates, please send your application (Motivation Letter and CV) to: hekseperrecruitment@gmail.com

Deadline: 11th March 2025

NB: Due to the urgency of the position, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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