Field-Based Agronomist

Organizational Setting

FAO Representation in Sierra Leone implements an integrated food security programme, focusing on diversification of livelihoods, managing natural resources and building resilience. The office employs diverse team of experts locally, but also attracts the available technical experts from the region and the Head Quarters (HQ). FAO works in close partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, farmers and other stakeholders, supporting plans and policies that affect the food and nutrition security in the country; our work is a part of the corporate commitment to support countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, especially SDG 2 on Zero Hunger.

FAO Sierra Leone in collaboration with UNDP and UNFPA is implementing a joint youth-focused peace-building project for which the FAO country office in Sierra Leone is the lead agency. This project aims to empower youth at risk to become agents of change for community resilience, providing positive role models in the community and contributing to social cohesion in the targeted districts. It will provide increased possibilities for the voices of youth to be heard and to participate in decision-making spaces; for securing their sustainable livelihoods; and increasing access to prevention and protection services, including counselling, related to gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices (including early marriages, drug, alcohol, and substance abuse). This project will strengthen the capacities of security and civilian authorities as well as civil society organizations at the national and local levels to deal with youth-at-risk issues adhering to respect for human rights and dignity.

This position will be based in the field – Kenema or Tonkolili

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone, the Agronomist will be directly supervised by the Project Manager and work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry extension officers and the Ministry of Youth Affairs.

Technical Focus

The overall responsibility of the Agronomist is to support the implementation of the project’s livelihood component for youth and risk, by ensuring effective, high quality and conflict-sensitive implementation of livelihood and agriculture activities in the targeted communities.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone and the supervision by the Project Manager, the Agronomist will:

• Coordinate closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) and relevant district, chiefdom and community youth structures and stakeholders for the implementation of livelihood and agricultural activities
• Support field assessments to determine agricultural inputs and equipment needed
• Support review of training materials on good agronomic practices, climate smart agriculture, and agri-business development
• Conduct trainings for youth at risk in cooperation with MAF extension workers
• Supervise and monitor land preparation for agricultural activities
• Support coordination and promote peaceful cooperation between youth at risk groups and communities
• Support distribution of agricultural inputs to beneficiaries
• Monitor the agricultural activities and the application of improved agronomic practices, with continued coaching of project participants
• Support/facilitate trainings for youth groups on processing and value addition, and operation & maintenance of value addition equipment
• Facilitate the organization of youth at risk and linkages to Farmer-Based Organizations for the promotion of agri-business development and formalization of groups into Youth Agri-Enterprises
• Support identification and promotion of viable value chains and link youth at risk with private sector actors and agri-businesses
• Report on progress and challenges and recommend solutions to Project Manager

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University Degree in Agriculture, Community Development
• At least five (5) years of experience working on agricultural and livelihood programs
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian). For PSA.SBS working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience working with a UN agency or international organization
• Experience working in the project targeted areas Kenema and Tonkolili
• Documented training and facilitation skills
• Experience with Farmer Field School Approaches
• Ability to speak one or more of local languages in the project targeted areas (preferred)
• Conflict sensitivity and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to ride a motorbike
• Thorough technical knowledge on various agricultural technologies including crop production, animal rearing and integrated farming systems (experience in poultry production a strong preference)
• Experience with farm-for-business approaches
• Excellent training and facilitation skills
• Experience working on peace-building programs
• Experience working with youth focused programs and vulnerable youths