Project Extension Officer

Title of the position:  Project Extension Officer

Duration of the contract: 12 months (renewable)

Expected starting date: 1st January 2025

Place of deployment: Adado district (80%) and Mogadishu (20%) with frequent field trips in satellite villages

Name of the Project: Enhancing Livelihood of vulnerable communities in Adado and its satellite villages

Background of the organization: SOADO is a local Humanitarian and Development Organization registered with the Ministry of Interior and Federal Affairs of the Federal Government of Somalia. The primary objective of this organization is to enhance the livelihood conditions of Somali society through the promotion of sustainable agriculture, conservation of natural resources, and capacity building of rural communities via skill training for women and youth. SOADO operates within the food security, nutrition, and health sectors. The organization implements agro-ecological farming practices in south-central Somalia.

Brief about the project: This project will contribute towards sustainably improve food security, nutrition and livelihoods and to build resilience among vulnerable households and their communities in Adado district and its satellite villages and targets approximately 1700 households (1000 vulnerable agro-pastoral, 500 urban, and 200 IDPs). The project aims to address the improvement of food production through the introduction of home gardening, root crops, and the integration of ecological farming practices to enhance household economics and reduce the cost of living. The project also seeks to ensure and improve the knowledge of vulnerable communities regarding agro-ecological farming practices and natural resource conservation.

Objectives and general characteristics of the position:

The Agricultural project manager is responsible for the direct implementation of SOADO’s agricultural activities in Adado district and its satellite villages, under the direct supervision of the Agricultural Team Leader and country director. (S)He will work on the delivery of training on Good Agronomic Practices, on the provision of technical support and assistance to Home gardening, vegetable and root crop farmers and the facilitation of training of ecological farming and other project components that strengthen the role and capacities of the farmers groups.  (s)he will be involved in the organization of project workshops and in the conduction of monitoring activities in coordination with the SOADO Area Manager and M&E Officer

Duties and Responsibilities

·         Transfer of knowledge and information on the latest ecological farming techniques and research to the related farmers and producers.

·         Train farmers on the best practices and to make them ready for decisions making in the future.

·         Help farmers to establish farmers associations and farmer groups.

·         Help farmers in selection of improved seed varieties and proper agri tools.

·         Provision of consultations to farmers and follow-up.

·         Assist farmers in the fight against pests.

·         Mobilize farmers in implementing their agriculture activity effectively.

·         Assist farmers to realize their regular meetings.

·         Assist farmers by providing information about agricultural techniques appropriate to the local condition, inputs availability, and credits and marketing.

·         Assist farmers in formulation of seasonal cultivation and annual needs Prepare work schedule or extension events in coordination with project team.

·         Identify and predict pests or disease that may affect crop and livestock, and provide sustainable treatment which will not be affect the future of farming.

·         Assist farmers to diagnose farming related problems and propose appropriate solutions.

·          Elaborate operational plan for extension activity and monthly report

·         Any other activities that might be required

Required experience:

·         Degree in Agriculture or any related fields;

·         Past working experience (at least 3 years) in agricultural programs in humanitarian/development sector;

·         Previous experience working in Galmudug State of Somalia;

·         Knowledge of English and Somali;

·         Knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Desired skills and experiences:

·         Previous experience in working with Galmudug is an asset.

·         Previous experience in the Home gardening and drip irrigation is an asset

·         Female applicants form the target communities is encourage to apply.

SOADO Agricultural Department and Area manager

How to apply: To apply please send your CV and cover letter, along with three (3) referees to the following email address to [email protected], by the 22nd of December 2024. Only shortlisted candidate will be contacted.