Position Title: Food Security and Livelihood Officer - Agronomy

Activation Date: 25 June, 2025   Announced Date: 24 June, 2025   Expire Date: 29 June, 2025

  • Job Location: Kunar
  • Nationality: National
  • Category: Other
  • Employment Type: Full Time
  • Salary: As per SCI Salary scale
  • Vacancy Number: 13260
  • No. Of Jobs: 1
  • City: Kunar
  • Organization: Save the Children
  • Years of Experience: A minimum of 4 years and 2 years of experiences   in similar capacity respectively
  • Contract Duration: Fixed term
  • Gender: Male/Female
  • Education: Level of studies: Bachelor’s Degree or Master degree in Plant/Crop Science, Agronomy Horticulture and other related/equivalent disciplines
  • Close date: 2025-06-29
 

About Save the Children:

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realize the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard. 

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

•            No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday

•            All children learn from a quality basic education and that,

•            Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children.  We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

SCI - Afghanistan

 Save the Children has been working in Afghanistan since 1976. Our way of working close to people and on their own terms has enabled us to deliver lasting change to tens of thousands of children in the country. The UN Convention of the Rights of the Child is the basis of our work.

We are helping children get a better education, we make it possible for more boys and girls to attend school, we help children protect themselves and influence their own conditions. We work with families, communities and health workers in homes, clinics and hospitals to promote basic health in order to save lives of children and mothers

Job Description:

CHILD SAFEGUARDING:

Level 3:  the post holder will have contact with children and/or young people either frequently (e.g. once a week or more) or intensively (e.g. four days in one month or more or overnight) because they work country programs; or are visiting the country programs; or because they are responsible for implementing the police checking/vetting process staff.

ROLE PURPOSE: 
The FSL Officer – Agronomist is responsible for collection scientific data regarding improved seed varieties. Newly introduced varities of improved and climate smart crop seeds should  be cultivated directly under his /her supervision  and advice of the agronomist officer. He/she will study genetic characteristics , adoption, logging , shuddering  and yield .  He/she  will further  oversee the implementation of climate-smart agricultural interventions  and provide timely technical support , focusing on distribution of  tools, seeds,  and and other inputs to boost the agricultural productivity . He/she will engage and support in the selection of the project sitesincluding watershed and irrigation schemes development .  The role holder also involves training farmers in improved agricultural techniques to enhance food security and resilience to climate change.


SCOPE OF ROLE: 

Reports to: FSL coordinator 
Staff reporting to this post: Community mobilizers-volunteers  
Direct: 00
Indirect: 00
Budget Responsibilities: Not Applicable
Role Dimensions: The post holder will establish a good working relationship with the rest of Save the Children's livelihood and child protection staff as well as with community members and farmers, where the project activities are implemented.


KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY : 
The main areas of accountability and responsibility of this position are, to support the implementation of the Agriculture component under SC-FCDO PREAVEL grant over the target province/s. 

Key Responsibilities:
    Support the project team in terms of community mobilization and sensitization.
    Conduct and support beneficiary selection through a household selection proper method.
    Collect and analyse the target area situation on crop production, vegetable  and fruits management , rainfall , irrigation water requirement , food availability  and access , pest and diseases infestation  and other important farming contextual information /statistical data 
    When agricultural problems or outbreaks are identified , inform the outbreak detailing type and frequency . 
    Conduct participatory assessments and surveys to identify agricultural needs and opportunities of the most  vulnerable populations and propose intervention to achieve increasing in food  and diversified income sources based on improving the existing crop farming system . 
    Lead the implementation of adoption of improved crop  and small-scale irrigated horticultural development/irrigated gardening activities  and strategies of the project in collaboration with other departments /sectors .
    Introduce and promote new varieties of various crop, vegetables and fruit seed and seedlings to farmers .
    Collecting data for improved seed  and reporting to the project coordinator
    Support field insection for various seed selection  and procurement .
    Determine the purtity and germination percentage of seeds.
    With other relevant staff , ensure the correct stacking of the seed. This should be according to the different varieties of seed. 
    Lead planning for seed distribution to irrigation users’ farmers and select farmers and implementation of climate-smart agriculture interventions.
    Study soil fertility , nutrinent deficiencies  and irrigation water quality  and quantity , collecting data on these subjects ,  and making reports to the FSL coordinator .
    Identify pests  which are infecting cereal crops , vegetables, fruits  and other growing in the areas . 
    Manage the treatment of major crops , vegetbales  and fruits diseases which are commonly seen in the target areas in collaboration and networking with stakeholders 
    Provide technical support  and follow up the field extension agents , irrigation /vegetable  and fruit tree seedlings  producer groups  and the direct beneficiaries’  at grass root level .
    Define implementation modalities ( identification and registration of beneficiaries , distribution, training , awareness , monitoring etc.) for the crop  and irrigated agriculture diversification intervention of the project . 
    Travel frequently to the project sites /vil;ages  and mobilise the targeted  stakeholders  and beneficiary communities to fulfill the objectives of the project activities . 
    Coordinate  and conduct training vegetable  and fruit production , irrigation practices , post-harvest handling and cooking demonstration  techniques to target communities . 
    Maintain collaboration, partnership and linkage  with community leaders, agricultural cooperatives, and various  stakeholders at districts and provincial level line offices and other relevant INGO/NGO working in the area  to ensure the success of agronomy-related interventions .
    Support and lead agricultural productivity activities in the region, and participate in the selection of the project sites including for watershed and irrigation schemes and ensure the sites meet minimum project section criteria.
    Support the regional team in developing investment plans for watershed and irrigation schemes and ensure the plans are in line with the site priorities and directly  contribute to the project’s development objective and results framework
    Work with the team effectively implement the investment plans and ensure promoting the improved agronomic and irrigation water saving, IPM practices in the project target areas.
    Provide technical training and capacity-building to farmers in climate-smart agricultural practices, food processing, handling, storage, and marketing.
    Ensure that all agronomy interventions are aligned with gender-sensitive approaches, encouraging active participation of women and youth in agricultural activities.
    Provide regular updates and reports on the progress of agronomy-related activities, qualterly project review and technical progress report to the FSL coordinator on time  and as required  by the project.
    Assist the FSL coordinator to prepare annual , quarterly  and months plan for effective execution of the project activities as stipulated in the project document .

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning
    Prepare and implement action plan for quality monitoring 
    Mobilizing and Making communities aware of project objectives, outputs and activities and MEAL systems and SCI Child Safeguarding Policies.
    Facilitate project and activities information at all events such as training and workshops
    Support the FSL coordinator in developing  and preaparing monitoring plans  and ensure that activities are in line with achieving expected outputs of both irrigated and rainfed agriculture development activities . 
    Monitor agricultural activities to ensure increased productivity and the adoption of climate-resilient practices among target communities.


BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice)
Accountability:
    holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modeling Save the Children values
    holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.
Ambition:
    sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves and their team, take responsibility for their own personal development and encourage their team to do the same
    widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others
    future orientated, thinks strategically and on a global scale.
Collaboration:
    builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members, and external partners, and supporters
    Values diversity, and sees it as a source of competitive strength
    approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.
Creativity:
    develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
    willing to take disciplined risks.
Integrity:
    honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of integrity
 

Job Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS 

Level of studies: Bachelor’s Degree or Master degree in Plant/Crop Science, Agronomy Horticulture and other related/equivalent disciplines with a minimum of 4 years and 2 years of experiences   in similar capacity respectively

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Essential

The candidate/employee should have proven experience, skills and knowledge especially on improved crop production and management, integrated watershed management , climate-smart agriculture  irrigation farming, post-harvest handling and food/cooking demonstrations and other related crop diversification extension services. In addition, she/he will have strong communication, analytical and reporting skills/techniques, capable in organizing project activities and follow up the team. She/he also has to have high level of understanding of Humanitarian working principles, multi-sector programming and ability to understand parallel responsibilities in other sectors. Strong organizational skills; ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel, a demonstrated ability to multi-task and process information into action as to not delay program activities, a clear understanding of procurement ethics and donor compliance is essential . High computer skills on MS Office programs – Excellent oral and written English skills (read, written, spoken) - Willingness and enthusiasm for working with rural and vulnerable communities in the proposed intervention areas

Additional job responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

Equal Opportunities

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures.

Child Safeguarding:

We need to keep children safe, so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Health and Safety

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with SCI Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Submission Guideline:

Qualified applicants are highly encouraged to apply for the position by filling in the online application form. In addition to the online application form, they can also attach their CV and cover letter in the online system. Please note that only the applications received through the online portal will be considered for this position.

Applicants can login to the online application system by copying and pasting the following link intro their web browser. Returning users will need to enter their username and password, first time users will need to create a user account.

It is recommended that you save your username and password for future job applications through the online system.

Link:https://hcri.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/jobs/preview/13260/?amp;locationId=300000000345568&locationLevel=country&mode=location&lastSelectedFacet=LOCATIONS&selectedLocationsFacet=300000000341839

Save the Children International (SCI) is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion as core to our vision and values. We provide equitable employment opportunities and aim to increase the representation of women, people with disabilities, and individuals from minority groups to effectively meet the diverse needs of the children and communities we serve.

At SCI, we value the authentic selves of everyone, including you! If you have any access needs or require support due to a disability or other reasons, please let us know at the time of your application. We are here to assist you and ensure an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience.

Please note: SCI does not request any fees during any stage of the recruitment process.

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Submission Email:

https://hcri.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/jobs/preview/13260/?amp;locationId=300000000345568&locationLevel=country&mode=location&lastSelectedFacet=LOCATIONS&selectedLocationsFacet=300000000341839





 

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