Project Officer(Agroforestry Technician)-Kenya

ABOUT SOLIDARIDAD EAST AND CENTRAL AFRICA

Solidaridad is an international solution-oriented civil society organization with over 50 years of experience in developing solutions to make communities more resilient and create more sustainable supply chains. We work throughout the entire value chain to make sustainability the norm. Our innovative solutions support the transition to an inclusive economy that provides sustainable livelihoods with fair and profitable business opportunities. This includes decent working conditions, a fair living wage, and production in balance with nature so that all people can thrive now and for generations to come. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Solidaridad East, and Central Africa has country offices and programs in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda, and outreaches in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, Rwanda, and Cameroon.

Title: Project Officer (Agroforestry Technician)-Kenya

Duration: 1-year contract (extension based on performance)

Reporting line: Project Manager

Position level: Junior level

Location: Mt. Elgon

THE PROJECT

Solidaridad is implementing a five-year multinational project dubbed ‘From Climate Victims to Climate Heroes’ that seeks to improve the landscapes and livelihoods of 50,000 smallholder coffee farmers in the Eastern, Northern, Western, Central, and West Nile regions of Uganda and Mt Elgon Kenya through carbon farming and financing. Solidaridad is therefore seeking to recruit a dynamic and innovative professional for the position of Project Officer.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Field Extensionist will support the coordination and implementation of the project activities based in Kenya. This includes support to smallholder farmers to adopt carbon reduction & agroforestry practices and pilot efficient, cost-effective, and innovative community-led deployment approaches that facilitate enhanced tree/soil carbon sequestration. Activities will entail capacity-building sessions and establishing demonstrations on a number of carbon farming initiatives in selected coffee-growing counties in Kenya.

The position reports to the Climate Change and NRM officer and will be based in the region of operation within Kenya.

Summary of Tasks

Mobilization, Facilitation, and Collaboration

Mobilize, recruit, onboard, conduct in-field training, and supervision of farmers, farmer groups, and lead farmers, aimed at efficiently and effectively achieving set project targets.

Foster mutually beneficial partnerships and collaboration with relevant County government departments, implementing partners, and other like-minded actors in the target areas of operation.

Work closely with the MEAL team in the periodic monitoring and data management actions including routine data collection and consequent updating of the project database.

Work closely with the Communications Officer to implement the relevant project communication plan. This includes tailoring/curating compelling content for various audiences – success stories, key messaging, social media graphics, articles, reports, and thought leadership articles to showcase /promote Solidaridad’s work and impact.

Conduct regular farmer visits and follow-ups to deepen skills and knowledge adoption and practice for better project outcomes.

Prepare and implement agreed activity-based plans, and budgets and submit periodic/ contractual progress reports to the CC&NRM officer.

Capacity Enhancement

Train lead farmers and groups on; better agronomic practices, climate-smart practices, Carbon farming, Governance and group leadership dynamics, Village Savings and Loan opportunities, deploy measures to specifically increase the uptake of tree nursery establishment and agroforestry practices among the coffee farmers, foster registration of coffee agroforestry farmers.

Carry out regular action learning farmer visits and follow-ups to track and enhance the adoption of implemented practices for better project results.

Liaise with the Gender lead to facilitate and conduct related gender training

Qualifications Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree in agronomy, agricultural extension, climate-smart farming technologies or any other relevant academic qualification.

3 years of demonstrable experience working with smallholder farmers in either capacity development, climate-smart agro-extension services provision, and or agri-business support.

Experience in training at the field/community level and excellent reporting skills.

Good English and Kiswahili, oral and written.

Proficiency in computer applications

Good communication skills

Essential Requirements:

Able to identify and document strong, interesting stories/case studies.

Skills in the documentation of projects’ best practices and learned lessons are an advantage.

Working knowledge of social media and online communications (including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn).

Passion and interest in rural development.

Flexible, willing to grow professionally and learn new skills.

Ability to work collaboratively with diverse team members.

Enthusiasm to learn and develop new skills within the role.