CARE is a leading humanitarian organization dedicated to fighting poverty and social injustice with a special emphasis on women and girls. CARE began working in Zimbabwe in 1992 in response to severe regional drought and has since expanded programming to address longer-term development issues. The organisation seeks to recruit outstanding candidates who are known for their excellence, professionalism, integrity and who are committed to providing support to the country office.

CARE is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity and diversity. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children and safeguarding employees and communities from sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse.

About the Role

The Agriculture Officer will implement SRP activities by supporting project farmers to sustainably optimise crop & animal production and improve food and nutrition security. The role requires a hands-on individual with a highly participatory inclination to the Lead farmer model, regenerative agriculture, agroecology, and outstanding communication skills. The candidate should be well versed with the nexus between agroecology and nutrition including WASH interventions in food and nutrition security. Knowledge of the CARE group, Social Analysis and Action (SAA), and VSLA models is an added advantage.

What You’ll Be Doing

The Agriculture Officer role entails:

RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning Agricultural Related Project Activities.

1.  Meet with the Supervisor and discusses project details such as agronomy, agroecology and animal production related activities and field budgets.
2. Develops an activity plan and Individual Operating Plan (IOP) for agric/ agronomic activities in line with project Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and submits to Field Supervisor for guidance.
3. Plans weekly, monthly and quarterly project activities.

Agronomy Support.

1. Mobilise producer farmers to contribute resources for production, post-harvest loss reduction and marketing selected commodities including maize, beans, sorghum.
2. Show a clear understanding of regenerative agriculture, agroecology and training of marginalised small-scale farmers in climate resilient and indigenous/traditional crop production enhanced with modern scientific knowledge for optimum resource output.
3. Prepare and conduct producer organization and association profiling and capacity assessment to identify needs including training and input needs.
4. Develop and or improve comprehensive training materials for effective delivery of training to the producer groups and associations.
5. Implement timely participatory and pragmatic training in farming as a business, postharvest handling, and value addition and in accordance with the training curriculum agreed and validated with the producer groups and associations.
6. Support producer groups to establish strong formal legal, governance and operational committees to improve their performance and institutional capacity.

Agric related monitoring and evaluation.

1. Monitor, follow up and mentor group performance with support from the Supervisor
2. Conduct regular crop performance monitoring, data collection, on field research, and provide technical production advice to producer groups.
3. Contribute to the development of monthly, quarterly and yearly workplans and reports.

Stakeholder Coordination.

1. Manages relationships with stakeholders including Government line Ministries, NGOs and private sector at District and Ward level.
2. Shares project activity plans, reports and updates with relevant line ministries.

Liaises with Agritex, Livestock Production Department and Veterinary on project monitoring at ward level

Educational Background

1. Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Agronomy, Soil Science, Horticulture, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

Experience

1. At least 3-4 years of experience in the field of agribusiness/agricultural production, agricultural produce marketing, market information, and linkages.
2. Detailed knowledge of the specific context, issues, and challenges related to agricultural production and marketing in Zimbabwe.
3. Proven knowledge of and experience in support and training of marginalised small-scale farmers in enhancement of produce quality, post-harvest handling, , collective marketing, and market information.
4. Experience in community mobilisation and sensitisation/training in the fields of agriculture and marketing.

Skills

1. Strong technical knowledge in agricultural production with an emphasis on enhancing produce quality.
2. Proficiency in computer skills including experience with MS Word, Excel, and MS Office Project.
3. Commitment and Understanding

Understanding and demonstrated commitment to the importance of gender and youth issues in food security programming.

There are individuals who may use CARE’s name and trademark in emails and on websites in an attempt to solicit fees from interested job-seekers. CARE does not use recruiting or placement agencies that charge candidates an up-front fee of any kind. Occasionally, CARE does employ recruiting or placement agencies to help us identify candidates for specific employment within CARE. If you’re contacted by a legitimate recruiting or placement agency, there should be no charge to you. If you suspect that you have been a victim of fraud from someone purporting to be CARE, please contact us CARE Legal. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, handicap, disability, marital status. CARE is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environment , including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment.