Agroecology & Resilience Design Specialist

Organization: DanChurchAid (DCA)

Job Title: Agroecology & Resilience Design Specialist

Duty Station: Yumbe-Uganda

Reports to: Area manager

Number of positions: One (1)

About US:
DanChurchAid (DCA) is a faith-based, non-missionary relief and development organization based in Copenhagen, Denmark and founded in 1922. DCA has supported development and humanitarian programs in Uganda since 1979, working with local partners. DCA is a member of the Action by Churches Together (ACT Alliance). Our key competencies in Uganda are livelihoods and food security, humanitarian response, and civil society. For more information Please visit: https://www.danchurchaid.org/where-we-work/uganda

Job Summary:

Responsible for provision of high-level technical expertise and support to DCA and partner staff in the planning, implementation, monitoring & evaluation of agroecology principles and resilience design practices to enhance sustainable agricultural and food systems in DCA operational areas. Focus on integrating agroecological principles and resilience design into farming systems, promoting sustainable land management, and enhancing community resilience to environmental and economic shocks. Will work closely with project teams, local communities, and other stakeholders to design, implement, and evaluate strategies that foster sustainable and resilient food systems. Work closely with DCA and its local partners staff as well as other stakeholders towards the promotion of environmentally friendly and economically viable agroecology farming techniques. Develop training materials and guidelines, and train DCA and partner staffs/agricultural extension workers/community promoters as well as farmer producers in agroecology principles and resilience design approaches for a sustainable food system.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement agroecology strategies and resilience-building frameworks tailored to the needs of target communities in the operation.
• Design and conduct participatory assessments to identify community needs, resources, and vulnerabilities related to agriculture and resilience.
• Develop appropriate agroecology and resilience design training content, materials and tools targeting different audiences (community, staff, partners, and other relevant stakeholders).
• Train staff/communities on agroecology principles, resilience design approach, biodiversity, regeneration, and restorative interventions such as agroforestry and permaculture etc.
• Provide ongoing technical support and mentorship to ensure effective implementation of agroecological and resilience design practices.
• Provide expert advice on sustainable agricultural practices, including soil health management, integrated pest management, agroforestry, biodiversity, and water conservation.
• Oversee the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of agroecology projects including management of budgets and coaching & mentoring of project staff etc.
• Participate in beneficiary targeting and vetting exercises; ensure fair representation women, men, boys, and girls at farm/community level decision making by applying the Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) principle.
• Support the integration of gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches in all agroecology and resilience initiatives.
• Promote transparency and accountability to beneficiaries through application of DCA complaint and feedback mechanisms.
• Facilitate platforms for knowledge sharing and networks on agroecology and Resilience design practices.
• Participate in Advocacy on agroecology, climate change and food systems transformation initiatives.
• Actively participate in project design and proposals development on the elements of agroecology principles and resilience design practices.
• Ensure project reports are timely produced and shared to donors and stakeholders according to agreed reporting guidelines.
• Promote culture of learning in DCA and partner organizations; organize regular learning sessions and reflection meetings for staff and partners and utilize findings and lessons learned to inform project adjustments and strategic planning.
• Closely work with stakeholders (Local government, partners, OPM, UNHCR, target beneficiary representatives, etc.) to ensure effective coordination and institutional linkage is established on agroecology and resilience design practices.
• Represent DCA in relevant agroecology/agriculture related platforms.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

• Master’s degree in Agroecology, Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change, Natural Resource Management, or a related field and at least 5 years of practical field-based experience
• Or bachelor’s degree in similar fields and 8 years of practical field level experience in agroecology, sustainable agriculture, resilience design/landscaping and related areas, preferably in both humanitarian and development contexts.
• Strong knowledge of agroecological principles and resilience design/land scaping practices.
• Proficiency in participatory approaches and methodologies; and Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Communication Skills: both written and verbal communication skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with diverse communities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

How to Apply:

DCA offers a salary package (Salary, Insurance & Pension) in accordance with the experience & DCA Uganda HR Manual. All suitable, qualified, and interested candidates who wish to join the DanChurchAid (DCA) should apply online through this link: National vacancies (danchurchaid.org).

Deadline for Applying: 5th July 2024

DCA is an equal opportunity employer, and all interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of age, race, gender, marital status, religious, political, or ethnic affiliation. While we appreciate your interest to work with DCA, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. DCA conducts an anti-terror check as part of the recruitment process. It is a prerequisite that you can pass this check and maintain this status throughout your employment with us. Everyone applying for a job with DCA must be ready to comply with our Code of Conduct, Staff Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment and our Child Safeguarding Policy. While we appreciate your interest to work with DCA, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Department: CO Uganda

Deadline: 05 July 2024

Location: Yumbe, Uganda