CALL FOR CVs: Agronomists, Consultants – STS International Solidarity, Somalia

STS International Solidarity is a non-governmental organization dedicated to providing lifesaving relief in emergencies and development assistance to the most vulnerable people recovering from conflict, disaster, and the impact of climate change. We believe in the importance of sustainable livelihoods and food security for individuals and communities, and we are committed to improving these critical components of sustainable development.

STS works with communities including women, children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and returnees to build resilience that transforms and safeguards their rights and wellbeing through a variety of programs and initiatives.

STS has been implementing projects in hard-to-reach areas for over 15 years. Currently STS is working in Somalia districts including in Jowhar, Baidoa, Beletweyne, Marka, Afgoye, Dollow, Kismayu, Warsheikh, Abudwak and Dusamareeb districts.

Purpose

STS International Solidarity is currently seeking experienced consultants to join our team for the duration of 2023-2026 in the following areas;

1. Agronomy
2. Agribusiness Development
3. Food Fortification
4. Food and Nutrition

Specific Responsibilities

1. Agronomist Consultant(s):

Objective: The agronomist consultant(s) will provide technical expertise and guidance to improve agricultural practices, promote sustainable farming techniques, and enhance food security in communities affected by conflict, disaster, and climate change.

Responsibilities:

• Developing and implementing training programs for smallholder farmers on crop production, pest management, climate smart agriculture, value addition, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), cooperative governance.
• Collaborating with local extension workers, and other stakeholders to promote the adoption of climate smart agriculture and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), among smallholder farmers.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to promote sustainable farming and resilience-building initiatives
• Identifying and promoting the use of appropriate technologies, such as drip irrigation systems and improved seed varieties.
• Providing technical assistance and support to smallholder farmers to improve their access to markets and value chains, including assisting with the development of farmer groups and cooperatives.
• Assess current agricultural practices, challenges, and opportunities for Somalia smallholder farmers.
• Developing and implementing strategies for sustainable agriculture, crop selection, and soil management.
• Providing training and capacity-building programs for small holder farmers/ lead farmers and extension workers on best practices.

Required Skills and Experience:

• PHD or master’s degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Over 10 years Proven experience in implementing agricultural development projects.
• Knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices, climate smart agriculture, Good Agronomic Practices, crop management, and soil conservation.
• Strong communication and training facilitation skills.
• Experience in training of smallholder farmers on crop production, pest management, climate smart agriculture, value addition, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and cooperative governance
• Knowledge of markets and value chains, including assisting with the development of farmer groups and cooperatives.

2. Agribusiness Development Consultant(s):

Objective: The agribusiness development consultant will provide guidance and support to strengthen market linkages, enhance agribusiness opportunities, and promote economic empowerment in communities.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting agricultural related trainings on agribusiness, organizational development and entrepreneurship.
• Conducting market assessments and identifying value chain opportunities.
• Developing and implementing strategies for agribusiness development and entrepreneurship.
• Providing training and capacity-building programs on agribusiness management.
• Providing assistance and expertise implementing programs to improve agricultural productivity.
• Providing assistance and expertise implementing programs to improve agribusiness development, local trade of agricultural products.
• Providing assistance and expertise implementing programs to improve competitiveness of agriculture-related value chains.
• Providing assistance and expertise implementing programs addressing the challenges of agricultural competitiveness and trade in specific sectors and value chains.
• Facilitate access to credit and financial services for farmers and entrepreneurs.

Required Skills and Experience:

• PHD or master’s degree in Agribusiness, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Proven 10 years experience in agribusiness development, value chain analysis, and market linkages.
• Knowledge of business planning, financial management, and entrepreneurship.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

3. Food Fortification Consultant (s):

Objective: The food fortification consultant will provide technical expertise and guidance to improve nutritional quality and food fortification practices in vulnerable communities.

Responsibilities:

• Assessing current food fortification practices and identifying gaps and opportunities.
• Developing and implement strategies for food fortification and nutritional enhancement.
• Providing training and capacity-building programs on food fortification techniques.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to promote policies and regulations related to food fortification.

Required Skills and Experience:

• PHD or Master’s degree in Food science and Technology of Food Nutrition and Dietetics, Food and Bioprocess engineering and other related courses;
• Proven 7 years’ experience in food fortification programs and nutritional interventions.
• Knowledge of food safety, quality control, and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong communication and training facilitation skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in at least a post graduate degree in
• Has preferably worked on the supply chain of agriculture inputs and commodities;
• In-depth knowledge of food supply chains and processing, food fortification and hands-on experience working in the milling sector, food industry, or relevant field, especially in the areas of scale upscale-up and process validation.

4. Food and Nutrition Consultant(s):

Objective: The food and nutrition consultant will provide expertise in nutrition assessment, education, and promotion to enhance the health and well-being of vulnerable communities.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting nutrition assessments and developing targeted interventions.
• Designing and implementing nutrition education and awareness campaigns.
• Providing training on healthy eating habits and balanced diets.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to advocate for nutrition-sensitive programs and policies

Required Skills and Experience:

• PHD or Master’s degree in food nutrition and dietetics, human nutrition, or public health.
• Proven 7 years’ experience in nutrition assessments, education, and behavior change interventions.
• Knowledge of public health nutrition, food security, and dietary guidelines.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills.
• At least five years of work experience of implementing food-based nutrition agriculture projects with nutritional objectives or health and with nutrition projects at field level.

Reporting

The Consultants will report to Programs Coordinator working closely with the M&E manager, project officers and field teams.