Job ID
19726
Job Title
Agricultural Engineer - Expert
To work for
Oxfam Syria
Country
Syria
City
Damascus
Field of Work
Agriculture
Job Type
Full time
Military service
Finished or Exempted (For male)
Minimum Education Level
Bachelor/ License Degree
Responsibilities
Strategic technical advice and support for programme design and implementation
• Working within the framework of Oxfam in Syria’s Country Strategy, and specifically in the areas of agriculture, agricultural related livelihoods and climate change. Provide facilitative leadership, develop the delivery of the strategy, help prioritise key activities and issues and provide strategic guidance on how best to achieve long term impact and sustainable change. Support the development of the next Oxfam in Syria Country Strategy;
• Lead on new initiatives staying up to date with the latest developments in the field, undertake/commission organised research and analysis; develop a comprehensive understanding of the link between poverty, agriculture and related activities, land, and market access and the issues that influence them;
• Ensure all analysis, information and recommendations relating to strategy and programmes in the area of agriculture are specifically informed by gender considerations, as well as a range of other important impact areas, including climate change, disaster risk reduction and chronic food insecurity;
• Synthesise data and information to share with relevant staff at the head office and field levels so they are kept fully informed, set-up a system so that field staff share their observations from the field, and ensure there is an effective discussion and dialogue process to channel ideas and information to be incorporated into Oxfam’s strategies, programmes, projects and plans;
• Maintain regular contact with relevant field staff to support quality implementation; undertake field visits to conduct workshops with the field teams and provide them with on location direct support;
• Undertake field visits to get familiar with farming communities concerns. Carry out trainings on agricultural related themes for Oxfam’s beneficiaries as appropriate;
• Work in collaboration with a range of varied partners regularly define research agenda for the Agriculture programme, facilitate research, and using experience from direct project implementation, develop policy positions to be further discussed with the EFSVL Advisor, DCD-Programs and Advocacy team;
• In close coordination with other programme teams, and based on assessment and contextual analysis, support the development of context appropriate detailed operational plans and budgets for the delivery of humanitarian assistance;
• Provide strategic and technical inputs for proposal development, and provide support to write donor proposals and reports;
• Participate in relevant fundraising activities, through the development of fundable concepts and by assisting in the development of donor proposals, related budgets and other necessary activities to secure funding for programme objectives;
• Provide regular information, briefings and reports on program activities;
• Manage consultants and researchers as required, in accordance with Oxfam policy and procedures.
Capacity building:
• Develop and implement a detailed plan for building the capacity of Oxfam staff and partner organisations in agriculture and agricultural related topics. This will include needs assessment, delivery plan including tools and methodologies, performance standards, and evaluation;
• Ensure that Oxfam EFSVL staff in the field and that of partner organisations are fully involved in the assessment and design of the capacity building training;
• Undertake personal training and coaching of EFSVL and partner staff to develop their expertise;
• As agreed with the partners, be involved in the design and management of regular assessments and reviews of partner organisations regarding their agricultural work to ensure that the capacity building programme is delivering the agreed upon results, making necessary adjustments as circumstances may require;
• Conduct regular meetings with relevant Oxfam field staff and partner organisations’ staff to ensure that the working relationship between them and Oxfam is positive, open and conducive to the successful achievement of agreed objectives;
• Take the initiative in documenting lessons learned, to embed best practices into the programme cycle, shape in-country strategies and programme approaches, and contribute to broader sector learning.
Contribute to programme quality standards
• Contribute to ensuring that the EFSVL programme and agricultural projects are inclusive of marginalised and vulnerable individuals and communities; that they promote the full and equal participation of women; and that accountability to affected communities is central to the ways of working;
• Work in an interactive and coordinated manner with the other Program leads to identify and encourage synergies within and across programmes to achieve an integrated one program approach that supports the overall country strategy;
• Contribute to the implementation of the country strategy and develop and coordinate operational plans to achieve the strategy;
• Linking the Syria team with the wider Oxfam confederation through making use of the resources available, using the learning from other countries, understanding and incorporating the broader Oxfam policies and procedures into the Syria programme;
• Support the EFSVL team in risk analysis and mitigation activities related to agriculture, agricultural related livelihoods and climate change during programme design, prior to programme implementation, and provide strategic steer on amending activities and approaches during implementation as may be necessary;
• Support programme, project and partners’ teams in developing and applying appropriate monitoring, verification, evaluation and learning (MEAL) tools in relation to Oxfam’s agricultural and agricultural related livelihoods work in Syria;
• In close coordination with other sector leads and technical teams ensure that Oxfam’s humanitarian programme is sensitive to the context while addressing the need of the most vulnerable and remains impartial.
Coordination and representation
In collaboration with the EFSVL Adviser:
• Represent and strategically position Oxfam within relevant UN/international and national NGOs and government fora, i.e. ministries of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform and Local Administration and the Environment, and other external stakeholders; Provide strategic and technical input in sector specific external coordination mechanisms i.e. Food Security and Agriculture Sector.
• Develop alliances with all stakeholders working in EFSVL, the agricultural sector and climate with a view to enhancing existing strategies, programs, coordination and complementary.
• Working within the framework of Oxfam in Syria’s Country Strategy, and specifically in the areas of agriculture, agricultural related livelihoods and climate change. Provide facilitative leadership, develop the delivery of the strategy, help prioritise key activities and issues and provide strategic guidance on how best to achieve long term impact and sustainable change. Support the development of the next Oxfam in Syria Country Strategy;
• Lead on new initiatives staying up to date with the latest developments in the field, undertake/commission organised research and analysis; develop a comprehensive understanding of the link between poverty, agriculture and related activities, land, and market access and the issues that influence them;
• Ensure all analysis, information and recommendations relating to strategy and programmes in the area of agriculture are specifically informed by gender considerations, as well as a range of other important impact areas, including climate change, disaster risk reduction and chronic food insecurity;
• Synthesise data and information to share with relevant staff at the head office and field levels so they are kept fully informed, set-up a system so that field staff share their observations from the field, and ensure there is an effective discussion and dialogue process to channel ideas and information to be incorporated into Oxfam’s strategies, programmes, projects and plans;
• Maintain regular contact with relevant field staff to support quality implementation; undertake field visits to conduct workshops with the field teams and provide them with on location direct support;
• Undertake field visits to get familiar with farming communities concerns. Carry out trainings on agricultural related themes for Oxfam’s beneficiaries as appropriate;
• Work in collaboration with a range of varied partners regularly define research agenda for the Agriculture programme, facilitate research, and using experience from direct project implementation, develop policy positions to be further discussed with the EFSVL Advisor, DCD-Programs and Advocacy team;
• In close coordination with other programme teams, and based on assessment and contextual analysis, support the development of context appropriate detailed operational plans and budgets for the delivery of humanitarian assistance;
• Provide strategic and technical inputs for proposal development, and provide support to write donor proposals and reports;
• Participate in relevant fundraising activities, through the development of fundable concepts and by assisting in the development of donor proposals, related budgets and other necessary activities to secure funding for programme objectives;
• Provide regular information, briefings and reports on program activities;
• Manage consultants and researchers as required, in accordance with Oxfam policy and procedures.
Capacity building:
• Develop and implement a detailed plan for building the capacity of Oxfam staff and partner organisations in agriculture and agricultural related topics. This will include needs assessment, delivery plan including tools and methodologies, performance standards, and evaluation;
• Ensure that Oxfam EFSVL staff in the field and that of partner organisations are fully involved in the assessment and design of the capacity building training;
• Undertake personal training and coaching of EFSVL and partner staff to develop their expertise;
• As agreed with the partners, be involved in the design and management of regular assessments and reviews of partner organisations regarding their agricultural work to ensure that the capacity building programme is delivering the agreed upon results, making necessary adjustments as circumstances may require;
• Conduct regular meetings with relevant Oxfam field staff and partner organisations’ staff to ensure that the working relationship between them and Oxfam is positive, open and conducive to the successful achievement of agreed objectives;
• Take the initiative in documenting lessons learned, to embed best practices into the programme cycle, shape in-country strategies and programme approaches, and contribute to broader sector learning.
Contribute to programme quality standards
• Contribute to ensuring that the EFSVL programme and agricultural projects are inclusive of marginalised and vulnerable individuals and communities; that they promote the full and equal participation of women; and that accountability to affected communities is central to the ways of working;
• Work in an interactive and coordinated manner with the other Program leads to identify and encourage synergies within and across programmes to achieve an integrated one program approach that supports the overall country strategy;
• Contribute to the implementation of the country strategy and develop and coordinate operational plans to achieve the strategy;
• Linking the Syria team with the wider Oxfam confederation through making use of the resources available, using the learning from other countries, understanding and incorporating the broader Oxfam policies and procedures into the Syria programme;
• Support the EFSVL team in risk analysis and mitigation activities related to agriculture, agricultural related livelihoods and climate change during programme design, prior to programme implementation, and provide strategic steer on amending activities and approaches during implementation as may be necessary;
• Support programme, project and partners’ teams in developing and applying appropriate monitoring, verification, evaluation and learning (MEAL) tools in relation to Oxfam’s agricultural and agricultural related livelihoods work in Syria;
• In close coordination with other sector leads and technical teams ensure that Oxfam’s humanitarian programme is sensitive to the context while addressing the need of the most vulnerable and remains impartial.
Coordination and representation
In collaboration with the EFSVL Adviser:
• Represent and strategically position Oxfam within relevant UN/international and national NGOs and government fora, i.e. ministries of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform and Local Administration and the Environment, and other external stakeholders; Provide strategic and technical input in sector specific external coordination mechanisms i.e. Food Security and Agriculture Sector.
• Develop alliances with all stakeholders working in EFSVL, the agricultural sector and climate with a view to enhancing existing strategies, programs, coordination and complementary.
Qualifications
Minimum qualification
• Higher Education in a relevant field, i.e. agriculture, rural development, economics or development studies with a focus on agriculture); post graduate degree preferred.
• Knowledge of climate change impact.
Experience:
• Minimum of 4-5 years’ experience in the humanitarian sector delivering agriculture related programming in conflict and/or post-conflict settings;
• Proven management experience at a strategic level with evidence of leading, facilitating and integrating into a wider program a specific area of expertise, providing clarity and focus of vision and impact, strategic planning and decision making and the delivery of agreed results;
• Experience working in an advisory and supportive capacity, providing effective support to a multidisciplinary and multicultural team;
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience of implementing sustainable agricultural related livelihood programmes in both humanitarian and early recovery/development programme operations, built on a mature understanding of relevant issues derived from field experience;
• Knowledge and experience of the private agricultural sector and related markets;
• Experience working with partners in remote or hard to reach settings;
• Knowledge of a wide range of methods and approaches that can be used for rights-based food security, livelihood, market-based programming and early recovery activities in rural settings;
Skills and qualifications
• Strong analytical skills and conceptual thinking, including critical thinking beyond the programmatic but within the regional context; understanding of risks, power analysis and stakeholder mapping;
• Project management knowledge and planning skills; experience using participatory tools and methodologies for assessment, project identification, implementation, monitoring and evaluation;
• Experience developing log frames, and robust M&E systems for agriculture programmes with clear indicators of success and putting in place accountability mechanisms;
• Strong coordination skills including the experience in representation with Government and other external actors. Diplomacy, tact and negotiating skills are essential;
• Ability to work under pressure, ability to prioritize and commitment to meet deadlines;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including high-level interpersonal and representational capabilities;
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential;
• Understanding and supportive of gender and diversity considerations within key areas of responsibility and commitment to addressing inequalities in the programme;
• Strong commitment to the aims and objectives of Oxfam, including strong commitment to gender equality and social justice;
• Higher Education in a relevant field, i.e. agriculture, rural development, economics or development studies with a focus on agriculture); post graduate degree preferred.
• Knowledge of climate change impact.
Experience:
• Minimum of 4-5 years’ experience in the humanitarian sector delivering agriculture related programming in conflict and/or post-conflict settings;
• Proven management experience at a strategic level with evidence of leading, facilitating and integrating into a wider program a specific area of expertise, providing clarity and focus of vision and impact, strategic planning and decision making and the delivery of agreed results;
• Experience working in an advisory and supportive capacity, providing effective support to a multidisciplinary and multicultural team;
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience of implementing sustainable agricultural related livelihood programmes in both humanitarian and early recovery/development programme operations, built on a mature understanding of relevant issues derived from field experience;
• Knowledge and experience of the private agricultural sector and related markets;
• Experience working with partners in remote or hard to reach settings;
• Knowledge of a wide range of methods and approaches that can be used for rights-based food security, livelihood, market-based programming and early recovery activities in rural settings;
Skills and qualifications
• Strong analytical skills and conceptual thinking, including critical thinking beyond the programmatic but within the regional context; understanding of risks, power analysis and stakeholder mapping;
• Project management knowledge and planning skills; experience using participatory tools and methodologies for assessment, project identification, implementation, monitoring and evaluation;
• Experience developing log frames, and robust M&E systems for agriculture programmes with clear indicators of success and putting in place accountability mechanisms;
• Strong coordination skills including the experience in representation with Government and other external actors. Diplomacy, tact and negotiating skills are essential;
• Ability to work under pressure, ability to prioritize and commitment to meet deadlines;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including high-level interpersonal and representational capabilities;
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential;
• Understanding and supportive of gender and diversity considerations within key areas of responsibility and commitment to addressing inequalities in the programme;
• Strong commitment to the aims and objectives of Oxfam, including strong commitment to gender equality and social justice;
Specific Vacancy Requirements
Oxfam is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those that are suitable to work within our values are recruited to work for us.
We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply specially female candidates.
We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply specially female candidates.
Salary and Benefits
As per Oxfam Pay scale
About us
Oxfam is an international confederation of 17 organizations networked together in more than 90 countries, as part of a global movement for change, to build a future free from the injustice of poverty.
In Syria :
While Oxfam has been present in the region since 1970, it began operating in Syria through its Damascus based presence in July 2013. Since then, Oxfam has been responding to both the urgent WASH needs for vulnerable people, and has been working on the rehabilitation of water systems in order to provide durable, more sustainable solutions to the affected populations. Interventions implemented under Oxfam's WASH Programme include: Provision of Acute Emergency Life-Saving WASH Services, Rehabilitation of Water Systems, Hygiene Promotion and Water Conservation, Capacity Building and Training, and Improved Emergency WASH Coordination. To date, Oxfam has been worked in 10 governorates, seeking out to over 2.5 million beneficiaries.
In Syria :
While Oxfam has been present in the region since 1970, it began operating in Syria through its Damascus based presence in July 2013. Since then, Oxfam has been responding to both the urgent WASH needs for vulnerable people, and has been working on the rehabilitation of water systems in order to provide durable, more sustainable solutions to the affected populations. Interventions implemented under Oxfam's WASH Programme include: Provision of Acute Emergency Life-Saving WASH Services, Rehabilitation of Water Systems, Hygiene Promotion and Water Conservation, Capacity Building and Training, and Improved Emergency WASH Coordination. To date, Oxfam has been worked in 10 governorates, seeking out to over 2.5 million beneficiaries.
Required employees number
1
Posted On
Jul 10, 2019
Expiry Date
Aug 08, 2019
Photo
Required
CV Language
English