Business Support Assistant (Resilience), SC3 - 6 positions at World Food Programme (WFP)

JOB PURPOSE

• Under the direct supervision of the Programme Associate, this position will provide technical support in the implementation of resilience and self-reliance activities targeting refugees and integrating local communities. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

• Under the guidance of the Programme Associate, facilitate participatory community engagement, and targeting processes.
• Within the assigned location(s), facilitate formation and building capacities of community project management structures including project management committees, water users' associations, market associations, Common interest groups among others.
• Monitor and guide farmers (using technical manuals) on appropriate crop, including fodder and livestock husbandry practices, including (land preparations, planting, weed, pest and disease management), in liaison with government and FAO personnel.
• Contribute to the assessment, design, implementation and monitoring of the WFP’s resilience/self-reliance projects.
• Correctly interpret farm, market plans and assist the target groups to implement such plans.
• Support the producer groups to develop and implement production calendars/ production schedules for both crops and livestock.  
• Maintain an updated farmers’ list, plot allocations, crops planted, and ensure agreed procedures are followed by the farmers and committee.
• Oversee maintenance of farm implements and tools, infrastructure, farm input and supplies and assist committees) to plan for repairs, replacements, and upgrades.
• Conduct field visits to farms to conduct analyses and collect data, such as crop yield, measuring, and share with the supervisor for analysis and interpretation.
• Implement the agreed upon crop and livestock produce/product post-harvest management and value addition plans/schemes.
• Work with committee and farmers to ensure the sites and infrastructure are secured, deliberate, and implement measures to eliminate vandalism.
• Prepare and share with the supervisor; weekly and or biweekly and monthly reports.
• Work with the local government officers to provide required Agricultural and Livestock extension support to farmers.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: 

• Post secondary qualification in the fields of agriculture, natural resources, range resource management, agriculture education and extension, agribusiness, water and environmental engineering, irrigation or similar discipline.

Experience: 

• Practical and hands on experience in areas of crop production, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), fodder production and feed conservation, agricultural extension, farm yield data collection and recording, and farmer group dynamics etc.
• Have at least two (2) years' experience in agriculture or livestock production.
• Experience of working in refugee and host community projects is an added advantage 
• Strong organizational, problem-solving  skills

Knowledge and skills:

• Extensive knowledge of Kenya’s refugee context.
• Knowledge of current agricultural practices and trends in ASAL areas of Kenya;
• Understanding of resilience and food system concepts and their application to programme design and implementation in different contexts.
• Proficiency in project planning and management with skills in the following fields; Community development, Crop and livestock-based livelihoods development in the following areas; agro based employment creation, integrated nutrition, financial inclusion, vocational and technical education and training.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation skills and ability to participate in and facilitate meetings and/or training.