Sustainable Agriculture and Irrigation-Officer

Background

The Belgian Development Agency (Enabel) is currently implementing the second phase of the Renewable Energy for Rural Development Programme (RERD2). The overall objective of the RERD2+ programme is to contribute to rural economic and social development through increased access and sustainable utilisation of renewable energy solutions (solar). In this respect, RERD2+ seeks to increase access to energy in rural areas through public and private investments in renewable energy systems and support mechanisms to ensure sustainability. The solar irrigation (Solar powered irrigation systems SPIS) component was added to the off-grid electrification component. The component budget is 8M Euros and implementation is focussed on two provinces, Manica and Zambezia.

Enabel champions the programme delivery working in close collaboration with National Energy Fund (FUNAE) and the National Irrigation Institute (INIR). The programme is scheduled to end in 2025.

In view of future needs for further development of its activities, Enabel is currently looking for a (m/f/x) a Sustainable Agriculture and Irrigation-Officer to be based in Quelimane.

Job description

The position holder is required to support the successful implementation of the program in Zambezia Province; this includes: supporting the National expert based in the Province, in the preparation, organization and realization of all activities; relating to and following up with the partners, especially at district / field level, and contribute to the SPIS components MEL . This role will be 100% dedicated to the SPIS component of RERD2+.

Responsibilities
Working closely with the RERD2 Intervention Manager and the Rural Development Expert, the position holder is expected to undertake the following activities:

SPIS installation

• Contribute to the necessary research conducted prior to the selection of farmers (due diligence), to verify the physical and financial requirements for obtaining a SPIS are met;
• Provide support to farmers in establishing contacts with financial partners at provincial level if necessary;
• Monitor the installation of SPIS in the province, not only the installations carried out by Enabel (Operational agreements) but also those installed by iDE.
• Provide support to the iDE team if needed, particularly in organizing field activities.
• Support farmers in developing profitable and productive plans with a focus on sustainable agriculture
• Train the SDAE staff in sustainable irrigated agriculture practices

SPIS suppliers development

• Contribute to the interaction with suppliers, provide ideas and foster discussion between suppliers in order to identify development obstacles and potential solutions.
• Organize provincial and national events in support of the development of SPIS suppliers.

Programme Monitoring, Evaluation and Knowledge Management (Communication and Learning)

• Contribute to the collection of all required/missing and validation of baseline data to feed into the programme log-frame indicators.
• Support the project team in data analysis and generating programme reports for relevant programme stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the technical team, to develop brand-oriented communication materials, impact stories and related learning materials based on monitoring and reporting data generated by the programme.
• Contribute to the design, implementation and dissemination of evaluations, special studies and assessments.
• Support the Rural Development Expert in building a repository of all RERD2+ information during the implementation period. This includes all reports and lessons learned from the programme.
• Encourage innovation in this area to enhance accessibility and interactive communication.

Other Responsibilities

• Support the programme team in mainstreaming cross cutting themes including gender, climate and digitalisation of rural development solutions in accordance with best practices.

Your profile

Qualifications and Experience Required

• Relevant Degree in agronomy, irrigation, hydraulics, or related field.
• Prior Work Experience: Minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional experience in programme implementation, preferably with involvement in rural communities / agricultural production (vegetables).
• Demonstrated experience in participating in baseline assessments, specialized studies, and impact evaluations for complex development programs.
• Experience with Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) and Knowledge Management practices.
• Strong written and verbal Portuguese communication skills. Good knowledge of English

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to summarize information in a clear and concise manner.
• Excellent ability to work with smallholders, individuals or groups/associations.
• Excellent research and data collection methodology skills.
• Ability to create organizational work plans.
• Ability to work independently to efficiently meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate with programme staff and all relevant project stakeholders.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office and preferably, SPSS, ODK, TEAMS, ZOOM etc.

Other abilities will be taken into account.

• Knowledge on sustainable agriculture / agricultura de conservao
• Knowledge of the Mozambican financial institutions practices and requests,
• Knowledge and practical application of business planning /horticulture production planning,
• Knowledge and practical application of GIS.

Applicants are also required to commit to the vision, mission and values of Enabel (https://www.enabel.be/who-we-are/our-identity)
Following this recruitment procedure, a shortlist of successful applicants may be constituted which may be sourced in the next three years for similar job openings.

We offer you

• Two years contract (renewable) local contract according to the Mozambican labour law or you are included in the recruitment reserve for a period of 3 years.
• A fascinating job experience in an international environment.
• A salary package that comprises the monthly gross salary, in accordance with our salary scales (Class 4) and Health Insurance.

Are you interested?
Apply at the latest by 11/12/2023, here and include your application letter and updated CV.
Only applications submitted via the above link will be considered.