Food Security & Livelihoods (FSL) Program Officer

Action Against Hunger (ACF) - USA is part of the ACF - International Network which works to save lives by combating hunger and diseases that threaten the lives of vulnerable communities, through nutrition, food security, water and sanitation, health and advocacy.

ACF - USA is looking for suitable candidates, to fill the following position for the Garbatulla District Base:

Food Security & Livelihoods (FSL) Program Officer

The FSL Program Officer supports the Food Security and Livelihoods Program Manager (FSL PM) in the efficient execution of ACF-USA food security and livelihoods program activities in Garbatulla District.

His/her work is to supervise implementation of program activities in the field working with the food security and livelihoods field teams, including effective coordination and liaison with stakeholders and ensuring that activities are regularly monitored and carried out according to technical requirements.

Duties and responsibilities will include:

* To be responsible, in coordination with the FSL PM, for the implementation of projects in the District, including agricultural and horticultural production, irrigation schemes, income generating activities, livestock management and market development and access components of the program
* To supervise the field team in program implementation and ensure activities are accomplished according to work plans and program objectives
* To establish a positive and cohesive working relationship with the community and direct beneficiaries of the project
* To ensure the effective implementation of monitoring of activities in the area of operation:

1. To ensure the field staff fully understand and can use the monitoring systems
2. To ensure that data is gathered and entered correctly on the computer
3. To participate in corresponding reports in collaboration with the FSL PM

* To participate in preparing reports (weekly/monthly) providing updates on field activities and other relevant information in coordination with the FSL PM
* To be conscious that the program is part of a larger integrated project and to work in close collaboration with other ACF-USA teams on the ground (Nutrition, Water and Sanitation, Public Health Promotion)
* To support the FSL PM in coordinating with logistics and administration in the allocation/reallocation and management of food security supplies and cash-based components of the program.

Qualifications & Skills Required:

* Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, agronomy, livestock, plant science, business development and marketing, environmental/natural resource management.
* Minimum three years relevant work experience (project implementation, monitoring, community relations etc).
* Knowledge of food security and livelihoods programming, including agricultural and horticultural production, irrigation, livestock management, income generating activities (IGAs), small and micro enterprises (SMEs), agricultural and livestock production marketing and value chains and cash based interventions.
* Good communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, including the ability to work effectively in a team.
* Knowledge and previous practice of MS Office (Word and Excel).
* Knowledge of related programs, particularly nutrition and water and sanitation, will be an added advantage.
* Good English skills (both written and spoken).
* Fluency in Borana/other local languages spoken in the district is a distinct advantage.
* Good working knowledge of the greater Isiolo and other ASAL areas in Kenya.

This is a local position based in Garbatulla District on a one-year renewable contract basis. ACF will not provide accommodation or food. The successful candidates will be expected to make suitable arrangements for their own accommodation or food in the local area.

Closing Date: 24th June 2011

Applicants who can take up the positions immediately are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should forward their applications including a cover letter, day time telephone contact and curriculum vitae, copies of certificates and telephone contacts or email addresses of 3 referees preferably former supervisors to:

E-Mail: hr.ke@acf-international.org

Action Against Hunger–USA will not answer any telephone query regarding the position.

Canvassing will lead to disqualification.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.