To enhance the monitoring and evaluation strategies of Slow Food Uganda, we are seeking to hire a dedicated Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer. The primary responsibilities of the M&E Officer will include evaluating and enhancing the organization’s M&E system, providing guidance and assistance to the team in data collection efforts, and assuming the lead role in monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the gathered data. This position will play a crucial role in supporting and strengthening Slow Food Uganda’s overall monitoring and evaluation initiatives.

About Slow Food Uganda
Slow Food Uganda is a legally registered not for profit organization in Uganda and it is an affiliate of Slow Food International, a global, grassroots organization, whose focus is to promote local and indigenous food biodiversity, prevent the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions, but also defending the right to food sovereignty for all people whilst safeguarding biodiversity and traditional food value chains. The movement grows with its main activities focusing on safeguarding food biodiversity, promoting sustainable agriculture and traditional foods and helping small-scale farmers rediscover themselves and promote their cultural food traditions with pride and dignity. Slow Food Uganda is working towards three main strategic directions namely; 1.) defending cultural and biological diversity; 2.) educating communities about food in a holistic approach; and 3.) advocating for better policies that lead to good, clean and fair food for all.

Vision: All people in Uganda have unlimited access and enjoy adequate food that is good for them; good for those who grow it and good for the planet at all times.

Mission: Slow Food Communities effectively promote a Good, Clean and Fair food system that ensures food sovereignty for all.
➢ Good: Food should taste good and be rooted in season, place, and culture.
➢ Clean: Food and farming should promote health and wellbeing, preserve agricultural resources, protect the environment and biodiversity, and ensure animal welfare.
➢ Fair: Food should be accessible and affordable to all, and should provide dignity and fair compensation to workers at every link in the food chain.
For more information, please visit our website www.slowfooduganda.org

Location: Kigezi region (Kabale, Rukiga and Rubanda districts)
Position Type: Full-time
Reports to: Project Manager and the Executive Director

Job Overview:
The Agroecological Field Officer will play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices within Kigezi region. The primary responsibilities will include working closely with farmers, communities, and project teams to implement agroecological principles and practices ensuring the conservation of natural resources, enhancement of biodiversity and improved nutrition. This role demands a deep understanding of agroecology, nutrition based on diverse local diets, excellent communication and report writing skills, team work, flexibility, open mindedness and the ability to engage and educate stakeholders on sustainable farming and consumption practices.

Key Responsibilities:
Agroecological Training and Capacity Building:
• Design and deliver training programs for farmers and community members on agroecological principles and practices, including soil fertility management, pest control, water management, climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.
• Provide technical assistance to farmers in implementing agroecological practices.

Farm Planning and Design:
• Collaborate with community and school garden managers to design and establish agroecologically sound farm/garden layouts that optimize resource use and promote local biodiversity.
• Assist in the development and implementation of agroforestry systems.

Water Management:
• Promote water conservation and efficient irrigation methods.
• Assist in the design and implementation of rainwater harvesting systems.

Biodiversity Conservation:
• Implement strategies to enhance on-farm biodiversity, including the integration of cover crops, crop varieties at a risk of extinction and the creation of habitat for beneficial organisms.
• Promote seed saving and sharing for local seed varieties among beneficiaries
Collaborate with farmers to establish and manage agroecological corridors.

Nutrition Security
• Create awareness about the importance of nutrition based on local diverse diets among beneficiaries
• Assist in organizing nutrition related events in schools and communities
• Educate beneficiaries on how to prepare nutritious local foods Data Collection and Monitoring:
• Monitor and assess the impact of agroecological interventions on farm productivity, biodiversity, and soil health.
• Collect and analyze relevant data to support adaptive management.

Community Engagement:
• Foster community involvement in agroecological initiatives, ensuring that local knowledge and practices are integrated into project activities.
• Organize community events and workshops to raise awareness about the benefits of agroecology.
• Assist in the organization of periodic agroecological farmers market days for fresh, seasonal and diverse foods
• Assist in the creation and strengthening of Slow Food garden clubs in selected schools
• Advocate for the adoption of organic soil amendments rather than use of synthetic chemical inputs

Partnership Development:
• Collaborate with local agricultural extension services, NGOs, and research institutions to leverage expertise and resources.
• Establish partnerships with local suppliers of organic inputs.
• Participate in relevant activities that aim at promoting good, clean and fair food such as advocacy sessions, food fairs and agricultural shows.

Qualifications and Skills:
• Bachelor’s in Agronomy, Agroecology, Sustainable Agriculture, or a related field.
• Proven experience of at least four years in implementing agroecological practices and promoting nutrition based on local diets in community settings.
• Strong practical knowledge of sustainable farming methods
• Excellent communication, computer and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage and work effectively with farmers and diverse community stakeholders.
• Familiarity with data collection tools and monitoring techniques.
• Passion for promoting environmentally friendly and socially responsible agricultural practices.
• Must be knowing how to ride a motorcycle with a valid permit
• Ability to communicate in Runyankole/Rukiiga is a must

WHAT WE OFFER:
▪ Full-time employee contract from 30th January, to 31st December 2024 with potential extension based on available funding and positive performance evaluation
▪ Employer NSSF contribution
▪ Dynamic team environment