Programme Officer, Livelihood and Food Security at Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS)

Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS) is a homegrown Non-Governmental Organization that is officially registered in Nigeria. It was founded in 1995 with the primary goal of supporting the National Onchocerciasis Control Programme in Nigeria as CBM Onchocerciasis Control programme. Over time, HANDS has broadened its scope to encompass various initiatives aimed at improving public health, fostering development, and providing emergency services. HANDS envisions a quality life with equal opportunities in an inclusive society. The organization collaborates with communities, government agencies, and developmental organizations to achieve its objectives. The organization is active in the FCT and multiple states across Nigeria, focusing on controlling and elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), preventing blindness, promoting disability inclusion, offering clubfoot treatment, and providing reproductive health, gender mainstreaming and emergency response services. HANDS' headquarters is situated in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Programme Officer, Livelihood and Food Security

Location: Katsina
Employment Type: Contract

Job Purpose

• The Programme Officer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring activities aimed at improving livelihood opportunities and food security for beneficiaries in Katsina State.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive livelihood and food security strategies that integrate climate-friendly farming practices and organic agriculture in the 5 LGAs under HANDS' oversight.
• Conduct assessments to identify livelihood challenges, food insecurity issues, and environmental concerns, and design tailored interventions to address them effectively.
• Provide technical assistance, training, and capacity building to farmers, cooperatives, and community groups to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and improve crop yields.
• Collaborate with government agencies, agricultural experts, environmental organizations, and community leaders to promote the use of climate-friendly farming products and organic inputs for sustainable agriculture.
• Facilitate access to resources, such as seeds, fertilizers, and tools, that support climate-resilient farming and organic agriculture practices.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of livelihood and food security interventions, collecting data on agricultural productivity, income generation, and food access, and reporting findings to the Katsina State Programme Lead.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with local markets, buyers, and value chain actors to create market linkages for farmers and promote income generation opportunities.
• Advocate for policies and practices that support sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and food security at the local and regional levels.
• Conduct training sessions and workshops on climate-smart agriculture, organic farming, and sustainable land management practices for farmers and community members.
• Ensure gender mainstreaming and inclusivity in all livelihood and food security activities, empowering women farmers and marginalized groups to actively participate in agricultural development initiatives.

Risk Involved:

• The Livelihood and Food Security Officer may face risks related to promoting innovative farming practices, including resistance to change from traditional methods, limited access to resources, and potential environmental challenges.
• Working in agricultural settings may also involve exposure to physical hazards, such as extreme weather conditions and agricultural machinery.
• The officer must prioritize safety, sustainability, and community engagement in all activities.

Qualifications

• Interested candidates should possess an HND / B.Sc Degree with 3 years experience.

Application Closing Date
30th September, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter addressed to "The Programme Director, Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS), 5A Naomi Jugu Drive, Rayfield Jos, Plateau State" via: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Note

• HANDS recruitment processes are conducted in compliance with principles of transparency and protection of all persons.
• You are not to pay money or offer favors of any kind to staff of HANDS in order to secure a position.
• All applications are offered on the basis of equal opportunities for qualified candidates.
• All data collected by HANDS is managed according to standard data protection policy of the organization.
• By submitting your application for this position, you grant HANDS the right to obtain information about you for security checks.
• Women and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted!