JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Description 

The Program Officer– Jijiga will assist in the design and implementation of food system activities, by providing appropriate knowledge and technical skills for livestock and crop production to support food security and food system approaches in their assigned area. The Program Officer will support relationships with local level government, private sector grantees and partners, other Development projects and relevant NGOs. The Program Officer will serve as an engagement manager for grant activities, coordinating closely with colleagues in the regional office and Transforming Agriculture’s Addis level technical staff. The Program Officer will ensure that the program runs smoothly by coordinating activities, maintaining schedules, managing communication, and ensuring adherence to policies and procedures.  

This position will be based in Jijiga, and will report to the Area Program Coordinator, Jijiga.  

What You’ll Do

Your primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:  

• Assist in designing and implementation of food system and food security activities in assigned project areas.  

• Assist in design and monitoring program activities planned to achieve improved livestock, crop, horticulture, and other potential market services that contribute to food system transformation in assigned areas.   

• Maintain relationships with local level government stakeholders, private agribusinesses, farmer associations and other relevant partners in assigned areas.  

• Contributes to field travel day-to-day risk assessments by sharing information and other data with the Security Manager.   

• Contribute to the design and implementation of catalytic project grants under contract mechanism designed to spur private sector investment, act as an engagement manager, incentivize the broad participation of food system actors, and facilitate entry of new actors and new investment into the system.  

• Liaison with other technical teams from regional implementing partners for the purpose of maximizing efforts and minimizing duplications.   

• Identify opportunities to synergize with other USAID and other donor activities in the region.  

• Support monitoring, evaluation and learning activity (MEL) team on livestock, crop, horticulture, other program activities, and ensure timely data collection.   

• Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned  

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s Degree and 5 years of experience, master’s degree and 3 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  

• Prior experience working on the Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture activity preferred.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Demonstrated skills in agricultural extension, agribusiness development, project coordination and/or partnership management.   

• Proven ability to work under pressure, ability to travel woredas and work throughout Somali region.   

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.     

• Verbal and written fluency in English required, understanding of local context, and fluency in Somali language.    

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.  

• Ability to follow instructions and maintain detailed records.   

• Ability to communicate effectively, instilling trust and confidence.   

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements