PROGRAM SUMMARY:
 

Sustainable AgriFood Systems Approach for Sudan (SASAS)’ program aims to promote gains in food security and livelihoods through a demand-driven approach, with locally appropriate value chains developed in a co-creation process with communities and organizations. SASAS will deliver a range of activities in Kassala state engaging private and public sectors to create demand-pull agricultural development, induce technology change and sustainable value chain development. The project is funded by USAID .

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
 

Mercy corps is looking for an experienced, qualified, and business oriented Sudanese to fill in the position of Program Officer -Soil Health. Reporting to the SASAS Program Manager, the holder of this technical position will implement all aspects related to working with smallholder farmers and farmer organizations (cooperatives / associations), and private sector partners to collect soil samples, provide agronomic information and to cascade soil improvement advisory packages. Specifically, S/he will lead and or participate in soil testing, mapping and development of soil health recommendations, knowledge transfer for healthier soils and promotion of private sector engagement to promote soil health. S/he will be required to apply a wide variety of modern, climate-smart, resilient, and environmentally smart tools and approaches in order to ensure small holder farmers have improved and resilient and commercially viable yields.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

Program implementation, partner capacity development and oversight.

• Participate in needs and other assessment, validation workshops and stakeholder platforms/events in in collaboration with program manager.
• Lead implementation of program activities related to soil testing, mapping and development of soil health recommendations, knowledge transfer for healthier soils and promotion of private sector engagement to promote soil health.
• Support the program manager in Developing and disseminating soil health related manuals and social behavior change communication messages.
• Support private sector partners to improve and deliver agriculture extension information targeting improved soil health.
• Set up a training community training structure such as farmer field school facilitators, community extension trainers and ensure adequate transferable skills and knowledge development in climate smart practices and resilient agriculture for smallholder farmers. 
• Monitor the work of community training in provision of climate smart practices and resilient agriculture for smallholder farmers.
• Oversees the provision and adoption of sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices among farmers.
• Conduct regular field visits to assess activity implementation progress, give technical advice / mentor and provide feedback(s) to farmers, partners, staff for further improvement.
• Closely work with supervisor and MEL team to develop of results chains, monitoring tools/ measuring indicators, milestones development, and monitoring/ reporting of output and outcomes.
• Ensures the program properly captures, documented and updated relevant information including through weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual and activity reports and contribute to donor reports.
• In collaboration with supervisor, work to build and maintain close relationships with key partners, (government, private sector, associations, and local authorities.
• Engage relevant stakeholders (government, extension services providers etc.) to ensure farmers receive adequate quality trainings and adopt Resilient Agricultural practices.
• Facilitate program partners in establishment of last mile agricultural supply points and networks and demonstrations to ensure adoption of trainings and technologies.
• Any other tasks assigned.

Collaboration, Networking, Representation and Coordination

• Maintain good coordination and working relationships and solicit participation in activities where appropriate and as directed to create synergy, share experiences and obtain support for program objectives.
• On PM’s guidance, coordinate and share information with relevant stakeholders (government, NGOs etc.) and obtain their support for meaning participation, access to resources and decision making by women.
• Represent Mercy Corps and the program in FSL Working Groups and other local FSL forums and GBV working group meetings on behalf of the Program Manager.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission. Respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues. 

Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Support the monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL) and reporting on the FSL thematic area by ensuring formulation of relevant indicators, participating in assessments, surveys and ensuring appropriate analysis. 
• Work closely with the MEL team to capture data for measuring output, outcome and impact
• Conduct monitoring visits to assess the effectiveness of program activities and adjust as required.
• Prepare and submit timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports that are indicative of program progress. Respond to queries when necessary and maintain a proper filing system as required
• Provide follow up on recommendations and solutions where there are problems in implementation.

 Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Organizational Learning 

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves. 

Accountability to Beneficiaries 

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically 
  to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Program Assistants

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: SASAS Program Manager

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Program officers, program assistants, and Support Departments, (Finance, Operations, Logistics & Human resources) and other MC staff.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Business studies or Agriculture engineering any close relevant discipline.
• A minimum 2 years’ experience with INGOs and small holder farmers in production and marketing.
• Experience working in market support or strengthening programs or MSD approach is a high advantage
• Experience in working in the private sector, specifically agriculture input, output and post-harvest materials, or financial services or related field is an added advantage. 
• Experience in Climate smart interventions, agriculture projects and resilience is an added advantage
• Familiarity with national agriculture and livestock sector strategies, tools and approaches is required
• Strong negotiation, representation, skills and the ability to work comfortably with a vast audience
• Experience of gender dynamics in target areas and knowledge of national gender policy frameworks
• Demonstrated commitment to women’s rights, human rights and social justice
• Proven skills in networking, collaboration, community consultation; teamwork and problem-solving.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English and Arabic and representation skills is required
• Good computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Word, Excel and Power Point 
• Commitment to working with program participants in need regardless of race, religion or gender

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Strong leadership and collaborative engagement with operations, finance, and other program staff.
• Fluent in English and Arabic languages
• Business minded, entrepreneurial, adaptive, curious, great problem-solving skills, unafraid to ask questions, and results motivated.
• He/she will be a tolerant and flexible individual able to work in difficult and stressful environments and follow procedures.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and networking skills with a wide range of private, partner and NGO-sector actors

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. 

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today. Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and

values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.