About Environmental and Economic Resource Centre (EERC)
Environmental and Economic Resource Centre is an international research-based NGO that works with a network of local and international partners to catalyse and develop inclusive agriculture, sustainable livelihoods, natural resource conservation, and environmental management in Africa. EERC undertakes research and capacity building to develop scalable technologies and innovative practices with real impact on poverty reduction, food security, ecosystem health, conservation, and livelihood development.
About the Project
EERC is partnering with Mercy Corp to Build Resilience to Climate Change and Carbon Market Opportunities in Smallholder Farming Systems in Northeast Nigeria under the “Feed the Future Rural Resilience Activity (RRA), a 5-year project funded by the United State Agency for International Development (USAID).
Northeast Nigeria (NEN) is characterized by harsh weather conditions, with the majority of the population being smallholder farmers, pastoralists, fishermen/women, and forest-dependent households who derive their livelihoods from natural resources and thus, are most vulnerable to climate shocks and natural hazards and consequently loss of investments leading to low productivity and income. EERC aims at building resilience to climate change by promoting climate change mitigation and adaptation practices that have the potential to not only increase productivity and conserve the environment but also increase productivity as well as create opportunities for carbon credits among the beneficiaries. The project has three main objectives and these include:
- Enhance the capacity of the state government to establish a suitable platform for carbon market mechanisms as well as ensure mitigating the impact of climate change across the state.
- Promote Agro-forestry among 3000 farmers to create multiple benefits such as improved food security, livelihoods, ecosystem functions, regeneration of degraded farmland, and lasting income generation from carbon markets.
- Promote the effective utilization of agri-waste and carbon farming practices among 7000 farmers to reduce the incidence of soil erosion, improve the productivity and income of smallholder farmers as well as enhance the sustainable utilization of resources, thereby reducing the impact of climate change.
The project will adopt a market-led approach to improve livelihood, build the resilience of farm households to climate change, and increase income through participation in agroforestry and carbon farming opportunities and thereby reducing the incidence of soil erosion, improving the productivity and income of smallholder farmers as well as enhance the sustainable utilization of resources, thereby reducing the impact of climate change in Adamawa and Gombe State.
About the Position
The Field Officer (FO) is expected to ensure smooth coordination of all the project actors and farmers on successful field implementation of the project activities across the state. The AFO will report to the Agriculture and Environmental Management Officer and work closely with the Climate Change Specialist to mobilize stakeholders and facilitate step-down training for Extension Workers and smallholders on agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture practices, and carbon farming techniques and support the adoption process of the innovations at the community and farm level settings.
Responsibilities
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Identify and profile qualified beneficiaries based in interests, livelihood activities, and location.
- Mobilize smallholder farmers and community members’ participation in awareness campaign and sensitization on climate change.
- Work closely with the Climate Change specialist to organize training for Extension Workers on agroforestry practices and carbon techniques.
- Work closely with Extension Workers to facilitate step-down training for smallholder farmers using farmer field school approach
- Coordinate with State Extension Workers officers to assist farmers establish Climate-smart Agriculture (CSA) practices on their own plot/household level
- Facilitate the adoption of the tested/recommended climate-smart agricultural practices for improve productivity and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
- Coordinate and monitor delivery of incentives for SHFs to shift from their existing practices to recommended CSA practices.
- Coordinate with team members to conduct field visits, and ensures that Extension Workers provide the required services for farmers throughout the course of their engagement in the town or community.
- Ensures SHFs utilize the received support to invest in the recommended CSA practices
- Work closely with the project team, stakeholders, and project partners to ensure the smooth running of the project activities
- Carry out other duties assigned by the Program Manager
Knowledge, Skills, Behaviour, and Experience Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives:
- Degree in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Agronomy, Development Studies, Rural Development, Rural Sociology, or any related area with at least 3 years
- Experience working in community development facilitation or project management in a reputable NGO.
- Experienced working with farmers on field plot demonstration and adoption process will be an added advantage.
- Ability and experience in partnership building, networking, and collaboration.
- Ability to mentor farmers and participation in a consultation process is also an added advantage,
- Communications skills appropriate to the audience
- Problem-solving, analytical, and facilitation skills
- Proficiency in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
Languages
- Fluent English in oral and writing ability is required and the ability to speak Hausa is an added advantage.
How to apply:
Interested and qualified candidates with the required experience are invited to submit their applications by email to apply@eerce.org. Candidate should be ready to submit Cover Letter, CV, and 3 references while submitting the application. The application should be submitted on or before 11 August 2023. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.