Agricultural Specialist Zimbabwe-Rural Development /Food Security Programme

Description

Agricultural Specialist Zimbabwe –Rural Development/Food Security Programme: Zimbabwe

Objective of the programme: Agricultural Specialist Zimbabwe

This large scale programme aims to improve the food and nutrition security of smallholders in select rural districts of Zimbabwe. The programme seeks the following outcomes:

• Increase farmer productivity through climate-smart agriculture and effective natural resources management practices
• Facilitate links between commercial markets and farmer groups to bring about steep increases in farmer productivity and income
• Strengthen safety nets by increasing farmer income and establishing basic community infrastructure
• Increase availability and demand for nutritious foods
• Deliver and communicate evidence to influence policy change

Objective of the role:

We are seeking applications from highly experienced experts for the role of Agricultural Specialist.  The Agricultural Specialist will lead the promotion of suitable and appropriate sustainable crop and livestock production practices for smallholders across the different operating districts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct an inventory of best possible crop and livestock production practices and select the “best fit” practices for promotion in the programme districts
• Develop a strategy for promotion of the best fit farming practices in the different programme districts
• Work with the extension department (AGRITEX) and other relevant organisations to develop training program for farmers on improved farming practices
• Work with the Climate Change Specialist to facilitate the experimentation and adoption of climate resilient crop and livestock practices
• Facilitate the establishment of public private partnerships for developing and implementing capacity building and awareness programs
• Work with the Communications Specialist to devise appropriate messages, document and disseminate information on “best fit” production practices

Requirements: 

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in the field of Agriculture
• At least 5 years of experience in agriculture development in crop-livestock systems
• Experience in leading integrated agricultural interventions for large programme(s)
• Experience in capacity building on improved farming practices
• Experience in Agricultural production experimentation and extension approaches such as demonstration plots
• Experience in climate resilient agriculture practices in both crop and livestock production
• Working knowledge of DFID and donor funded projects desirable
• Working knowledge of DFID’s Value for Money approach preferred
• Fluency in English (both written and oral) is essential and fluency in local languages
• Working knowledge and understanding of the mixed crop-livestock farming systems operated in the Sub Saharan Africa smallholder farming sector, most preferably in Zimbabwe 
• Must be able to communicate with farmers, private sector and public sector actors involved in production processes.

Project Location: The Project will be based in Zimbabwe

Length of the project:

5-7 years

Anticipated Project Start date:

January 2013