Project Officer – Insect Farming at DanChurchAid (DCA)

DCA is seeking to recruit an experienced and energetic Kenyan National for the following position: Project Officer – Insect Farming: The position is based in Nakuru, with frequent field travel within Nakuru and to Nyandarua Counties and reports to the Project Coordinator – AgriTech Solutions (PC) based in Nakuru.

The main responsibilities of the PO are:

1. Manage all the DCA direct implemented Black Soldier Fly production, commercialisation, and upscaling actions of the project.
2. Facilitate DCA initiated innovation initiatives at the field level in close consultations with the PC, Area Programme Manager and DCA consortium partners. These will include private sector & academic partners and related innovation incubation and prototyping to enhance uptake of Black Soldier fly farming and commercialisation.
3. Support the day-to-day implementation of DCA and partner staff project interventions at the field level. This entails development and execution of detailed implementation plans, having a teaching and facilitative role, staff supervision as well as monitoring and evaluation aspects of BSF commercialisation of the project.
4. Network and coordinate with other field operational I/NGOs, UN Agencies and County Government and explore/advise on possible areas of collaboration/partnerships to enhance program synergy.
5. Facilitate, support and initiate digitised baseline, monitoring and evaluation data collection and other assessments and generate relevant reports as well as support concept paper development at the field level as part of DCA fundraising efforts.
6. Facilitate/support collaboration and cross learning among DCA projects & partners through information sharing, exposure visits and active partner participation in DCA platforms/forums.
7. Facilitate logistical arrangements for DCA staff, consultant field visits and donor visits in consultation with the Project Coordinator.
8. Perform any other responsibilities as determined and assigned by the Project Coordinator from time to time.

Professional Qualifications:

• University level education in Entrepreneurship, Business Development, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, or any other relevant academic qualification.
• Capacity to deliver business ideation, linkage, marketing, and capacity building initiatives for small holder farmers is an added advantage
• Demonstrable capacity to showcase business capacity development and support, more so within the agricultural value chain including training facilitation
• Demonstrated capacity to showcase enterprise and entrepreneurial action, including incubation, mentorship, and market linkages for better economic outcomes
• Technical and demonstratable skills and hands on experience on black soldier flies’ production, commercialisation, and upscaling – working closely with small holder farmers and budding entrepreneurs is an added advantage
• Good interpersonal skills, and a proven team player. Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to support teams remotely. Self-driven and results orientated in challenging rural working environments.
• Experience in training at field/community level and excellent reporting skills. Excellence in English, oral and written.