CNFA

Deadline: 10 November 2020 (12pm)

Reports to: Agriculture and Livelihoods Lead

Location: Lupane or Hwange with travel within Amalima Loko operational areas

About CNFA and Amalima Loko

CNFA is a US-based non-profit nongovernmental organization (NGO) that works to stimulate economic growth and improve rural livelihoods in the developing world through five core capabilities: (1) Productivity, Food Security and Nutrition; (2) Input Supply and Farm Services; (3) Economic Resilience and Rapid Recovery; (4) Value Chain Development; and (5) Volunteer Technical Assistance. Amalima Loko is a new USAID-funded 5-year program implemented by CNFA and 5 partner organizations which applies community-driven approaches to improve food security, nutrition, and natural resource management in over 80 communal wards in Matabeleland North.

Position Summary

CNFA is seeking qualified applicants with significant >5 years’ experience in USAID-funded programs to serve as Agriculture Specialist. The Agriculture Specialist will be within the Amalima Loko program structure. S/he will serve as the lead member of the Amalima Loko team overseeing all aspects of crop production, marketing, financing and program compliance to USAID regulations. S/he will report directly to the Food Security Technical Coordinator.

Responsibilities

Develop innovative strategies to sustainably increase adoption of conservation agriculture and other improved production techniques and practices (e.g. intercropping, farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR), micro-dosing of fertilizer, etc.) and increase cultivation of nutritious crops such as orange-fleshed sweet potato, pro-Vitamin A maize, groundnuts, cowpeas, and nutrient dense millet and sorghum;

Introduce new and improved crop varieties and production technologies that enhance drought resistance, improve household nutrition and food security and increase yields;

Provide training to improve soil fertility and crop management, including but not limited to conservation farming, crop rotation and integrated nutrient management;

Promote community-based seed security schemes;

Promote irrigated crop production by developing models and irrigation techniques that are sustainable and appropriate to Amalima Loko context.

Promote the use of indigenous knowledge systems in crop production;

Work with agro-dealers and input supply companies to develop viable and sustainable input supply models;

Work with agro-dealers and input supply companies to organize input fairs to showcase drought-tolerant crop varieties and other appropriate seeds as well as tools, irrigation equipment, and livestock inputs;

Conduct project site supervision and quality control activities for the program; Undertaking project related surveys (baseline, process monitoring & post implementation);

Engage with MEL Manager on program impact data collection and research opportunities;

Work closely with Gender Specialists to ensure that gender mainstreaming efforts are a component of all agriculture sector activities.

Work closely with other Program Specialists to ensure integration and promotion of a holistic farming systems approach;

Document activities and production of relevant weekly/monthly, quarterly and progress reports;

Act as the primary liaison with district level AGRITEX and private sector input suppliers and service providers and maintenance of close, transparent and cordial relationships with all other relevant stakeholders in the area of operation;

Complete other duties as necessary and assigned by the Agriculture and Livelihoods Lead.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field of Economics, Agribusiness/Agriculture, master’s degree preferred;

Minimum >5 years’ experience in designing and implementing agriculture projects in the smallholder sector. Experience with NGOs is strongly preferred. USAID and FFP/DFAP/DFSA experience a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirement

Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate with wide range of stakeholders both verbally and in writing;

Willingness to stay and travel in very harsh and uncomfortable conditions;

Knowledge of agriculture productivity and production in a development context within Natural Regions IV and V;

Demonstrated ability to work within a large and diverse team;

Valid Drivers Licence.

Languages

Fluency in spoken and written English is essential. Basic proficiency in spoken IsiNdebele required. Proficiency in other languages spoken in Matabeleland North a plus.