Economic Recovery Officer – Agronomist

Duty Station [Aden/Lahj – Roving position covering the activities implementation in both Lahj and West Coast]

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

DRC has been operating in the Middle East (ME) region for over a decade, running a combination of emergency, livelihood, protection and advocacy programmes through Country Offices (COs) in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey with a Regional Office (RO) in Amman.

DRC Yemen’s response

Throughout its nine field offices and a workforce of 450 staff, DRC upholds its main programmatic objectives to provide immediate and life sustaining assistance, to strengthen the protective environment, and to reduce displacement related risks and vulnerabilities by promoting self-reliance at household and community level.

About the Job:

Overall purpose

The Economic Recovery Officer – Agronomist will enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability by promoting good agronomic practices, climate-smart techniques, and strengthening farmer’s capacities and agriculture systems within communities. The role focuses on improving food security and resilience in vulnerable communities, with special attention to meet the needs of women, youth, and marginalized farmers.

Responsibilities

Agricultural Planning and Implementation

• Work with the EcRec Manager and TL to conduct agricultural assessments and context analysis to identify climate-resilient solutions for targeted areas.
• Develop and implement strategies to introduce climate-smart agricultural practices such as drip irrigation, composting, and drought-resistant crops.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align project activities with local needs and priorities.
• Utilize selection criteria to identify eligible beneficiaries for various agriculture activities.
• Lead in facilitating the formation of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and Farmer Cooperatives.

Value-Chain Development

• Facilitate market assessments to identify opportunities for agricultural products and services.
• Support farmer cooperatives in developing value-added products, packaging, and accessing markets.
• Provide technical guidance to improve productivity and profitability within the agricultural value chain.

Training and Capacity Building

• Work with the agriculture extension workers (AEWs) in building the capacity of the project’s beneficiaries on crop production and NRM through field-based demonstrations.
• Design and deliver training sessions for farmers on sustainable farming techniques, such as post-harvest management and handling, integrated pest management, etc.
• Promote best practices in agricultural diversification to reduce reliance on single crops.
• Work closely with women-led groups to enhance their participation in agricultural activities and decision-making.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Monitor the progress of agricultural interventions to ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Conduct onsite monitoring and mentoring of farmers in activities such as farmer
• Collect and analyze data for progress reporting and donor submissions.
• Document lessons learned and success stories to support knowledge sharing and future project designs.

Coordination

• Coordinate with the EcRec Manager, Team Leader, Officers and Assistants in design and implementation of Agriculture-related interventions.
• Work closely with the Infrastructure Officer to provide technical inputs within the identification and design of Natural Resources Management Infrastructures.
• Work with the SC Team to identify and vet the procurement of quality inputs such as seeds, water pumps, also other materials for NRM activities.
• Prepare detailed progress reports on agriculture-based activities, documenting lessons and photo evidence at all stages.
• Contribute to donor reporting and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Engage and Coordinate activities with the relevant line ministries (Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Works, etc.). Coordinate with other sectors such as Protection, WASH, Shelter, CCCM, HDP, Partnership, ensuring an integrated approach to programming.

Other

• Perform other tasks and duties as required by the line Manager.
• Support and help other DRC sectors if needed on daily activities.

About you

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or related fields (Master’s preferred).
• At least 5 years of experience in implementing agricultural projects, with a focus on climate-smart farming.
• In-depth knowledge of rural livelihoods and smallholder farming systems.
• Proven ability to deliver training and capacity-building programs for farmers and communities.
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with M&E frameworks in agriculture.
• Ethical, trustworthy, creative, dynamic and enthusiastic.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks, under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.

• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.

• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.

• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.

• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or related fields (Master’s preferred).

Languages:

• Arabic – fluent
• English – Required (professional proficiency preferred)

We offer

DRC will offer the successful applicant a contract until December 2025, renewable dependent on both funding and performance. You must be available to start work As soon as possible, and be willing and able to work in Aden/Lahj (Roving position covering the activities implementation in both Lahj and West Coast).

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment. This position will be placed at Band (H Non-Manager) and will be reporting to Protection Manager.

Application process

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button or the link below.
All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV only applications will not be considered.
Females are encouraged to apply for this position.

Applications close 31 December 2024. The interviews are expected to take place, in two weeks after advertisement closing date.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please check Need Support?

Need further information?

For more details on this position, please contact yem-recruitment@drc.ngo.

Please note that applications sent directly to [yem-recruitment@drc.ngo] will not be considered.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.ngo