Contract Agricultural Officer at Helen Keller International

Contract Duration: Up-until December 2021

Job Description

• The Contract Agriculture Officer will support the Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle Specialist to implement the agronomy component of the healthy lifestyle program involving nutrition education, garden-based production of nutrient-rich crops, and active play in targeted primary schools in Ikeja, Lagos State.

Essential Functions

• Work with Mondelēz volunteers and the nutrition focal points for each school to provide supportive supervision to observe and support teachers as they carry out their lesson plans.
• Identify inputs to be provided by Helen Keller to promote school and home gardens. Develop and oversee a training plan that covers soil preparation and planting techniques; appropriate use of fertilizer with organic matter (compost); water-harvesting techniques; garden maintenance; and processing and conservation of garden produce.
• Given the peri-urban context, build the capacity of teachers, parents and community members on how to grow plants in small spaces using a smart farming approach (i.e. planting in recycled containers etc)
• Engage with the LGA Agricultural Extension team to sensitize, advocate for and promote growing of healthy nutritious foods in schools and homes.
• Implement a strategy to create awareness in schools and communities the importance of gardening for diet diversity and nutrition security.
• Work closely with community volunteers (project champions) on the house to house monitoring of home gardens in project’s focal communities.
• Promote engagement of Mondelez volunteers in cultivation of nutrient rich crops.

Skills/Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Extension or related discipline with a minimum of five years’ experience in agronomical practices
• Prior experience with farming and growing foods in small spaces
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, excellent coordination, organization and problem-solving skills