Agronomy Assistant at FINDEF

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Agronomy Officer, the Agronomy Assistant is required to support/assist in the implementation of agriculture activities of the project through livelihood interventions, business management, technical training, and capacity building to improve skills or production in new/pre-existing livelihood assets.

Main Responsibilities 

• Assist in organizing farmers into producer associations for collective marketing, input supply, training, and advocacy for a conducive production environment and Government support.
• Assist in facilitating farmer/association participation in multistakeholder platforms for value chain development.
• Promote climate risk management strategies to avoid unacceptable consequences.
• Improve crop productivity using locally adapted technologies, heat tolerant and disease tolerant seed varieties, biodiversity, and increase the sinks of greenhouse emissions.
• Reduce crop losses through improved post-harvest handling, storage, and processing.
• Train the extension workers and community volunteers to expand the agriculture advisory services and explore the use of appropriate communication systems.
• Work with traditional committees to ensure the identification and selection of the most vulnerable beneficiaries for cash/assets for work and organize and supervise the identification and selection registration of beneficiaries for the on-farm Livelihood activities.
• Facilitate community mobilization towards farmers’ field school and smallholder gardening.
• Support in the implementation of capacity-building training including field training and workshops for the target beneficiaries on vegetable production, seed conservation, farm management, and storage.
• Supervise and compile information to ensure that the surveillance of the farming situation in the area of implementation of the program is achieving the expected result when required.
• Implement field activities for targeted communities about agricultural activities and strengthen nutrition-sensitive agriculture with support from relevant State, LGA, and community stakeholders at LGA level.
• Analyze the humanitarian situation, taking protection problems into consideration/Do no Harm Principle.
• Act as a liaison with the local population and authorities to identify the needs, grievances, and major events that could have potential consequences for FINDEF activity.
• Perform any other related duties or responsibilities that may be assigned by the supervisor.

Profile of the Candidate (Education, Training, Competencies, Skills)

• University degree in any of the following disciplines: Agricultural Science, Agricultural Economics, or related field.
• At least 2-3 years of experience in connection with project management in the agriculture / food security and / or livelihood sector, and preferably in a non-governmental organization of humanitarian and international character.
• Ability to write reports. Experience with survey methodologies, and relevant data analysis
• Previous experience working with an NGO or a Development organization.
• Familiarity with the Northwest axis, and working experience in Illela, Sokoto.
• Be professional, motivated, flexible, and culturally sensitive.
• Have excellent communication, writing and analytical skills.