AGRICULTURE OFFICER, BOR JONGLEI STATE

Catholic Relief Services is a global non-governmental Christian humanitarian and development organization with a special focus serving the needs of disadvantaged populations to ensure that the dignity of the human person is maintained regardless of race, religion, gender or colour.

Catholic Relief Service (CRS) South Sudan program is implementing the Jonglei Food Security Program (JFSP) and has vacancy for Agriculture Officer to be based in Bor, county in Jonglei State. The vacancy is open to all citizens of South Sudan.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
The Agriculture Officer will be responsible for the implementation and coordination of the agricultural component of the integrated food security program at field office level for the targeted counties as stated in the grant proposals. With support from the Agriculture and Livelihoods Technical Team Leader, M&E Manager and other JFSP sector Managers, the Agricultural Officer is responsible for the operational planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation activities of the agriculture portion of the project at field office level for the targeted county. In addition, the Agriculture Officer will cooperate with the Agriculture and Livelihoods Technical Team Leader, M&E Manager and other JFSP sector Managers and partners in team efforts intended to promote food security, increased income and increased resilience to stocks.
This position reports technically to Agriculture and Livelihoods Team Leader based at Operations and Coordination Unit in Bor, and Administratively to the Field Area Coordinator.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Guides the provision of extension services to farmers on demonstration plots as well as individual households
• Manage the planning, coordination and implementation efforts of improving food access and production.
• Assist the Agriculture and Livelihood Technical Team Leader in carrying out training needs assessment for MoAF seconded agriculture field extension agents.
• Facilitate the formation of famer groups and conduct capacity building for food security trainings for seconded staff from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and target beneficiaries.
• Ensure that the agriculture activities are implemented according to design, quality standards and schedule through planning and close monitoring;
• Ensure consistent application of agricultural best practices and lessons learned through collection of success stories throughout the project area;
• Organise field days/open days and exchange field visits for both staff and beneficiaries
• Ensure timely request and distribution of inputs for agriculture activities.
• In collaboration with the M&E and other sectors staff; assist in the implementation of data management system, tool design and data collection for monitoring and evaluation purposes for the JFSP agriculture activities.
• In collaboration with M&E Officer, monitor field activities on a regular basis and ensure follow up on any recommendations made;
• Collect data on monthly basis to update Indicator Performance Tracking Table (IPTT) for agriculture activities and M&E system.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual results reports about the program,
• Represent JFSP in meetings with local authorities, donors, UN/FAO and NGO representatives for agriculture/livelihoods related activities;
• Assist the JFSP Agriculture and Livelihood Technical Team Leader in organizing/leading planning meetings with agriculture staff at field level regularly;


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Higher National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in agriculture, agronomy, crop sciences or agricultural economics.
• Demonstrated experience with agricultural production and agro-enterprise.
• At least three years of work experience in resource-poor setting.
• Spoken and written fluency in English and local languages.
• Spoken fluency in a local language used in the county of posting in Jonglei State.
• Understanding of monitoring and evaluation techniques, participatory planning and implementation.
• Experience in managing project activities.
• Motivated self-starter, able to carry out work independently but also coordinate effectively as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated in cross-cultural setting.
• Ability to work closely with partners.
• Demonstrated planning and organizational skills.
• Computer literacy (MS Office and email/internet).
• Prior working or living experience in Jonglei State

Application letters and CVs together with the names of three professional referees, should reach CRS not later than Monday, 16th April, 2012. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Human Resources Manager
Catholic Relief Services –
South Sudan program,
Juba Office