Programmes Officer-Uganda Jobs

Organisation: African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS)

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
Ref: Ref: AFAAS /Prog/PO/ 2014-09

Reports to: Executive Director

About AFAAS: 

The African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) is the umbrellaorganisation for Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (AEAS) in Africa. Its objective is to create efficient, effective and synergistic linkages and partnerships between AEAS of member countries to improve the delivery of these services to farmers. It operates within the framework of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), specifically CAADP Pillar IV which has the objective of enhancing the livelihoods of African farmers and pastoralists. The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) has been mandated to lead the implementation of CAADP Pillar 4 and it’s in this context that AFAAS has strong collaboration with FARA and the Sub Regional Research Organisations (SROs).

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Plan and implement programmatic components of AFAAS Strategic Plan, with focus to Country fora (CF) institutional and organisational development;
• Significantly contribute in the process of planning, developing and implementing strategic and operational plans, facilitate and backstop the development and update of policies, manuals, handbooks, guidelines, and protocols of AFAAS; including ensuring that CFs workplans and budgets are integral in AFAAS AWPs and budget;
• Offer support the development of AFAAS business plan and resource mobilisation for implementation of AFAAS strategic plan. Pro-actively engage in resource mobilization, fundraising initiatives and project proposals development;
• Take lead n the contracting process for program activities and services, i.e. preparing terms of reference and identify consultants/institutions to undertake regional and national level assignments in accordance with the approved Annual Work Plans;
• Provide support to emergence of AEAS innovative approaches, tools and methods and scale up and out the proven technologies, innovations and promote and facilitate the development and utilisation of Information and Communications and Knowledge Management;
• Provide technical support in managing of innovation grants;
• Provide Program capacity development support; develop capacity development plan for AEAS stakeholders at national and regional level; and backstop national facilitators/ consultants in the use of the CF establishment guidelines for CF institutional development;
• Back stop and convene AFAAS Thematic Working -Groups to provide guidance and revise products/ reports on specific technical, policy and programs;
• Participate in organizing regional and continental lesson learning events and collate and synthesize lessons for experience sharing at different CF;
• Monitor and supervise the execution of CF activities, and national components of regional activities in country, ensuring in particular close working relations with national and local authorities, Civil Society Organisations, Farmer Organisations and providing technical support to the CFs;
• Participate in advocating and lobbying for the interests of AFAAS at national, regional and international levels including developingmaterials for AFAAS promotion, visibility and public relations;
• Perform any other duties as might be assigned by Executive Director from time to time.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience: 

• The Programmes Officer must hold a good master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences (Agricultural Extension, Agronomy, Economics, Rural development) or related Social Sciences with post-graduate qualifications relevant to project planning and management or institutional development. PhD degree shall be an added advantage. 
• Comprehensive  understanding of the institutional developments and emerging paradigms in agricultural innovation systems, CAADP processes and FAAP principles with extensive understanding of the AFAAS structures
• A minimum of seven years’ professional experience in Agricultural research and  Development with focus to institutional development, networking, and participatory approaches, joint management and gender issues;
• Prior experience of donor compliance mechanisms and Programme Management cycle
• Excellent communication skills and a track record that shows ability to facilitate and coordinate teamwork and to interact with stakeholders at regional and international levels
• Possess the ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment;

Language Proficiency: Fluency in any two of these languages:  English, French or Portuguese.

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their applications with a cover letter and comprehensive curriculum vitae, together with the names, addresses, telephone numbers of three referees should be addressed to the Executive Director-AFAAS , AFAAS Secretariat, Plot 22A Nakasero Road; Kampala, Uganda.

E-mail: secretariat@afaas-africa.org all emails copied to msnahdy@afaas-africa.org

NB: Please include the position reference code indicated above as part of your subject when forwarding your application. Successful candidate is expected to assume office as soon as possible. AFAAS is an equal opportunity employer and is sourcing for applications from all African regions and female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Deadline: 12th February, 2014