Livelihood Program Officer at Development Exchange Centre (DEC)

Job Description

• This position will contribute to the overall objective by being responsible for implementing all PROSELL project activities in the target communities in the state, both directly and indirectly through training /mentoring of project staff and community mobilizers and VSL field officers, linking up with the Agricultural Development Project/ Ministry of Agriculture, other NGO and private sector actors.
• Guided by the intervention logic, the post holder ensures that DEC delivers on PROSELL outputs and outcomes based on the partnership agreement.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate initial community entry activities, mapping, and assessments.
• Formation and initial training of farmers’ association and VSL groups
• Support the conduct of baseline/small scale farmers’ surveys in communities.
• Prepare action plans and begin providing direct support to small holder farmers through visits, in line with the action plans, etc.
• Initiate/facilitate links and referrals relationships between the farmers’ association and community groups and input suppliers/product buyers other service providers/other local sources of support.
• Ensure all documentation, reports, and records are maintained per agreed procedure, and information is provided on community activities as required.
• Co-facilitate step-down trainings with farmers’ association and community groups on various topics, as outlined in the implementation plan.
• Support farmers’ association and community groups to conduct assessments/project activities to small scale farmers especially women in the communities.
• Work with value chain actors and their service providers (Private BDS providers)
• Work on disaster risk reduction, famer field schools, asset transfer and revolving fund management, community based saving and lending groups.
• Coordinate with ADP and relevant departments of the State Ministry of Agriculture, other NGOs and private sector actors.
• Ensure that reports are effectively coordinated from all partner staff in a coherent and timely manner.

Requirements, Skills, and Competence

• Must possess Degree, Master degree in Agronomy or Agricultural economics or equivalent in relevant field with at least 3 years experience.
• Must have substantial experience in implementing community-level development projects, using participatory engagement and grassroots mobilization techniques.
• Experience working on value chain actors and their service providers (Private BDS providers)
• Sound experience working on disaster risk reduction activities, farmer field schools, asset transfer and revolving fund management, community based saving and lending groups
• Excellent training and facilitation skills with a wide variety of groups having diverse experiences, backgrounds, skills, and education levels.
• Experience in handling grants to local groups, ensuring appropriate basic documentation and accountability at the community/field level.
• Excellent computer skills
• Excellent verbal communication and listening skills.
• Language Requirements: Spoken English-Excellent; Written English-Good (ability to type and prepare reports and other documents as needed.)
• Must be able to speak at least one local language predominant in that state.