Agricultural Engineer (Open to Nationals Only) at INTERSOS

JOB PURPOSE

• The project seek to recruit an engineer with solid foundation in electrical system installation and farm management. The Agricultural Engineer position would provide overall supervision and promotes and values participatory approaches to the field staff throughout the project cycle, specifically on Solar Power system installation for farm site and communal, farm Irrigation system installation and maintenance, farm greenhouse installation & Capacity Building etc.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management

Agricultural Infrastructure Installation & Maintenance

• Designs farm buildings, greenhouses, and storage facilities.
• Works on renewable energy solutions for farms Design, install, and maintain solar energy systems for sustainable power supply.
• Conduct site assessments to determine feasibility and optimal system placement.
• Ensure electrical safety standards are met during installation and operation.

Irrigation & Water Management

• Designs and implements efficient irrigation systems to optimize water usage.
• Develops drainage solutions to prevent soil erosion and waterlogging.
• Works on water conservation techniques for sustainable farming.

Borehole Pump Electrical Systems

• Install, test, and maintain electrical components of borehole pumps for water supply.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical faults to maintain uninterrupted water access.
• Optimize pump efficiency through proper electrical system calibration.

Food Processing & Storage

• Designs post-harvest storage solutions to reduce food waste.
• Develops processing techniques for agricultural products.
• Works on food safety and packaging innovations.

Livelihood Hub Equipment Installation & Support

• Set up and maintain solar powered equipment within livelihood hubs.
• Ensure equipment operates efficiently, meeting community development needs.
• Develop preventative maintenance schedules for all installed systems.

Livestock Management:

• Develop waste management solutions to ensure environmental sustainability.
• Improve housing structures for livestock to enhance productivity and health.
• Implement biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks.

Farm Machinery & Equipment

• Recommend efficient farm machinery and equipment.
• Recommend efficient systems for precision agriculture.
• Ensures maintenance and efficiency of farm equipment

Training & Capacity Building

• Conduct technical training sessions for local participants on equipment operation.
• Develop user-friendly training manuals on equipment maintenance procedures.
• Provide ongoing support to enhance community knowledge and self-reliance.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with International electrical codes and safety regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of installations, repairs, and training activities.
• Collaborate with project teams to align technical goals with broader development objectives.

Line Management

• Manage and Train all the relevant Livelihood project field staff in areas of Solar Power Boreholes maintenance & Capacity Building etc;
• Identify technical gaps and support capacity building for technical line reports
• Contribute to setting performance objectives and performance appraisals of technical staff in the same field
• When necessary, and with approval of his/her line manager, provide stop-gap support in absence of Field Coordinator, in close coordination with team focal points (identified by the PM before his/her absence)

Technical Support

• Support in developing program strategy and priorities based on thorough understanding of needs and context
• Implement technical direction for the livelihood project and ensure high technical quality of project at the field level;
• Ensure that programme strategy, and design is integrated with other INTERSOS sectors
• Support in development, harmonization, and roll out of SOPs, tools and guidelines
• Provide regular technical support and guidance to PM, DPM and other relevant staff in both a structured manner and on a case by case basis.
• Ensure compliance with INTERSOS standards and procedures and alignment with global strategy, through regular coordination with colleagues in support services at Base Office and Field Offices level.
• Coordinate with sector colleagues at Field level as appropriate about relevant issues
• Support in providing technical review of all proposals and reports and other relevant sector-specific donor communications

Quality Assurance

• Ensure program implementation progress; identification, resolution and/or escalation of issues;
• Work with M&E to implement the harmonized tools and databases to monitor and track efficiency and quality of programming and improve information management within the sector focal points
• Work closely with M&E in implementation, and evaluation of sector-level programming
• Coordinate with M&E to ensure accountability mechanisms are established for programming

Other

• Provide regular updates to Livelihood – Project Manager
• Any other duties as agreed with Project Manager

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience:

• B.Sc. Degree in Agricultural / Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering field
• Proven experience in solar power system installation, borehole pumps, farm machinery operation and maintenance, irrigation systems, and livestock management and livelihood infrastructure.
• Strong technical expertise in renewable energy solutions.
• Ability to train and mentor non-technical individuals on equipment use.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of electrical safety standards and compliance requirements.
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities;
• Experience in leadership and problem solving;
• Fluency in English, both written and oral including local language ad advantage;
• Capacity to adapt to basic living conditions;
• Ability to put up with job pressure;
• Ability to deliver high quality work within tight deadlines;
• Strong negotiation skills.