Food Security and Livelihood Officer – DARIS WACAN at Organization for Sustainable Development Africa (OSDA)

• The Food Security and Livelihood Officer will lead the implementation of food security and livelihood interventions under the DARIS WACAN project. The role involves designing, planning, and executing activities that enhance livelihoods, build resilience, and improve food security among cross-border communities. The FSL Officer will work closely with project stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and partners, to ensure effective delivery of project outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and implement food security and livelihood activities, including capacity-building initiatives, and agricultural support interventions.
• Identify and promote climate-resilient agricultural practices and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
• Support community-based groups, cooperatives, and small-scale farmers to enhance their productivity and market access.
• Provide training to community members on improved climate smart agriculture, value chain development, entrepreneurship and business skills.
• Work closely with other project staff, local government line ministries and the communities in the planning and coordination of the project.
• Provide regular report and updates to the Project Manager on progress of implementation of livelihood activities.
• Ensure correct beneficiary selection procedure and criteria are followed.
• Coordinate with the Project Manager, MEAL team, and the finance team, logistics and procurement in the planning of livelihood activities.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual activity plans, action plans for monitoring, review and quarterly and annual project reports and plans.
• Facilitate participatory approaches to ensure community involvement in designing and implementing interventions.
• Conduct regular community consultations to identify needs, gaps, and opportunities in food security and livelihoods.
• Collaborate with the MEAL team to monitor the progress and impact of FSL activities.
• Document lessons learned, best practices, and success stories, in liaison with the MEAL team, to inform adaptive programming and reporting.
• Work closely with local governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to foster partnerships and coordinate FSL activities.
• Promote gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches in all project interventions.
• Ensure compliance with donor guidelines and project objectives in all reporting and documentation.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the line manager.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree social sciences, agriculture, Agribusiness, Development Studies, or other discipline relevant to rural livelihoods. A master’s degree is an added advantage.
• At least 3 years of experience in implementing food security and livelihood projects, preferably in cross-border or resilience-building contexts.
• Strong knowledge of climate-smart agriculture, value chain development, and sustainable livelihoods.
• Proven ability to engage with communities and deliver participatory approaches.
• Proven ability to work in multicultural environments and with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Willingness to travel to the field as and when needed.
• Experience working with EU-funded projects or IOM frameworks is an advantage.
• Experience in working in insecure environment and ability to strictly adhere to OSDA’s security operating procedures.