The Entomologist will support implementation of the beneficial insect value chains under the Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project in refugee settlements. The role focuses on training and mentoring farmer groups in Black Soldier Fly rearing and beekeeping, supporting establishment of insect production units, improving climate smart animal feed systems, and increasing adoption of beneficial insect technologies. The Entomologist will work closely with district authorities, settlement leadership and community-based facilitators to strengthen insect value chain enterprises and contribute to improved food security, income and resilience for targeted households.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be: 

• Provide technical training to farmer groups on Black Soldier Fly rearing, including site selection, organic waste management, larvae production, harvesting and processing.

• Support beneficiaries in establishing and managing beekeeping units, including hive management, honey production and pollination services.

• Ensure that training follows the approved Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries curriculum and is delivered through Farmer Field Schools and participatory methods.

• Support the setup and maintenance of demonstration sites for Black Soldier Fly and beekeeping enterprises in each operational zone.

• Provide continuous mentoring and follow up to farmer groups and lead farmers to improve productivity, quality control and safe handling practices.

• Promote integration of Black Soldier Fly into livestock feeding systems, including support for feed formulation using locally available materials.

• Ensure alignment of insect value chain activities with climate smart agriculture principles and sustainable land management practices.

• Support development of inclusive farmer groups and contribute to strengthening organisational capacity under the Farmer Institutional Development model.

• Collect and maintain accurate data on production, adoption rates, input use and enterprise performance using project approved tools.

• Support grievance redress awareness at community level and ensure that insect value chain activities comply with environmental and social safeguards.

• Participate in joint supervision and monitoring missions with district authorities, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.

• Provide timely inputs for monthly, quarterly and annual reports including geo referenced photos and insect value chain progress data.

About you

• To be successful in this role, we expect you to have a minimum of 5 years of experience in entomology, apiculture, Black Soldier Fly rearing or related insect production systems. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required 

• A Bachelor’s degree in Entomology, Zoology, Agriculture, Biological Sciences or related field.

• Experience training smallholder farmers in Black Soldier Fly or beekeeping, preferably in refugee hosting or rural settings.

• Practical knowledge of organic waste processing, larvae management, hive management and pollination.

• Experience implementing climate smart agriculture or sustainable land management interventions.

• Ability to work with farmer groups, Farmer Field Schools and community facilitators.

• Experience collecting field data, monitoring enterprise performance and reporting results.

• Knowledge of environmental safeguards, safe handling practices and risk mitigation related to insect production

• Fluency in written & Spoken English.

Desirable 

• Additional training in Black Soldier Fly production, apiculture or climate smart agriculture is an added advantage

• Knowledge of local languages spoken in refugee settlements is an asset.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

• Designation of Duty Station: Refugee Settlements in Uganda (district depending on assignment)