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Job Title: Programme Policy Officer – SAMS
Type of Contract: Fixed-Term, NOA
Unit/Division: Programme
Duration: 1 year renewable (upon confirmation of the probationary period)
Duty Station: Antananarivo
Vacancy Number: One (01) position
Date of Publication: February 03, 2025
Deadline for Application: February 16, 2025
CONTEXT
The support program for small-scale agricultural producers aims to strengthen the resilience of small-scale farmers by improving access to optimized means of production through technologies adapted to their needs. This program is part of a drive for sustainable rural development, increased agricultural productivity and enhanced food security, with a particular focus on areas vulnerable to climate change and economic shocks.
SUPERVISION
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Small Producer Support and Climate Pole , the Programme Policy Officer – SAMS will be responsible for providing support for the implementation of the strengthening local food systems component as part of the scaling-up of school feeding programs based on local purchases and agricultural value chain development initiatives.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):
1) Contribute towards the development of a limited number of projects, plans and processes, ensuring alignment with wider programme policies and guidance.
2) Provide project management support to specific and defined programmes and projects of small to moderate size that are relatively straight forward in nature, ensuring a coordinated approach with wider programmes that complies with WFP standards and procedures.
3) Follow data gathering and monitoring systems ensuring that rigorous quality standards are maintained.
4) Research and analyse policy and operational issues to support senior colleagues in the development of policies, programmes and activities.
5) Contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely reporting on programmes and activities that enable informed decision making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
6) Liaise with internal counterparts to ensure effective collaboration, monitor ongoing projects.
7) Support the identification, development and management of potential partnerships to collaborative working leading to improved food assistance packages.
8) Support the capacity building of WFP staff, partners and national government to prepare for and respond to food assistance needs, e.g. through project management support of learning initiatives.
9) Provide guidance to support staff, acting as a point of referral and assisting them with analysis and queries.
10) Other as required.
OTHER SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS
Design and implementation of the small producer support program:
- Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies to support small-scale agricultural producers in the adoption and use of new adapted agricultural tools (equipment, seeds, farming techniques, etc.).
- Identify the specific needs of local producers in terms of agricultural tools and propose innovative solutions to improve their productivity and sustainability.
- Ensure the integration of optimized production methods to improve the traditional farming practices of small-scale producers, while taking into account local specificities (climate, types of crops, etc.).
Capacity-building for producers:
- Organize training and workshops for agricultural producers to improve their production in terms of quality and quantity.
- Provide technical support in the field to help producers adopt and master agricultural tools.
- Set up monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of technical support and its impact on producers’ productivity.
Resource mobilization and partnerships:
- Identify partners (NGOs, agribusinesses, financial institutions) to support the supply of farming tools, improved seeds and agricultural inputs.
- Work with ministries, local authorities and farmers’ organizations to implement the roadmap for strengthening food systems.
- Seek funding and subsidy opportunities to expand access to agricultural tools and ensure program sustainability.
Monitoring and evaluation :
- Develop and implement a monitoring and evaluation system for program activities, including clear performance indicators to measure impact on producers.
- Monitor producers’ use of agricultural tools and their impact on productivity and income.
- Prepare regular reports on progress, challenges encountered and results achieved, proposing adjustments where necessary.
- Advocacy and awareness-raising:
- Raise awareness among farming communities, local authorities and private sector players on strengthening local food systems to improve production and resilience in the face of climate challenges.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Education: Advanced University degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, agricultural systems management, rural development or other field relevant to international development assistance, or First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.
Experience:
- With an Advanced university degree, at least one (01) year of relevant experience at a professional level
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in managing agricultural programs, supporting small-scale producers or implementing agricultural development projects.
- Proven experience in providing technical support to agricultural producers and in introducing new agricultural technologies.
Language: Fluency (level C) in French language and an Intermediate level in English.
DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE
- Has gained experience in implementing technical programs (i.e. nutrition, etc.).
- Has implemented programmes and provided input into designing operations.
- Has provided input into policy discussions and decisions.
SKILLS AND APTITUDES
– Knowledge of the context of southern Madagascar, the challenges linked to the development of agricultural value chains and technologies adapted to small-scale producers (equipment, seeds, cultivation techniques, etc.).
– Mastery of methods for monitoring and evaluating agricultural programs.
– Knowledge of food security, climate change and sustainability issues in the agricultural sector.
– Ability to work in a team, communicate effectively and manage multidisciplinary partnerships.
– Excellent report writing and communication skills.
– Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a dynamic environment.
– Good communication/advocacy, negotiation and leadership skills;
– Ability to operate in a multicultural environment, demonstrate commitment and integrity.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: February 16, 2025