Job Description

AGRONOMISTWhat we do

Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to preserve human dignity and relieve suffering caused by war and armed violence.

In collaboration with our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners around the world, we do everything we can to deliver life-saving aid, reconnect families and locate missing people – helping those who need it most, regardless of who they are and what side of the front line they are on.

We engage with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, pressing for access to detainees to improve their living conditions and urging compliance with international humanitarian law to protect non-combatants, including from digital threats.

Purpose

The Agronomist is responsible for the overall management and implementation of the Economic Security (EcoSec) Agro activities and related resources within the assigned Area of Responsibility (AoR), under the supervision of the Senior Agronomist. 

The role involves analysing the agricultural context within the AoR, conducting agro-related needs assessments, and planning appropriate interventions in close coordination with field management, the technical supervisor, and the EcoSec team in Nairobi. 

The Agronomist ensures the effective implementation of planned activities in line with departmental and delegation objectives, approved budgets, and the Plan of Action (PoA), while regularly monitoring, documenting, and reporting on programme progress. The position also requires participation in short-term support missions to other sub-delegations, as needed.

This is a national/resident position based in Jowhar, Somalia.

Accountabilities & functional responsibilities

• Maintains up to date information on the EcoSec agricultural situation in the AoR, analyses and compiles the relevant data on the context concerning livelihoods, agriculture, and markets, including local historical, social, political and other aspects pertinent to the program implementation
• Conducts needs assessments in the AoR by using the standard EcoSec Agro approach and internally established tools for Agro program and procedures
• Formulates proposal drafts for Agro projects including SMART indicators, expected outputs/ outcomes, plan of action (PoA) and project budget, based on the internally established tools and procedures
• Provides advice on the composition of the Agro assessment team and coordinates the activities of the assessment team
• Ensures adequate communication and coordination with other assistance departments in planning and conducting of needs assessments
• Ensures that the Agro projects implementation is carried out in line with the set objectives, timeframe, allocated budget and the internally adopted coordination mechanisms
• In close coordination with the respective field management and technical supervisor, participates in selection of priority/ activity areas and individual projects and formulation of monthly and quarterly implementation plans
• Organises and supervises the selection of Agro beneficiaries by following the criteria attributed to a project, while minimizing the risks of conflict situations with target population and other stakeholders
• Conducts regular monitoring of the EcoSec Agro interventions in the AoR based on the internally established tools and procedures
• Conducts response analysis of different EcoSec Agro interventions (SWOT approach), associated risks and mitigation measures, including appropriateness and feasibility aspects and provides support to other involved staff when required
• Debriefs enumerators’ teams and compiles their feedback on the data collection exercises
• Provides support/ coaching to the teams of the Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS) involved in the monitoring process and project implementation
• Reports regularly to direct and technical supervisors on program progress, contextual developments, and technical aspects of implementation
• Prepares field trip reports, meeting minutes, assessment and monitoring reports, project proposals, and other required documentation in accordance with established EcoSec procedures, guidelines, and reporting formats

Experiences and Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, or an equivalent qualification in a related field of study

Professional experience required

• 4 years’ experience in a similar field of activity
• Experience and knowledge of the pastoralist system and livelihood of the Somali communities
• Experience in drafting project proposals and preparing monitoring and assessment reports

Desired profile and skills

• Team leadership skills and ability to work independently
• Excellent planning and reporting skills
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Somali language
• Flexibility and willingness to travel extensively in Somalia
• Excellent knowledge of political, economic, social and cultural environment of the region

Language

• English
  Somali

What we offer

• Challenging  job opportunity within a dynamic work environment in an international humanitarian organization
• Training and development opportunities
• Competitive salary with benefits, based on the ICRC Compensation and Benefits framework

Skills Required

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