Agricultural Extension Officers at Damnaish Human Capacity Building Initiative (DHCBI)

Damnaish Human Capacity Building Initiative (DHCBI) is a Humanitarian Non-Governmental Organization, founded in 2014 and incorporated with the Nigerian Government (Corporate Affairs Commission) in 2015 (CAC/IT/No 83231) to provide humanitarian assistance, in terms of emergency and Capacity building, social development and empowerment to eradication poverty and the fear of want. It has since its inception, been strategizing, collaborating, and interfacing with relevant stakeholders toward enhancing the individual’s ability to break free from poverty or bounce back in times of crisis.

Our society has over the years been bedeviled by insecurity, poverty, illiteracy, disease, hunger, malnutrition, lack of access to clean, water bad sanitation, human rights abuses environmental degradation as well a lack of economic opportunities, making it possible for the humanitarian crisis to thrive. DHCBI, therefore, has tailored its humanitarian services to building or restoring the capacity of individuals and communities towards rapid and quick recovery by supporting livelihoods and sustainable basic services through some articulated programs.

We are recruiting a qualified personnel to fill the position below:

Job Title: Agricultural Extension Officer

Location: Borno
Project Duration: 8 months

General Description and Job Brief

• The Agricultural Extension Officer will support DHCBI’s Food Security and Livelihood (FSL) program by providing technical expertise, training, and guidance to beneficiaries in sustainable agricultural practices.
• This role focuses on empowering local communities through improved crop production techniques, soil management, and innovative agricultural methods such as hydroponics and Farmer Field School.
• The Officer will also coordinate with the FSL team to ensure activities align with DHCBI and donor requirements, ultimately enhancing food security and livelihood resilience in project areas.

Responsibilities
The Agricultural Extension Officer will:

• Program Implementation: Support the design and delivery of agricultural extension services, including crop management, pest control, dry/wet season farming and sustainable soil practices.
• Training and Capacity Building: Lead beneficiary training sessions on improved farming practices, including hydroponic fodder production for livestock and organic gardening techniques.
• Hydroponics Training: Implement a hands-on training program to introduce hydroponic techniques for crop and fodder production, providing beneficiaries with an alternative, soil-free method for growing essential crops.
• Field Demonstrations: Establish demonstration plots to showcase effective farming methods, including the use of organic compost, pest management, and efficient water usage.
• Technical Support: Offer ongoing technical guidance on crop rotation, soil fertility, and crop protection to improve productivity and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
• Community Engagement: Collaborate with community leaders and engage beneficiaries to promote acceptance of new agricultural techniques, particularly for hydroponics and organic gardening.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Conduct regular field visits to monitor crop performance, adoption of practices, and the overall impact of the agricultural interventions. Document progress and submit timely reports.
• Coordination with Local Agricultural Bodies: Partner with local agricultural departments, research institutions, and extension services to leverage resources and support project implementation.
• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure all activities comply with DHCBI policies and donor requirements. Document and submit reports detailing training, progress, and results.

Capacity-Building and Quality Assurance:

• Conduct on-site training and capacity-building initiatives for beneficiaries and community members involved in agricultural activities.
• Work in close collaboration with the FSL team to integrate agriculture with other livelihood programs for comprehensive support to beneficiaries.

External Representation:

• Represent DHCBI at agricultural forums, workshops, and cluster meetings to share best practices and align with regional agricultural programs.
• Maintain relationships with local stakeholders, including community leaders, government agricultural agencies, and other partner organizations.

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA):

• Actively promote PSEA standards within DHCBI and amongst beneficiaries, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all involved.

Compliance & Ethics:

• Foster a culture of compliance and ethics throughout DHCBI, ensuring adherence to WFP and DHCBI standards.

Gender Equality Commitments:

• Promote an inclusive environment that values diversity, ensuring equal access to information and resources for both women and men.
• Address the needs of all genders, facilitating fair access to agricultural training and resources.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in agricultural extension services, with a background in community-based agricultural projects or food security programs.
• Skills: Knowledge of crop management, sustainable farming techniques, hydroponics, and pest control. Strong communication, training, and community engagement skills.
• Additional: Familiarity with WFP or other donor-funded agricultural programs is an advantage. Ability to work in remote field locations.

Working Conditions:

• Travel: Requires significant travel (up to 80%) to field sites.
• Working Hours: Standard 8-hour workdays, with potential for additional hours based on project needs.

Application Closing Date
13th November, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.

Note

• DHCBI do not solicit fee from interested jobseekers. Please note that DHCBI will not request for any monetary payments from applicants at any stage of the recruitment process.
• DHCBI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. DHCBI considers all applicants on the basis of merit without prejudice to race, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, colour, national origin, marital status, or veteran status.
• We uphold the Humanitarian Principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence.