Agricultural Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian organization that was established in 195

• Its mission is to help refugees and displaced persons, providing them with the necessary support to rebuild their lives. DRC operates in multiple countries around the world, focusing on providing assistance in conflict-affected areas. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally, working in various sectors including protection, livelihoods, and education. DRC is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in its operations, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.

Job Overview:
The Agricultural Officer position is a critical role within the Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project, specifically aimed at enhancing agricultural practices in refugee settlements. The primary focus of this role is to implement climate-smart crop production activities that not only improve agricultural productivity but also ensure sustainability in the face of climate change. The Agricultural Officer will be responsible for delivering agricultural extension services, facilitating Farmer Field Schools, and establishing demonstration plots that showcase innovative agricultural practices. This position requires a proactive approach to working with local farmers, district authorities, and community-based facilitators to promote the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural techniques. The successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring that beneficiaries receive the necessary training, inputs, and support to enhance their agricultural practices and livelihoods.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agricultural Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: providing agricultural extension support to crop value chain beneficiaries; training farmers on drought-tolerant and early-maturing crop varieties; managing soil fertility and integrated pest management practices; rolling out Farmer Field Schools to facilitate hands-on learning; establishing and managing demonstration plots to showcase climate-smart technologies; coordinating the distribution of agricultural inputs through an e-voucher system; mentoring farmer groups on crop management and post-harvest handling; supporting community-based facilitators and lead farmers with technical guidance; contributing to the adoption of climate-resilient practices; facilitating group formation and strengthening under Farmer Institutional Development; collaborating with district production teams and government ministries; ensuring that all agricultural activities adhere to environmental safeguards and inclusion measures; maintaining accurate records of training, inputs, and crop performance; and submitting timely reports on project progress.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Agricultural Officer position, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Crop Science, Agronomy, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in crop production, agricultural extension, or climate-smart agriculture. Practical skills in soil fertility management, integrated pest management, and crop husbandry are essential. Experience in applying participatory extension methodologies, such as Farmer Field Schools, is highly desirable. Candidates should also have a strong understanding of climate-smart agricultural practices and the ability to work effectively with community structures and farmer groups. Proficiency in data collection and reporting using digital tools is required, along with familiarity with government extension systems and collaboration with district agricultural officers. Fluency in both written and spoken English is mandatory.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Crop Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of agricultural practices and the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, particularly in refugee contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in relevant fields such as crop production, agricultural extension, or climate-smart agriculture. This experience should ideally include direct engagement with smallholder farmers, particularly in refugee-hosting districts, to ensure that the candidate is well-versed in the unique challenges and opportunities present in these environments.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of local languages spoken in refugee settlements is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and engagement with the farming communities.

Additional Notes:
The Agricultural Officer position is based in refugee settlements in Uganda, with specific district assignments depending on the project needs. The salary and conditions of employment will align with the Danish Refugee Council's Terms of Employment for national employees. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with a maximum length of four pages. Applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is set for 09th January 202

• It is important to note that DRC does not solicit any fees during the recruitment process, and all recruitment practices are merit-based and adhere to globally accepted HR standards.