FSL Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
Action Against Hunger-USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network, which provides humanitarian relief in over 40 countries worldwide. Established with a mission to combat hunger and malnutrition, the organization operates in various sectors including nutrition, health, water/sanitation, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Action Against Hunger-USA is an independent NGO that manages operations in seven countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Haiti, and Somalia. The organization employs approximately 1,500 staff members across its various country offices, with its headquarters located in New York City and an operational center in Nairobi. The organization is committed to expanding its reach and impact, anticipating additional growth in the coming years.

Job Overview:
The FSL Assistant will play a crucial role in the implementation of Food Security and Livelihood (FSL) activities. This includes beneficiary targeting, distribution of vegetable seeds and farming tools, as well as monitoring and evaluating the progress of these activities. The FSL Officer is expected to provide comprehensive support to ensure the successful execution of FSL initiatives, which are designed to positively impact the retention and growth of Action Against Hunger employees. The role encompasses various responsibilities, including executing different FSL project activities, documentation, monitoring and evaluation, and participating in emergency response activities when necessary. The FSL Assistant will engage with beneficiaries, local government technical staff, and other stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of FSL services at the base level, adhering to internal rules and regulations, funding regulations, and the organization's Charter of Principles and Core Values.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FSL Assistant will oversee the quality and timely implementation of Food Security and Livelihood interventions, ensuring effective service delivery to save lives. Key responsibilities include developing plans for the implementation of FSL projects in assigned areas, working closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer to maintain program indicators and reporting formats, identifying community needs, and suggesting solutions to natural resource management challenges. The Assistant will provide training and guidance on crop and vegetable production management practices, ensure timely preparation and submission of project plans and reports, and support M&E efforts by collecting and analyzing data. The role also involves representing Action Against Hunger in sub-cluster meetings, liaising with communities, and participating in emergency FSL interventions as needed. Additionally, the FSL Assistant will manage and build the capacity of project assistants and volunteers, conduct staff appraisals, and ensure adherence to HR procedures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Extension, or related fields. A minimum of three years of experience in Food Security and agriculture programming is required. The ideal candidate should have excellent communication skills in English, with fluency in a local language being essential. Intermediate computer skills, particularly in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook, are necessary. Experience in community development programming, particularly in food security or livelihoods, as well as agricultural extension and training, is highly desirable. Candidates should also have experience in developing training materials, facilitating workshops, and utilizing participatory fieldwork methodologies for monitoring and reporting.

Educational Background:
A degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Extension, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively implement FSL activities and contribute to the organization's mission of combating hunger and malnutrition.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of experience in Food Security and agriculture programming. This experience should ideally include work in community development, agricultural extension, and training, as well as familiarity with the local agricultural practices and challenges. Previous experience with Action Against Hunger or other NGOs in the area of Food Security and Livelihood is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in a local language is required. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication with beneficiaries and local stakeholders, ensuring that the FSL Assistant can engage with the community and facilitate the implementation of programs effectively.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time, and candidates must be willing to work beyond regular office hours and on weekends when necessary. The role requires consistent attendance of at least five days each week and may involve travel for domestic and international business needs. The working environment may include high security risks and basic living conditions, and candidates should be prepared for physically demanding situations. Action Against Hunger is committed to equal employment opportunities and adheres to safeguarding policies to protect vulnerable populations.