SNV is a mission-driven global development partner working in more than 20 countries across Africa and Asia. Building on 60 years of experience and grounded in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we work on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance.  Together with our team of over 1,600 people, our mission is to strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform the agri-food, energy, and water systems, which enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

For more information on SNV, please refer to our website: www.snv.org

Overview of the Position

SNV is recruiting for three positions of ‘Field Agronomist’ for the above-mentioned project, a new initiative that aims to promote green, sustainable, and climate-resilient economic development; and to contribute to improved food and nutrition security and resilience to shocks in South Sudan. The prioritised value chains include cereals, fruits and vegetables. The project is the component implemented by SNV in a larger 4-year programme.

The 3 positions are in the counties of Juba, Torit and Yambio respectively. You will lead the extension activities and work closely with farmer groups, cooperatives and relevant SMEs. Support to market-oriented production activities will be closely coordinated to the value chain activities of the project. You will train and coach contracted local implementing partners to effectively deliver the extension strategy. Supporting agricultural SMEs, like input shops and nurseries, to deliver services to the target groups will also be key. Implementing the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion plan will equally be important.

You will be the driving force behind project success at county level, ensuring on-time deliverables and effective collaboration with diverse local partners and stakeholders. This presents an exciting platform for you to contribute to inclusive agricultural development, climate adaptation and resilience, conflict-sensitive development, and inclusive private sector partnerships.

As Field Agronomist, you will report directly to the County Coordinator and will collaborate closely with other experts in the project team.

Part of your key responsibilities will be as follows:

• Coordinate and implement the project’s approach to agriculture extension in the respective county and ensure project county targets are achieved.
• Provide training, guidance to and monitor of contracted implementing partners involved in extension.
• Seek collaboration and synergies with local stakeholders, SMEs, government administration and institutions, other projects, etc.
• Implement the M&E approach as developed by the project for the production component.
• Contribute to project strategy and implementation plans with the other project experts.
• Ensure inclusion and sustainability are built into the extension approach at county level.
• Represent and position SNV and the project at various local events
• Develop regular implementation plan
• Timely reporting to the County Coordinator
• Contribute to conflict sensitive implementation to ensure that interventions are managed in a way that promotes peace and avoids exacerbating local tensions.

Basic qualifications:

• Three to five years of relevant experience in the area of managing agricultural extension, training and facilitating participatory extension methods like Farmer Field School.
• Relevant bachelor in agronomy with demonstrated experience in vegetable, fruit and cereal production.
• Experienced in applying various agricultural practices (Good Agricultural Practices, Climate Smart Practices, IPM, Regenerative agricultural practices) and adjusting them to the local context.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including mobilizing farmers, cooperatives, SMEs, VSLAs and establish trust and collaboration agreements.
• Demonstrated work experience in fragile settings.
• Excellent spoken and written English. Proficiency in Arabic and local languages will be a preference.
• Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Additional qualifications:

• Excellent facilitation and coaching skills, ability to network and mobilise stakeholders and build trust.
• Driven by a focus on achieving project goals, with a relentless commitment to success.
• Possesses an energetic, proactive, self-starting and problem-solving approach while keeping the project targets and approach in mind.
• Proven experience in applying inclusive development approaches that foster women economic empowerment, youth employment and involvement of other vulnerable groups.

• Contract Type: National
• Duty Station: Juba, Torit or Yambio
• Contract Duration: 24 months with possibilities of extension
• Expected Start Date: March 1, 2025
• Travel: Extensive field visits, occasional visits to project office in Juba
• Project: Subject to approval by donor