Job Description

Agricultural Expert

Number of positions: 1

Duration: 9 months

Location:  Essyan and Domiz 2 camps

Deadline of submission: 10th December, 2022

About Us

The Lotus Flower is a non-governmental organization which empowers vulnerable women and girls so that they are safe, have opportunities to learn, the tools to become financially independent and the freedom to lead change. We provide safe social spaces inside refugee camps and implement projects to help them rebuild their lives and earn a living. We run four women’s centers for the IDP, refugee and host community in Kurdistan 

Our programs are based around pillars from the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals:

·       Health & Safety

·       Education & Livelihoods

·       Peace building & Human Rights

Our centers implement much-needed livelihood training, language courses, computer training, mental health support, fitness and health training, and awareness sessions and advocacy on women's rights and gender-based violence. 

We aim to provide the foundation for women to rebuild themselves, their families, and their futures. As local implementers, we work at the grassroots level to get right into the heart of communities, listening to local needs and employing local women to implement the programs. Our fundamental belief is that women and girls are powerful drivers of change, and we provide the support they need to reach their full potential and rebuild their futures.

Position Overview:

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Agriculture Expert is responsible for providing field assessments and advice to select relevant agri-businesses and locations for rehabilitation in Essyan and Domiz 2 camps. S/he will advise, mentor, and monitor the selected agriculture projects, s/he will act as a focal point for agriculture and provide technical support to the farmers and agribusiness owners.

Responsibilities

·       Provide agricultural training and mentoring, including best practices related to sustainable agriculture.

·       Provide advice on the use and management of agricultural inputs, tools and production.

·       Provide technical expertise and advise landowners and farmers on how to make the most effective use of the land and supplies, as well as optimal business strategy.

·       Record and document meetings and discussions with beneficiaries, their comments and feedback, to be included in weekly reports.

·       Facilitate farmers and producers to showcase their produce, meet other growers/sellers in the region, communicate with sellers and suppliers, share ideas and concerns, and strengthen bonds within their community.

·       Submit weekly reports on monitoring activities, including challenges faced, proposed solutions, and lessons learned.

·       Provide technical leadership on agriculture across project activities.

·       Provide input to evaluation methodology and design.

·       Develop training materials for surveyors on agriculture.

·       Work closely with evaluation expert to oversee the collection of data and provide technical guidance as needed.

·       Day to day follow up on the training activities.

·       Ensure complaint implementation of agricultural support activities including delivery of the trainings, designing of the curriculums and toolkits.

·       Oversee the curriculum including business plan template adaptation and delivery by the trainers.

·        Perform any other duties as may be assigned by line manager.

Required Qualifications

·       University degree in agricultural development.

·       1-2 years’ experience in a similar role.

·       Ability to work under pressure and overtime when required.

·       Very good spoken and written Kurdish, English and Arabic.

·       Ability to multi-task and act effectively so as to not delay program activities.

·       Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people.

·       Ability to work as part of a team and coordinate with project personnel.

·       Experience in conducting evaluations and/or assessments, of similar size and scope in development countries preferred.

·       Experience in designing and supervising agriculture household level surveys preferred.

·       Strong communication, analytical, written and interpersonal skills.

·       Excellent team management skills.

How to apply

·       Please send your updated CV and cover letter to careers@thelotusflower.org  while mentioning “Agricultural expert“ as the subject of your email.

·       CVs and cover letters that are in the form of pictures, and screenshots will not be accepted.

·       CVs that do not include the subject line will not be considered.

·       Due to the volume of applications only successful candidates will be contacted.