Assistant Agriculture Project Officer - Nairobi, Kenya - Islamic Relief Kenya

Description

ABOUT THE COMPANY

IR-Kenya started operations in Kenya in 1993 on a one-to-one orphans sponsorship programme through a local CBO in Mandera County, Northern Kenya. It opened its fully fledged office in March in 2006 at the height of drought in the Horn of Africa. Since, then IR has been providing humanitarian and developmental assistance to vulnerable communities. Over these years it has implemented various developmental and relief activities in the region. This has remarkably changed the lives of the vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. In January 2010, IR extended its operation to Wajir County, neighboring Mandera. Again, in October 2011, the programme was extended to Garissa County, with a focus to primarily support Refugees at the Daadab Camp (the largest refugee camp globally) and host communities at the neighborhood.

North Eastern Kenya is the least developed region in Kenya. The region generally has very poor infrastructure, rough roads, underdeveloped social amenities and a remote potential for improvement in the near future. Government efforts to improve the situation of arid regions are hampered by lack of funds and policy bias among other factors. The region is also affected by perennial border conflict in Somalia – Ethiopia, a situation that has led to increased insecurity. The region has faced numerous challenges such as drought,flash flooding and inter clan and border conflicts.The impact of recurrent drought-related crises in North Eastern Kenya is rapidly escalating, with more and more people being affected with every occurrence. Drought is becoming more frequent, allowing less time for recovery in between and increasing the vulnerability of local populations. The current ability of pastoralists to respond to drought is limited not only due to the increasing frequency, but also due to an increasing population, a dwindling resource base, conflict, changes in access to land and water as well as the impact of other shocks such as flooding and disease outbreaks.

IR Kenya has tailored its programs towards emergency response, recovery, and livelihood support. The programmes are aligned to respond to and comply with government developmental policies (such as Vision 2030), community focus, regional vision as well as global millennium development goals. The focal programme areas since February 2006 have included; Nutrition and Health, Water and sanitation, Orphans sponsorship, Livelihoods programmes and Emergency and Relief Supplies. IR has ensured that its programmes target those who are most vulnerable in the most disadvantaged areas.

JOB SUMMARY

Qualification/ ExperienceAssist in the implementation of agricultural activities outlined in the project, including but not limited to:Capacity building through training programs on good agronomic practices.Work with our WASH team to establish and maintain a farming irrigation system in two farms in Wajir County.Distribution of certified seeds and tools to local farmers.Support the formation and support of farmers' cooperatives.Strengthening linkages between farmers and markets as well as financial institutionsCollaborate with County government staff and other stakeholders to promote climate-smart agricultural practices and technologies.Work with the entire project team to conduct feasibility studies on fodder production and landscaping, and facilitate the purchase and distribution of fodder seedlings.Provide technical support to farmers on planting, weeding, harvesting, and storage of fodder.Assist in the construction and management of agricultural infrastructure such as warehouses and fodder stores.Engage with local communities, county government, and other partners to ensure effective implementation and sustainability of agricultural interventions.Prepare project plans, reports and updates.Location: 100% WajirJob Field: ProgrammesAbout the projectBuilding Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change (BREAC) is a dynamic project committed to implementing inclusive climate adaptation and resilience strategies at the grassroots level. Our mission is to enhance the adaptive capacity and resilience of communities facing the challenges of climate change. We focus on key development areas including food security, water sanitation, climate change adaptation, and cash transfer programming. Central to our approach is inclusivity and gender empowerment, ensuring that all community members benefit from our interventions.Role OverviewWe are seeking a highly motivated Assistant Agriculture Officer to join our team in implementing agricultural activities aimed at enhancing food security and livelihoods in target communities. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting farmers through capacity building, technical assistance, and project coordination.Qualifications and experienceBachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or related field.At least 3 years of experience in agricultural development projects, preferably in a rural context.Demonstrated knowledge of drip irrigation systems, crop management techniques, and livestock fodder production.Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.Proven ability to plan, organize, and implement agricultural activities in a participatory manner.Familiarity with gender-responsive approaches to agriculture and climate resilience is desirable.Fluency in English and Swahili; knowledge of Somali language will be an advantage.Willingness to travel frequently within the project area and work in challenging environments.Note: Please note that this recruitment, shortlisting will be done on a rolling basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist in the implementation of agricultural activities outlined in the project, including but not limited to:Capacity building through training programs on good agronomic practices.Work with our WASH team to establish and maintain a farming irrigation system in two farms in Wajir County.Distribution of certified seeds and tools to local farmers.Support the formation and support of farmers' cooperatives.Strengthening linkages between farmers and markets as well as financial institutionsCollaborate with County government staff and other stakeholders to promote climate-smart agricultural practices and technologies.Work with the entire project team to conduct feasibility studies on fodder production and landscaping, and facilitate the purchase and distribution of fodder seedlings.Provide technical support to farmers on planting, weeding, harvesting, and storage of fodder.Assist in the construction and management of agricultural infrastructure such as warehouses and fodder stores.Engage with local communities, county government, and other partners to ensure effective implementation and sustainability of agricultural interventions.Prepare project plans, reports and updates.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Project management, Project monitoring and evaluation (M&E), Quality management, Project implementation

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree