JOB DETAILS:

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is the largest Finnish development cooperation organization and the second largest provider of humanitarian aid. FCA operates in over 20 countries, with dire need. FCA works with the poorest people, regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnic background or political affiliations. FCA work is based on promotion of human dignity and fundamental human rights and freedom. , implying that FCA operations are guided by equality, non-discrimination and responsibility.
FCA’s work in Uganda focuses on promoting sustainable livelihoods, Education in emergency; development education and peace. The Uganda country program compliments Finland’s traditional concern for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people and marginalized groups. FCA has a proven track record in supporting the very poor and vulnerable groups in Uganda since the 90s through our implementing partners. Reduction of poverty to decrease vulnerability and increase opportunity for the most marginalized and extremely vulnerable individuals is the overarching objective of the FCA Uganda country program.
FCA has received funds from the European Union through Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE) to implement a project named ‘Improving nutrition in Africa by strengthening the diversity, sustainability, resilience & connectivity of food systems’, abbreviated as HeatthyFoodsAfrica (HFA) The HEALHTYFOODSAFRICA project is a research and innovation action. It aims to enhance better-informed food choices and food consumption patterns, and sustainable, climate-resilient production systems; encouraging equitable and sustainable food-chains, thereby empowering small-holder farmers and small food businesses in Africa; developing food producers’ expertise, capacities, and skills, learning from them and with them, and supporting their food related initiatives through multi-actor platforms, in order to deliver better nutrition performance in Africa. The 4-year project based in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement is in the form of a Food Systems Lab. It is part of, and will contribute to, the larger HFA Project being implemented in 10 countries in Africa.
FCA is now seeking to recruit a competent Agriculture Extension Officer (AEO) for the Project
JOB TITLE : AGRICULTURE EXTENSION OFFICER
REPOTS TO : LIVELIHOOD SPECIALIST / AREA MANAGER
LOCATION : RWAMWANJA
Under the overall supervision of the Livelihood Specialist, and the direct supervision of the Area Manager, the incumbent will oversee the implementation of the project innovative extension model aimed at stimulating the traditional poor farmers to become innovative farmers, working with them to improve maize productivity and creating with them a ‘direct maize market’ with improved terms of trade. He / she will implement all field-level activities related to the production, post-harvest handling, and value addition and marketing, for the targeted smallholder maize farmers in accordance with the approved FSL proposal, budget and timeline

Key Result Areas

Specifically, the Agriculture Extension Officer will perform the following duties:
• Develop monthly, quarterly and annual work plans and budgets;
• Provide technical advice to maize smallholder farmers on how to adopt best farming practices.
• Provide technical backstopping to the targeted maize farmers through regular On-farm support visits, conducting Farmer Field Days and establishment of demonstrations / centres of excellence;
• Provide technical advice on design elements to strengthen the Community-based Agricultural Extension System through the novel Agricultural Enterprise Agents (AEAs) approach.
• Provide training, mentorship and coaching of AEAs in maize value chain development approach.
• Supervise the AEAs and ensure effective implementation of project community-based extension activities.
• Establish a system to monitor and evaluate project activities, collect and update accurate and timely FSL related research data on an on-going basis.
• Maintain networks of collaboration with technical specialists, district Agricultural Office to gather information and promote awareness of technical issues to improve extension systems and advisory services.
• Support the development of partnerships with the district, private sector, NGOs, CBOS and other stakeholders involved in the area of the maize value chains / agriculture.
• Compile farmer profiles include training needs, output and any data needs as might be required
• Participate in stakeholder dialogue and consultation meetings with project communities
• Support the development of increased market linkages for the FSL targeted smallholder farmers.
• Perform other related duties as required

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• A Bachelors University Degree in Extension, Agriculture Sciences, Rural Development, or related field. Additional training in Value Chain governance will be an added advantage
• Five years of relevant experience in planning and implementation of agricultural extension projects in rural development context.
• A deep understanding of the M4P Approach and value chain governance.
• Previous experience implementing similar activities in a refugee setting will be an added advantage
• Working knowledge of English, Runyakore / Rukiga, Kiswahili and Kinyabwisha
Other Essentail Requirements
• Candidates will be assessed against the following:
• Experience in rural agricultural extension with poor smallholder farms
• Good knowledge of project planning and management.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare clear and concise technical reports
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and conduct technical meetings and training activities
• Commuter literacy ie Ms Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
• Ability to work in a local and refugee context in remote areas
• Ability to work in a local and refugee context in remote areas
• Ability to ride a motorcycle and possession of a valid riding permit is a MUST

Interested applications should send a cover letter and a CV (not more than 5 pages) with at least three referees and a daytime telephone contact with copies of academic papers addressed to: The Human Resource and Administration Manager, Finn Church AID, Uganda Country Office. P.O. Box 21826 Kampala, Tank Hill Rd, Roche Close, Plot 1495 Muyenga, Uganda. Email applications should be in one file attachment (Ms Word or PDF) mentioning the position title in the subject to [email protected]  Deadline for receiving applications is Tuesday 26th June 2020. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing Date : 26th June 2020