Somalia: Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture Field Officer

Sep 10, 2018 | European Committee for Agricultural Training
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European Committee for Training and Agriculture (Comitato Europeo per la Formazione e l’Agricoltura) is an Italian NGO, founded in 1972, whose works lays its foundation on the principles of solidarity and cooperation between different regions of the world in the name of Justice, Human Rights, and Peace. CEFA believes in strengthening local institutions, aiming to improve livelihood opportunities for local communities and households’ living conditions through capacity building, awareness raising and advocacy for the protection of vulnerable children and fundamental human rights. Currently, CEFA is running programs in 10 different Countries across Africa, Latin America, and Europe. CEFA has been working in Somalia since 1992 mainly in Middle and Lower Shabelle and in Puntland dealing mainly with canals rehabilitation and building of water infrastructures, agricultural inputs distribution and training to farmers, strengthening of sesame and palm date value chains.

Brief about the Project:

The project “Economic Development and Livelihoods Support for women, youth and rural households in Johwar District” will be implemented in Jowhar, Hirshabelle. It includes three main components:

  1. Support and diversification of the agricultural production of small-scale farmer
  2. Establishment and rehabilitation of economic infrastructure
  3. Improvement of market access and linkages with the private sector

The project also encloses a Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture program to address malnutrition especially among women and vulnerable youths.

Position Summary:

Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture is a food-based approach created by FAO that puts nutritionally rich foods, dietary diversity and food fortification at the center of an integrated strategy to overcome malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. The purpose is to make nutritious food more available, accessible and affordable, increasing diversity in food production and making food itself more nutritious.

The Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture Field Officer will be responsible for supporting the Sesame Value Chain and Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture Team Leader in the implementation of the nutrition-sensitive activities envisioned by the project, such as: training facilitation on Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture to project beneficiaries, introduction/promotion of nutrition-sensitive crops and products, sensitization and awareness creation to prevent malnutrition, support to women, youth and the most vulnerable beneficiaries targeted by the project.

Responsibilities and duties:

  • Implement the Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture activities under the supervision of the Sesame Value Chain and Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture Team Leader.
  • Beneficiaries mobilization and awareness creation in nutrition-sensitive aspects to prevent malnutrition.
  • Support and facilitate training activities on Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture.
  • Support the preparation of learning materials.
  • Counseling and sensitization activities on malnutrition prevention
  • Ensure the compilation of attendance lists and project documentation when required.
  • Support monitoring activities by providing the Team Leader with data and updated information from the field.
  • Implement the agricultural inputs distribution, with a specific focus on the Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture kits, under the supervision of the Team Leader.
  • Support the establishment of a honey processing unit.
  • Support the distribution of beehives and the implementation of modern beekeeping activities.
  • Continuous follow-up with farmers and project beneficiaries on training and nutrition-sensitive activities.
  • Field visits and provision of nutritional and technical support to project beneficiaries.
  • Any other activities that might be required.

Education, competencies and experience requirements:

  • Minimum 2 years’ experience as an agriculture/nutrition field officer in Somalia
  • Mixed background/experience in both nutrition and agriculture will be an asset
  • Experience in beekeeping will be an asset
  • Proven experience in working in a team environment and in training delivery in agriculture/nutrition projects
  • High School Diploma, preferably in agriculture/nutrition or related fields
  • Relevant certifications
  • Facilitation skills
  • Reporting Skills
  • Computer literacy (Excel, Word, Office Package)
  • Proven experience in working in a team environment.
  • Fluent in English and Somali
  • Previous CEFA work experience and Degree in agriculture/nutrition will be an asset

Functional Skills:

  • Team Work
  • Good communication skills
  • Must be able to work independently with limited supervision
  • Ability to strictly adhere to deadlines
  • Readiness to sign and abide by a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion policy
  • Readiness to commit and adhere to values, mission, and vision of CEFA and the donor

Responsible to:

  • CEFA Sesame Value Chain and Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture Team Leader
  • CEFA Agriculture and Livelihoods Field Coordinator.