Senior Programme Associate - Agronomist

Job Description

JOB TITLE:  Senior Programme Associate (Level 7) - Agronomist
TYPE OF CONTRACT:    CTG
UNIT/DIVISION:  Programme/ Resilience and Livelihood
DUTY STATION (City, Country): Mukalla, Yemen
DURATION: 6 Months

CTG overview

CTG staff and support humanitarian projects in fragile and conflict-affected countries around the world, providing a rapid and cost-effective service for development and humanitarian missions. With past performance in 17 countries – from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, we have placed more than 20,000 staff all over the world since operations began in 2006.

CTG recruits, deploys and manages the right people with the right skills to implement humanitarian and development projects, from cleaners to obstetricians, and mechanics to infection specialists, we’re skilled in emergency response to crises such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Key to successful project delivery is the ability to mobilise at speed; CTG can source and deploy anyone, anywhere, in less than 2 weeks and have done so in 48 hours on a number of occasions.

Through our efficient and agile HR, logistical and operational services, CTG saves multilateral organisations time and money. We handle all our clients’ HR related issues, so they are free to focus on their core services.Visit www.ctg.org to find out more

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Yemen faces severe environmental degradation, water scarcity, and climate change-induced challenges that exacerbate food insecurity and threaten livelihoods. In response, the organization supports vulnerable communities through its resilience program, aiming to enhance food security and adaptive capacity by integrating watershed management, water conservation, sustainable natural resource use, and agricultural innovations. The organization’s Mukalla Field Office seeks an Agronomist to provide technical expertise in agricultural development, focusing on integrating traditional farming methods with innovative approaches for climate resilience and improved agricultural productivity. The Agronomist will design and implement solutions for rehabilitating degraded land, improving water use efficiency, and adapting agricultural practices to climate variability, with a focus on sustainable, community-driven approaches in Eastern Yemen. This role involves extensive travel to rural areas to engage with local communities and authorities, ensuring effective design and implementation of sustainable land and water management practices, supporting capacity-building initiatives, and promoting climate adaptation and resilience in the agricultural sector. The position reports to the Head of the Resilience unit in the Mukalla Field Office.
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ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.    Agricultural Expertise and Climate Adaptation:

  • Provide technical expertise in both traditional and modern farming practices, focusing on enhancing productivity and sustainability while promoting climate resilience.
  • Assess the impact of climate change on local agricultural practices and design climate-smart solutions to mitigate its effects.
  • Conduct assessments of agro-ecological conditions, watershed status, and land degradation in organization-supported sites and government-proposed areas.
  • Identify potential target areas for integrated area-based and watershed interventions.
  • Develop and promote innovative, sustainable farming techniques suitable for the local environment, such as soil conservation methods, water management techniques, and drought-resistant crops.

2.    Land and Water Management:

  • Design and implement strategies for improving water use efficiency, including irrigation systems, soil moisture management, and water harvesting techniques.
  • Develop and implement land rehabilitation programs to restore degraded soils, focusing on soil erosion control, salinity management, and organic matter restoration.
  • Promote sustainable farming practices such as agroforestry, crop rotation, and use of organic amendments.
  • Collaborate with local communities to design and implement integrated land and water management practices that improve soil health, enhance water efficiency, and restore degraded lands.
  • Promote integrated water management that balances agricultural needs with environmental sustainability.

3.    Community Engagement and Capacity Building:

  • Lead efforts to engage with local farmers, communities, and authorities, building trust and ensuring the participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in agricultural projects.
  • Conduct field-based training sessions and workshops for farmers, focusing on climate adaptation strategies, sustainable agricultural practices, and new technologies that can improve yields and resilience.
  • Document and share knowledge on traditional farming methods, local knowledge, and adaptive practices that align with modern climate-resilient agriculture.

4.    Collaboration with Local Authorities and Stakeholders:

  • Foster strong relationships with local government authorities, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure the alignment of agricultural initiatives with local priorities.
  • Provide technical support to local authorities in planning and implementing agricultural policies, programs, and projects that focus on sustainable development and climate adaptation.

5.    Monitoring, Reporting, and Documentation:

  • Monitor the progress of agricultural interventions in targeted areas, ensuring they are effectively implemented and adapted to local needs.
  • Prepare regular reports on program activities, outcomes, and lessons learned, including recommendations for improvements.
  • Contribute to the development of project proposals and documentation for future funding opportunities.

6.    Additional Responsibilities:

  • Perform any other duties as required by the Head of Field Office or Head of Unit.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:

  • Advanced degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in agronomy, land and water management, or related fields, and climate change adaptation.
  • Proven experience in working with local farming communities and understanding of traditional agricultural practices in Eastern Yemen.

Knowledge & Skill:

  • Strong technical knowledge of soil fertility, irrigation, agroforestry, and sustainable farming practices.
  • Strong knowledge and experience in soil and water conservation, natural resource management, and agro-hydro engineering.
  • Proven ability to design and implement agricultural and water management projects.
  • Ability to communicate complex agricultural concepts in a clear and culturally sensitive manner.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with local communities, authorities, and other stakeholders.

Languages:

  • Fluency in Arabic and proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required.

How to Apply

To apply:

https://app.tayohr.io/jobs/detail/vac-27489-senior-program-associate-agronomist-26208