Sorghum Production Systems Officer (SPSO)

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, focusing on disaster response, community development, and empowerment of vulnerable populations. The organization has been active in South Sudan since 2005, addressing the needs of displaced individuals and communities affected by conflict. With a diverse funding base that includes government agencies and private foundations, Mercy Corps aims to implement innovative solutions to help communities recover from crises and build sustainable futures.

Job Overview:
The Sorghum Production Systems Officer (SPSO) will play a crucial role in the Sustainable Agricultural Development Project (SADEP), a seven-year initiative aimed at enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and resilience among rural communities in South Sudan. The SPSO will lead the implementation of specific project components focused on sorghum production and climate-smart agricultural practices. This position requires a strong technical background in agronomy and crop management, as well as the ability to engage effectively with farmers and stakeholders to promote sustainable agricultural practices. The SPSO will be responsible for providing technical guidance, facilitating training sessions, and ensuring the successful adoption of best practices among smallholder farmers, particularly in the context of climate change and resource management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SPSO will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Leading the implementation of sorghum production interventions under Subcomponent 1.2 and relevant activities of Subcomponent 2.
• Providing technical guidance on drought-tolerant cereals, legumes, and climate-smart crop production systems.
• Supporting the integration of ecosystem-based management principles into farming practices.
• Advising farmers, community groups, and extension staff on agronomic best practices to improve yield, quality, and resilience.
• Facilitating training sessions, demonstrations, and field days for farmers and project staff.
• Collaborating with local extension services, research institutions, and implementing partners for effective technology transfer.
• Engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies and NGOs, to promote best practices.
• Collecting, managing, and analyzing data on crop performance and adoption of best practices.
• Preparing technical reports and recommendations for project management and donors. 1
• Sharing lessons learned and contributing to knowledge management initiatives within SADEP.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree (or equivalent) in Agronomy, Plant Breeding, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in agricultural research, extension, or training is required, preferably within South Sudan or Eastern Africa. Strong technical knowledge of drought-tolerant crop production systems, climate-smart agriculture, and ecosystem-based management is essential. Excellent facilitation and communication skills in English are necessary, along with statistical skills and proficiency in data management software. The ability to work collaboratively in diverse, multicultural environments is also required.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a postgraduate degree in Agronomy, Plant Breeding, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of crop production systems and the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in South Sudan. Additional training or certifications related to climate-smart agriculture and sustainable farming practices would be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in agricultural production, research, or extension services. Experience working in South Sudan or Eastern Africa is preferred, as it provides valuable insights into the local agricultural context and challenges. Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record of implementing agricultural interventions and engaging with farming communities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages spoken in South Sudan would be considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Juba and requires up to 40% field travel to support project delivery, which may include travel to insecure locations. The role is full-time and may involve working under challenging field conditions. Mercy Corps is committed to ongoing learning and encourages team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. The organization promotes a culture of trust and respect, valuing diverse perspectives and experiences within the team.