Field Officer (2 Positions) at American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (AJJDC)

• Position Title: Field Officer, TOV Le’Isua Project
• Reports to: TOV Le’Isua Field Project Coordinator
• Duty Station: Wondogenet/Shebedino, Sidama Region Fogera/North Mecha Woredas, Amhara Region
• Contract Type: Project-Based Contract
• Duration: August 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026

Overview of the Project

The TOV Le’isua project, implemented by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) in collaboration with the CARE WE-GO Program, aims to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers with a focus on women engagement, in Sidama and Amhara regions through the adoption of climate-smart, gender-responsive agricultural technologies. Key components include drip irrigation systems, hybrid vegetable production, and women-managed vegetable seedling nurseries.

Position Summary:

The Field Officer will play a key role in the on-ground implementation of the TOV Le’isua Project, supporting smallholder farmers—especially women—in adopting climate-smart, Israeli agricultural technologies. The position involves technical support in agronomy and irrigation, stakeholder engagement, training facilitation, and consistent monitoring to ensure project success in targeted kebeles.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Agronomic Support and Technical Implementation

• Promote and demonstrate Israeli agricultural technologies through practical extension methods (e.g., farm visits, group sessions, field days, and farmer-to-farmer exposure visits).
• Ensure proper installation, use, and maintenance of drip irrigation systems for women farmer groups.
• Support the setup and ongoing management of demonstration plots at FTCs and model farmer fields.
• Provide close technical support for community-managed vegetable seedling nurseries and drip irrigation sites led by women farmers.
• Promote and assist in the implementation of improved furrow irrigation techniques and high-value vegetable production.
• Offer agronomic training and support to farmers, development agents, and local technical stakeholders on nursery management, pest control, vegetable production, and best practices.
• Document feedback, lessons learned, and challenges to enhance performance and sustainability.

2. Program Operations and Coordination

• Prepare and implement activity workplans, target selection criteria, and timelines in alignment with the overall project strategy.
• Coordinate kebele-level beneficiary selection processes in collaboration with WE-GO focal points and local stakeholders.
• Ensure timely availability and distribution of inputs (drip kits, vegetable seeds, nursery materials).
• Assist women’s groups in developing seasonal production schedules, business plans, and forecasts.
• Maintain close collaboration with CARE WE-GO focal persons, government line offices, unions, cooperatives, and private sector actors.
• Support logistical arrangements and procurement processes to facilitate smooth implementation.

3. Capacity Building and Training

• Organize and deliver hands-on, need-based training for women farmers and stakeholders on nursery operations, drip irrigation systems, and improved agronomic techniques.
• Identify training needs among smallholder farmers and local stakeholders and ensure timely delivery of appropriate trainings.
• Assist the Field Coordinator in facilitating broader capacity-building initiatives for partners, development agents, and WE-GO representatives.

4. Monitoring and Reporting

• Conduct regular site visits to vegetable nurseries, community irrigation schemes, and demonstration farms to provide technical support and monitor implementation progress.
• Collect beneficiary feedback on technologies, agronomic practices, and service quality, and recommend necessary adjustments.
• Ensure timely documentation of field activities, including technologies introduced and adoption progress.
• Submit accurate reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually) on key indicators, achievements, and challenges.
• Work closely with JDC’s logistics, finance, and HR teams to ensure compliance with procurement and financial procedures.

5. Administrative and Strategic Support

• Foster teamwork and maintain professional collaboration across all staff, partners, and community groups.
• Uphold JDC’s policies on safety, ethics, and punctuality, and represent the organization’s vision and values.
• Support the planning and facilitation of stakeholder workshops and review meetings at local levels.
• Carry out additional responsibilities as assigned by the Field Coordinator, Country Director, or project leadership.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Rural Development, or related fields.
• Minimum of 3 years of field experience in smallholder agriculture, preferably with women-focused initiatives.
• Technical knowledge in drip irrigation, nursery management, vegetable production, and extension services.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Proficiency in Amharic; knowledge of Sidamu Afoo is an advantage.
• Experience using digital tools for monitoring or planning is a plus.