Title: Field Officers – Agroforestry
Department: Programs
Report to: Senior Project Officer
Duration: Full time
Job Location: Yumbe/Uganda
Vacancies: Four (4)
About CRS
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.
CRS has been working in Uganda since 1965 and has a vibrant portfolio of projects, serving over a million vulnerable Ugandans and refugees each year through the Country Program 2030 Strategy. CRS programs in Uganda currently support five strategic priority areas, including Health and Social Services Systems Strengthening, Resilient Food Systems, Emergency Preparedness and Management, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, and Local Leadership. CRS Uganda implements its programs through partnerships with local organizations, including international and local NGOs, Ugandan government departments and ministries, the Catholic Church, and community-based organizations for maximum impact and sustainability. CRS Uganda employs around 150 staff and has its main office in Kampala, with sub-offices in Yumbe, Kyangwali, Kasese and Hoima.
Background
CRS is preparing to implement a new project titled Intensive Mixed Use Agroforestry Systems on household Plots. The specific objective of the project is to increase uptake of agroforestry in refugee host communities in 19 target districts. The key to achieving the objective is to understand the motivation of smallholder farmers in the target districts, and to instill a demand for mixed-use agroforestry uptake from the household level. By placing the household at the center of the project strategy and by connecting both environmental and economic goals, CRS and partners will facilitate the acceleration of land restoration and increase community resilience in the target districts for generations to come.
Job Summary:
You will carry out project implementation by working directly with farmer monitors, farmer voice radio volunteers, community members, providing technical input into multiple mixed-use agroforestry systems. coordinating various project activities and events in support of Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work to serve the poor and vulnerable. Your service and community relations skills ensure that communities feed into and benefit from the project that consistently applies best practices and continuously works towards improving its impact.
Roles and Key Responsibilities:
•Support the coordination and monitoring of project activities at the field level, ensuring implementation schedules are met as per the detailed activity plan, and that adherence to systems for quality project implementation are strengthened.
•Coordinate communication and facilitate information sharing among the project team, implementing partners, and project beneficiaries at the community level to assist local partners in strengthening the community interest, involvement, and support networks.
•Train farmers about participatory resource mapping, analysis, and community visioning through awareness programs.
•Lead the effort to determine farmers’ goals for managing trees, their preferred cropping systems, desired tree species, choice of commercial crops, amount of land allocated to agroforestry, and the most suitable crops for specific areas.
•Manage all community interactions related to the carbon development agreement, which includes organizing consent forms, providing ongoing support such as advocacy and communication, and establishing connections with other relevant entities.
•Supervise the hiring and training of farmer monitors. Collaborate with the District forestry officer for technical assistance, connections, and monitoring activities.
•Liaise with various community stakeholders and mobilize them to ensure full involvement of community leaders, community representatives, and local government representatives in the overall implementation and improvement of project activities.
•In coordination with the project team support capacity building events for community representatives.
•Coordinate, monitor, and report on volunteer activities.
•Compile data provided at the community level as per project requirements and contribute to the preparation of reports.
•Give technical input into farmer Voice radio program content.
Basic Qualifications
•High School diploma required. Bachelor’s degree a plus.
•2 years of work experience in agroforestry.
•Additional education may substitute for some experience.
•Must have a rider’s license (Class “A”).
•Experience in monitoring agroforestry projects is an added advantage.
•Computer skills required.
Required Languages – Ability to speak English and any of the local languages.
Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 50% with the areas of operation and to Kampala offices.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
•Ability and willingness to ride a motorcycle is required.
•Observation, active listening, and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment.
•Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
•Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented.
Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
•Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
•Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
•Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
•Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
•Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.
Agency Leadership Competencies:
•Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
•Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
•Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.
Key Working Relationships:
•Supervisory: Supervises Farmer Monitors and farmer Voice radio volunteers.
•Internal: Works closely with agroforestry officers on the country team.
•External: Works closely with the partners and stakeholders.
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding related topics.
How to apply
HOW TO APPLY:
All candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply by following the provided instructions.
•This position is for Nationals only.
•The deadline for submitting applications is March 7, 2024, no later than 5:00pm.
•Applications are received electronically through this link https://form.jotform.com/240521450505545 only.
ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.