Agronomist

JAFRA Foundation for Relief and Youth Development is a Palestinian youth organization working on a participatory approach to promote resilience in the Palestinian society in all its places of existence, starting with the role of the youth to assume their responsibilities towards their community and its just causes. In its work, the Foundation relies on humanitarian standards to carry out its activities with integrity, effectiveness, and consistency.

Jafra in partnership with Deutsche Welthungerhilfe e. V. (WHH), conducting a project supported by BMZ for “Strengthening women's livelihoods and increasing the resilience of vulnerable communities engaged in smallholder and subsistence farming” with a specific focus on the Palestinian camps in Beirut and in the South. For which the Agronomist will be appointed for.

Objective

The aim of this appointment is to efficiently manage and enhance agricultural practices within the project. This includes designing and delivering a curriculum for participants, conducting training sessions, overseeing plant selection, and ensuring daily follow-up. The Agronomist is responsible for planning crop improvement, maintaining records, generating reports, promoting sustainable practices, and assisting in relevant procurements. The role also involves evaluating and improving seed quality, researching and developing resilient farming practices, and conducting field visits for data collection and testing. Ultimately, the objective is to contribute to increased agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Reporting

The Agronomist will report to the Project Manager.

Qualifications and experience

The Agronomist should have:

•    A Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Engineering or another related field.
•    Computer competence in software packages: Microsoft Word, Excel PowerPoint.
•    More than 2 years-experience in Agriculture within projects funded by international organizations.
•    Demonstrated analytical and problem solving and negotiating skills with the ability to balance program objectives and procurement requirements.
•    Excellent written, oral and interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with diverse team members.

Position Responsibilities:
The Agronomist will:
•    Assess needed agricultural content to be provided for selected participants.
•    Design a curriculum with clear learning objectives and outcomes.
•    Develop training materials to cover the need of the selected participants.
•    Promote products and techniques through educational presentations.
•    Conduct training sessions accordingly.
•    Conduct plant selection process, planting and irrigation schedules.
•    Perform daily follow-ups with participants.
•    Conduct and document regular follow-up visits.
•    Prepare and manage plans for crop improvement and enhanced production.
•    Keep detailed records regarding fields, beneficiaries, crops, and samples.
•    Generate reports and present findings to management, Donors, or other interested parties.
•    Prepare analysis and data presentation.
•    Specify the needed seeds, seedlings, tools, and equipment (type, quantity, quality)
•    Coordinate with external parties when needed.
•    Overview and assess in the selection of tools, equipment, and other related procurements.
•    Safeguard environmental sustainability, safety, and quality.
•    Assess crop production of the relevant planted areas.
•    Evaluate and improve seed quality.
•    Research, develop, and promote farming practices or products that diminish the effects of changes in soil, climate, and weather or prevent damage from pests.
•    Visit fields to collect seed, plant, and soil samples and testing samples for nutritional deficiencies, diseases, or other changes.

Location: South Lebanon/ Ein ElHelweh and Burj Shemali camps
Duration: 24 months (renewable based on performance and fund availability)
Deadline: 2nd of January, 2024