Background:
Caritas Garissa (CG) is the Catholic Diocese of Garissa (CDG) Development and Social Services arm that undertakes humanitarian, development, and social services. CDG-CG is a Faith Based Organisation that works within the CDG’s pastoral jurisdiction covering four (4) counties. Three (3) counties of Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera constitute the North Eastern region while Tana River County is part of the Coast region. It envisions an empowered, peaceful, and vibrant community living harmoniously with nature. Its mission is inspired by Gospel values, CDG-CG works to support integrated community interventions, for a just and sustainable society. CDG-
CG implements innovative and culturally friendly projects to facilitate the community to attain desired development via sustainable livelihoods, sustainable Natural Resource Management, Local Governance, Institutional Strengthening, and Youth Education and Empowerment. In conjunction with Millennium Water Alliance (MWA), CDG-CG has secured funds from USAID to implement a 5-year Sustainable Transformational and Accessible Water Interventions (STAWI) Mashinani Activity. The program will contribute to the STAWI goal of improving water security in areas of recurrent crisis by strengthening water service, delivery, and management systems across nine ASAL counties. CDG-CG is therefore seeking a dynamic, qualified, and suitable individual to fill one vacant position.
The position:
1. AGROECOLOGY OFFICER
Position summary.
This position holder will be responsible for managing and implementing programs that promote sustainable water use for agriculture, livestock rearing, and domestic purposes while fostering collaboration with local communities and stakeholders.
Duty Station: Garissa with travels across the county Contract duration: One year, renewable.
Position supervisor: Programme Manager Job duties and responsibilities
Technical Expertise:
- Provide expert knowledge and guidance on water for productive use (WfPU) activities, integrating sustainable farming practices into the STAWI Mashinani program.
- Collaborate with the STAWI Mashinani team to develop, pilot, and implement agroecology and sustainable food system solutions that enhance agricultural production.
Capacity Building:
- Conduct or facilitate training workshops for stakeholders, including Water Resource User Associations (WRUAs), farmers, and community members, on topics like efficient water use, climate-smart water technologies, and agroecological practices.
Business Development and Partnerships:
- Work with the WASH Manager to develop and implement technical assistance plans for WfPU businesses, such as irrigation schemes, focusing on improving operation and maintenance (O&M) and efficiency.
- Engage with private sector water businesses to explore opportunities for delivering water services for productive purposes.
- Collaborate with financial institutions like the Agricultural Finance Corporation to identify and expand funding opportunities for water supply investments, enabling enterprises and cooperatives to improve water recharge and storage.
Community Engagement and Project Management:
- Support community groups in designing and implementing well-managed water harvesting and multi-use water systems to increase water availability for productive uses.
- Prepare regular progress reports and provide timely updates to key stakeholders, ensuring adherence to donor guidelines and deadlines.
- Apply best practices in project management, ensuring project deliverables are met and leading the technical aspects of the project.
- Develop technical concepts, guidelines, manuals, and procedures relevant to WfPU.
- Support in compiling reports, knowledge management (CLA), and representation of STAWI Mashinani in different forums.
- Any other additional work as assigned by the supervisor.
Skills and qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in agricultural/water science, agronomy, agribusiness, water resource management, environmental science, or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus.
- Minimum of five years of professional experience in planning, programming, and implementing WfPU and agriculture-focused programs.
- Experience working on donor-funded projects, preferably with USAID.
- Deep understanding of Garissa County, particularly in the context of Agriculture (Crops & Livestock) and WASH.
- Proven experience in delivering high-quality reports for development partners and donors.
- Strong oral and written communication, analytical, interpersonal, attention to detail, organizational, team management, and community mobilization skills. ● Proficiency in IT applications.
Application Process:
Applicants meeting the above requirements should submit their applications– a cover letter, copies of academic/professional certificates, an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae, names and contacts of three Referees and be sent or hand delivered by close of business on Monday 10th April 2024to:
The Director,
Caritas Garissa, Ngamia Road, (‘Church Compound”) P O Box 07-70100 Garissa
Or by email to: careers@caritasgarissa.org or info@caritasgarissa.org
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Preference will be given to candidates who can start work immediately. CDG-CG is an Equal Opportunity Employer