Location: The position is based at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya
Hours of Work: This is a full time position, working hours 8am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday, and 8:00am – 1:00pm on Saturdays however this may vary depending on the requirements of the job in the field
Place in the Organization: The Water & Agriculture Officer will work under the immediate supervision of the Manager, Community Development Programme while working closely with the Project Co-ordinator, Laikipia Cattle, Water and Wildlife Project.
Externally, on a regular basis, the role will work with staff from two project partners:
Fauna & Flora International
Project Co-ordinator, Laikipia Cattle, Water & Wildlife Project
Technical Specialist, Conservation Livelihoods & Governance (Africa)
Laikipia Wildlife Forum
Ewaso Partnership co-ordinator
Water Resources Management Specialist
Communication Specialist
Focal areas community representatives
Organized community groups including Water Resource Users Associations
Role Summary: The job holder will be responsible for delivering water and agriculture elements of grant funded activities for the Laikipia Cattle, Water & Wildlife Project.
Project activities will include but not be limited to:
Restoration of 8000ha of degraded rangeland to support the grazing needs of wildlife and community livestock
Building the capacity, governance and effectiveness of two Water Resource User Associations
Developing and implementing a diversified smallholder fodder production system
Responsibilities:
Deliver the field based water management and agriculture components of the “Cattle, water and wildlife: enhancing socio-ecological resilience in Laikipia” project as agreed with the Community Development Programme manager & Laikipia Cattle Water & Wildlife Project Co-ordinator.
Agriculture Component
Provide relevant training and skills development to community members on conservation agriculture and on-farm water management
Lead stakeholder dialogue and consultation meetings with project focal smallholder communities
Coordinate the development and use of demonstration plots, or similar agricultural development practices (TBD), and scaling of successful approaches
Provide agriculture extension service support to focal farming households
Support the development of increased market linkages for focal farming households
Water Component
Support the review and updating of two WRUA Sub-catchment management plans
Provide relevant training and skills development to the secretariat and membership of two Water Resource User Associations
Support tree nursery development and planting in two WRUA catchments
Review and implement upgraded water infrastructure in the project area
Program Operations & Management
Ensure the application of project guidance on socio-economic components throughout project delivery
Support the monitoring and evaluation process for the project
Develop yearly work-plans for project components in line with yearly project budgets and anticipated outcomes
Be responsible for project activity finances and ensure all expenditure complies with OPC and donor regulations
Provide accurate and timely financial and technical reports as per OPC, FFI and donor requirements
Partnerships
Co-ordinate with project partners on the development and dissemination of project learning and guidance documents on water and agriculture
Other
Carry out any other tasks from time to time that may be requested of you as an OPC staff member that are in line with your skills and expertise
Work as an active member of the Community Development Programme and attend team meetings
Provide input, where appropriate, on other work undertaken by the Community Development Programme
Provide input to the Community Development Programme reports and other communication and public relations outputs and activities as required
Special Work Environment (Work hazards)
Exposure to wild animals that may cause serious personal injury.
Exposure to motorcycle accidents owing to riding a motorbike in the conservancy.
The person
To be successful in this role, applicants should meet the following criteria;-
Education: Bachelor of Science – Agriculture or a related field/qualification
Experience:
Proven experience of delivering agricultural training following conservation agriculture principles
Experience of working in partnership projects, including those involving local community interests
Experience of addressing market access issues, supply chain analysis, market development and increasing value of commodities for producers
Experience of budget management
Track record of engaging and working effectively with a range of stakeholders including local communities, the public and government
Core skills:
Excellent customer service skills
Commercial awareness
Flexibility
Excellent communication skills with a high standard of verbal and written English
Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders
Spoken Swahili
Ability to develop and sustain strong working relationships
Ability to effectively prioritise, organise and manage a wide range of tasks, duties and resources concurrently
Ability to solve problems effectively
Competent computer skills
Report writing
Good presentation skills
Behavioural qualities
Self-motivated, independent and resourceful
Ability to deal with matters in a sensitive manner
Good judgement in managing resources and people
Approachable and proactive manner
Pro-active communicator
A commitment to conservation and development and a genuine interest in protected area management, and community access to and sustainable use of resources
An understanding of key issues impacting conservation in Kenya
For more details visit our website: www.olpejetaconservancy.orgOur contacts are:Ol Pejeta ConservancyP.O. Box Private Bag,Nanyuki -10400Or send an email to jobs@olpejetaconservancy.org with the mail subject asWATER & AGRICULTURE OFFICERNote: Only successful candidates will be contactedThe Ol Pejeta Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer.All potential candidates are encouraged to apply.
Apply via :
jobs@olpejetaconservancy.org
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