Uganda: Agronomist - 2 Vacancies based in Kotido and Kaabong (Open to Ugandan Nationals Only)

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps implements high-quality, analytical development work in very difficult places. We have been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently implement development programs in the Acholi and Karamoja sub-regions of Uganda with funding from USAID, EC, SDC, and USDA, WFP. We are currently implementing a market-development focused 5-year USAID/Food for Peace-funded program working in the northern half of Karamoja (Abim, Kaabong and Kotido districts) and in search of a competent and creative person to fill the position of Assistant Agronomist. The project, called Safety Net and Resilience (SNR), aims to support the immediate needs of program beneficiaries while promoting long-term development by spurring systemic improvements in key economic sectors of northern Karamoja.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Agronomist will encourage farmers to adopt improved methods of farming using a variety of methods to reach farmers through personal contact with farmers on their farms; other methods such as: organizing study groups for farmers, establishment and management of crop demonstration plots, farmer field days and exchange visits will be used in reaching out farmers to promote adoption. The Agronomist will achieve this in liaison with lead or model farmers and Extension Workers, Farmer groups, Local government and Sub-county production department, agro-input dealers, and other SNR program staff. The agricultural extension and advisory services will also include community based seed multiplication and he or she will take lead with his or her technical personnel to lead the farmers on ground.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Participate in developing messages, structures and systems to continually improve SNR Agricultural Extension Services to improve the productivity of poor farmers and help them turn that productivity into improved food security and livelihoods.

2. Directly take lead in SNR Agricultural Extension Work and supervise field activities to ensure effective use of resources and successful targeting of services to the most vulnerable beneficiaries’ farmers in northern Karamoja.

3. Actively participate in community mobilization and sensitization for adoption of best agronomic practices.

4. Identify training needs, production constraints and devise solutions to address the problems at hand.

5. Conduct training of SNR beneficiaries on selected topics in the extension curriculum and ensure training is in accordance with the guidelines.

6. Identify technologies, practices, tools, equipment, varieties and partners that have the greatest potential to improve the agricultural productivity of Northern Karamoja and food security of the area’s most vulnerable, and engage/introduce them into SNR.

7. Collect, compile, verifiy, enter and keep data on SNR program beneficiaries to inform programming, this will involve collecting all Agricultural Extension Workers monthly reports from the field.

8. Work hand in hand with the Crop sector to guide and link farmers to access genuine agro-input implements from agro-input dealers, retailers, agents or stockiest.

9. Coordinate and work closely with district production department/sub county authorities to ensure that they are informed about the program activities through curtsey visits to the Sub county headquarters of program operation and at the production department at the district.

10. Prepare timely monthly progress reports by providing data to support evidence of tasks accomplished by all AEWs and other work plan activities accomplished and submit to Agronomist.

11. Represent the Agronomist and the agronomy sector in any SNR agricultural extension and advisory services in northern Karamoja.

12. Carryout ground field verification of AEWs reports to capture the face and rate of farmer adoption to new technologies and better farming practices. Participate in organizing and conducting of monthly sector review meetings.

13. Give technical support and ground supervision of AEWs to ensure implementation of quality demonstration plots, farmer field days, farmer exchange visits, and community seed multiplication, perma-gardening and seed nurseries bed that may be supported by SNR program.

14. Coordinate with other SNR teams and partners.

15. Incorporate gender mainstreaming into program activities, considering the specific needs of women farmers and their constraints to farming (time, land ownership, money, decision making etc.)

16. Participate in the program reviews, assessments, monitoring activities, learning and evaluations.

17. Support the Agronomist with overall implementation of agriculture activities; develop future follow-on activity and any task as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

· Bachelor of Science in Agronomy or related field within Agriculture.

· 5 years field experience in agricultural extension services, agricultural programming, farmer training and community mobilization, project planning, activities with women, and similar relevant activities can apply.

· Be a self-starter, motivated, be able to work independently and take initiative.

· Excellent English language, verbal and written communication skills; proficiency in Ng’akarimojong or Lepthur is also preferable.

· Willingness to travel extensively throughout northern Karamoja districts or program sites.

· Good computer skills i.e. MS Office, MS excel

· Valid motorcycle riding permit is an added advantage.

Applications: Submit your application through email to ug-mcjobs@mercycorps.org addressed to the Senior HR and Legal Manager, Mercy Corps Uganda. Include a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates. Deadline for Submission: Close of business on Monday, 29^th May, 2017. Subject of email should include the position you are applying for**.** Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer; qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.