Country: Somalia
Closing date: 01 Jul 2016
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization with exclusively humanitarian mission to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance. It also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening International Humanitarian Law and universal humanitarian principles. The ICRC Somalia delegation in Nairobi is seeking for an experienced and motivated person to fill the position of:
Agronomist Assistant - Mogadishu
The resident Agronomist Assistant contributes to the overall integration, implementation and management of agro interventions across Somalia. He/she analyses the economic security situation related to agriculture, conducts needs assessments and plans agro interventions in consultation with the respective field management, EcoSec FO’s and his direct technical supervisor. He advises best options for agronomic projects/programs based on the identified needs, and according to department/delegation objectives, agreed budget frame and plan of action (PoA), and reports on the progress of the programme as required. He keeps records of the history of ICRC agro projects in Somalia as a reference for his superior(s) and EcoSec team of Somali delegation.
Main Responsibilities:
Assists the expatriate agronomist in implementing agro programming in Somalia
Contributes to the integration of agro programming in the EcoSec program across Somalia through EcoSec/Assistance assessment missions, planning, organising and monitoring the implementation of agro projects according to institutional objectives
Conducts field assessments, data analysis and drafts project proposals
Reports on the situation in agro sector and progress of agro projects, and submits written reports as required (e.g. assessment, monitoring/review reports)
Maintains contacts with interlocutors /authorities as the position requires and under the supervision of the expatriate Agronomist
Contributes to the annual planning exercise of the department.
In information exchange with the field teams, he updates information on the economic security situation in Somalia, focusing on the aspects related to crop production and agro economy,
Maintains adequate communication and coordination within EcoSec team and with other Assistance departments in planning and conducting needs assessments,
Contributes to the set-up and conducts needs assessments involving/focusing on agro aspects by using the standard EcoSec approach and internally established tools and procedures (e.g. identification of baseline data and SMART indicators, use of appropriate sampling approach),
Updates his direct superior on assessment findings and planned or ongoing agro activities of other humanitarian actors in Somalia,
Uses participatory approach during field visits and interactions with communities and other stakeholders (NS, authorities, public and technical services, other humanitarian actors, etc.).
Drafts proposals for individual projects including expected outputs/outcomes, plan of action (PoA) and project budget, based on the internally established tools and procedures,
Conducts response analysis of different agro interventions (SWOT approach), associated risks and mitigation measures, including appropriateness and feasibility aspects and provides support to other involved staff when required
In close coordination with the respective field management and EcoSec FO, participates actively in the selection of priority areas, individual projects and formulation of monthly/quarterly implementation plans,
Ensures that appropriate specification for required agro inputs/services is available and inputted in Requisition Orders (RO) related to agro projects,
Follows the progress of the requisition process concerning agro inputs from the launching of RO’s until the distribution in the field,
Ensures that the project implementation is carried out in line with the set objectives, timeframe, allocated budget and the internally adopted coordination mechanisms,
Provides written contributions for the delegation’s annual planning exercise (PfR) regarding the implementation of agro projects/program,
Conducts regular monitoring of agro interventions based on the internally established tools and procedures, and contributes to the planning and implementation of the reviews of agro projects,
Ensures support/coaching and supervision of the EcoSec FO’s involved in the monitoring of agro interventions,
Formulates monitoring reports and ensures that his technical superior is regularly and timely informed on the projects’ progresses.
When required, involves in preparation/planning and response of EcoSec team in emergency situations.
Establishes and maintains regular information exchange and a good working relation with the relevant authorities and other stakeholders involved in agro projects/programs in Somalia,
Under the supervision of the expatriate Agronomist, participates in meetings relevant to agro sector in Somalia.
Reports to his direct supervisor on the contextual aspects and progress of the program implementation on a regular monthly basis,
Writes field trip reports and minutes of meetings based on given guidelines,
Reviews reports from EcoSec FO’s concerning agro aspects, writes assessment and monitoring reports and project proposals based on the EcoSec standard procedures/formats,
Keeps the file with statistical data on agro interventions updated on a regular/monthly basis and ensures timely submission of monthly statistical report to his direct supervisor.
Ensures necessary administrative work is implemented on time
Knows, applies and complies with all the administrative procedures linked to his work (preparation and closure of working advances, payments to workers and SRCS volunteers involved in project implementation)
Keeps the program file updated at all times, notably the project proposals, budget follow up table, copies of the project contracts and payment lists
Accounts expenses and working advances correctly and in a timely manner.
Coaches and motivates EcoSec FO’s involved in implementation of agro projects in Somalia, including ICRC-hired assistants and/or NGO’s staff when required,
Maintains regular exchange with the EcoSec Trainer concerning the identification of the training needs among the EcoSec FO’s and/or involved implementing partners in relation to agro interventions.
Interprets oral conversations accurately from English to Somali language and vice versa as required,
Translates documents from English to Somali language and vice versa as required,
Adapts his/her behaviour to various interlocutors
Registers and treats information (general and specific) accurately and with confidentiality,
Maintains regular contacts with the relevant authorities and other interlocutors (NGO's, associations, etc.) and exchanges information as required.
Contributes to the analysis of the security, socio-economic, cultural and political environment and shares the relevant data/information through his direct supervisor,
Reports events and changes within the region that could have an impact on ICRC's activities and hence provides sound elements to the Delegation that allow to establish objectives and priorities,
Participates actively in meetings linked to the implementation of agro component of the program.
Advises on culture, politics, general situation and share relevant information related to the context,
Updates his superior about assessment findings and planned or ongoing agro projects/programs of the relevant authorities and other humanitarian actors in Somalia,
Acts as reference point during supervisor's absences,
Presents synthesis of problematic succinctly and accurately.
Understands the three components of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement
Applies the security rules at all times
Respects and observes staff regulations of the ICRC in Somalia
Performs duties and tasks not covered in this job description and provide support to other departments when necessary
Minimum required knowledge & experience:
University degree in Agriculture
5 years’ work experience in a similar field
Fluent in written and spoken English
Team leadership skills
Very good analytical skills
Good communication skills
Good knowledge of Somali context, agro sector in particular
How to apply:
Interested and qualified persons with the required experience are invited to submit their application to the Head of Human Resource Department of Somalia Delegation on the above mentioned address, before 1st July 2016. Indicate the position title on the subject line. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification