AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN (2 POSTS)

Background: 

VSF-Suisse is an International NGO, supporting humanitarian, food security, livelihoods and development programs the Horn of Africa region since 1995. 

In its South Sudan Program, the organization currently implements projects funded by the EU, USAID/OFDA, UNDP, UNICEF and FAO in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Unity and Warrap States. The program aims to enhance improved livelihoods and self-reliance of target beneficiaries through (i) improved crops-livestock production practices; (ii) livestock assets protection through emergency veterinary services; (iii) appropriate crops, livestock and livestock products value addition and marketing; (iv) supporting institution and capacity building to relevant partner Ministries in the Republic of South Sudan and the private sector and, (v) facilitating economic reintegration of vulnerable groups into agro-pastoral livelihoods through livestock assets re-distribution, vocational skills training and IGAs. 

VSF-Suisse seeks to fill the following position immediately for the South Sudan Program. The positions are field based and aspiring candidates should be willing to reside and work under basic but gradually improving living conditions. The positions will initially be for a period of 12 months but renewable depending on availability of new donor funding.

The Position

1. Duration: I year with possibility of contract renewal subject to performance and donor funding 
2. Key Responsibilities: 
3. Under the supervision of the Project Manager/Team Leader, the position holder will implement Agro-Forestry related project activities. Key responsibilities will include the following: 
4. Actively engage in program activity and budget planning in accordance with the objectives, work plan and budget of the South Sudan programme. 
5. Support the design, establishment, and operation of Farmers Field Schools (FFS) and Junior Farmer Field Schools (JFFS) 
6. Supervise and provide general and technical guidance to FFs facilitators. 
7. Develop together with the FFS facilitators’ season long training curriculum/work plans for the FFS and ensure its implementation as per identified farmers needs. 
8. Support FFF Facilitators and farmers to identify causes and develop on farm solutions to challenges experienced on farms 
9. Mobilize communities and participate in project needs and opportunity assessments and advice accordingly. 
10. Advise on procurement, storage and utilization of inputs for integrated farming 
11. Assist in the design and implementation of data collection methodology, project monitoring and evaluation tools. 
12. Support the development of relevant extension material for integrated farming 
13. Train and supervise subordinate personnel in the proper methods and techniques of environmentally sound and integrated crops and livestock production 
14. Conduct M & E and prepare project specific reports 

Qualifications, Experience, Attributes & Skills required 

• Diploma/Degree in General Agriculture, Agricultural Education and Extension or related field. 
• 3-5 years of experience focused in the management of transitional and development programs 
• Experience working in an NGO setting 
• Experience and knowledge in the design and implementation of farmer field school approaches 
• Working experience in livestock/poultry husbandry; dairy hygiene and marketing 
• Experience in implementing fruit and multi-purpose trees and vegetable production management and marketing projects 
• Prior experience in South Sudan desired for non Sudanese 
• Excellent analytical/problem-solving skills and detail-orientation 
• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) 
• Proven organizational skills and time management 
• Excellent computer skills; excel, ms word 

To apply

Interested candidates should submit an application letter and CV indicating their E-mail and/or telephone contacts, their current remuneration as well as names and contacts of three referees to the attention of Human Resources Manager via the above postal or e-mail address. Application letters can also be hand delivered to the places named above as well as to our field bases in Leer, Nyamlel and Malualkon. Indicate on the subject the Job Title of the position being applied. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews. Closing date for receiving applications is on or before 4th January 2013 by 16.00hrs.

Address

VSF Suisse, Olekejuado Road, P. O. Box 25656, 00603 Nairobi, Kenya 

OR: 

Plot No. AX111, Block 131 Off Stadium Road, Opposite the Old Cemetery, 

Hai Malakal, Juba, South Sudan 

E mail: recruitment@vsfsuisse.org