Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Strategic Outcome Manager and reporting to the Activity 3 Manager – Resilience, the incumbent will be required to support the implementation of innovative smallholder production interventions including irrigation, water harvesting and crop production among smallholder farmers and schools.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):

Support in building synergies between the schools and the Ministry of Agriculture Extension Services System and the private sector players to ensure sustainability of school production units. Support capacity building of Field Office staff, schools, and extension staff to ensure they have adequate capacity to support the production gardens and transfer of knowledge on various irrigation technologies. Support the design and installation of irrigation systems to enable smallholder farmers to engage in all year-round production of crops. Support the design and installation of water harvesting systems to leverage both rainwater and underground water for crop production. Support schools in setting up production units and irrigation systems to ensure optimal crop production to support the home-grown school meals (HGSM) programme. Support development and review of reference and guidance materials to support effective implementation of school food production units and smallholder farmer irrigation systems. Support capacity building of smallholder farmer groups and their respective committees to ensure effective management and long-term sustainability of the irrigation and production systems. Support smallholder farmer groups to develop crop production calendars to optimize irrigation systems and other resources. Support smallholder farmer groups to establish linkages with private sector agro-dealers to ensure timely supply of various agro-inputs including but not limited to seeds, fertilisers, chemicals, and other productivity enhancing technologies. Other tasks as required.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

At least five (5) years’ experience in an International Organization or agricultural private sector involved in irrigated horticulture farming, crop, and pest management.

Thorough knowledge of different irrigation systems and horticultural crop production.

Excellent interpersonal, writing, and oral presentation skills.

STANDARD MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:     First University Degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture Science, or related field. Or a Diploma in Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture Science, or related field with two (2) years additional work experience.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Computer skills in word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to plan and organize work with minimal supervision; resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgment, tact, and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with other UN agencies, Government departments, cooperating partners, and communities of different national and cultural background.

Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in English language.