About the project: Improving Climate Resilience and Social Cohesion in Anbar (ICCA)

ICCA aims to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable population groups in selected districts in Anbar governorate to conflicts and climate impacts. As part of the 2030 Agenda, the project thus contributes to achieving SDG 1 (End poverty), SDG 5 (Gender equality), SDG 12 (Sustainable consumption and production patterns), and SDG 16 (Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development).

The project serves three fields of action of BMZ’s "Strategy for transitional development assistance" (2020). For the "food security" field of action, it is relevant that agricultural production is made more resilient with regard to the consequences of climate change and that income opportunities for the target groups are improved. In the field of action "Rebuilding basic structures and services", the provision of services in agricultural advisory services, water management, and conflict prevention is improved and the population is increasingly involved in decision-making and administrative processes. By strengthening local capacities in the area of conflict resolution and citizen participation, the project contributes directly to the area of action "Peaceful and inclusive coexistence".

ICCA’s objectives and areas of intervention

ICCA’s main objective is to improve the resilience of Anbar's population to conflicts and the consequences of climate change. The project achieves this by strengthening services, structures, and processes that directly contribute to increasing the resilience of the population.

ICCA’s second main objective is to prepare Anbar for the bilaterisation of development cooperation and the exit of transitional development assistance from Anbar (TDA Exit). The project is focusing its activities on three districts: Falluja, Ramadi, and Hit. Additional locations may be added, subject to agreements with the local partners and BMZ.

To meet these objectives, the project will be implemented through the following work packages:

Work Package 1: Coordination of the Agricultural Innovation System

Work Package 2: Development and establishment of publicly accessible Knowledge Management Systems

Work Package 3: Adaptation and creation of target group-specific advisory approaches relevant to climate change

Work Package 4: Strengthening the Agricultural Advisory System in Anbar Through Joint Implementation

Work Package 5: Strengthening Farmer-Based Organisations further

About AFC

Agriculture & Finance Consultants GmbH (AFC) is a German private consulting firm on agricultural and commercial development projects in countries in transition. AFC was founded in 1973. In 2007 AFC Consultants International GmbH became a member of the GOPA Consulting Group, Germany's largest group of consulting firms in the field of development cooperation.

It provides its services to private public enterprises in the commercial farming area the full range from primary production to the basic stage. Only develop new products and services, appropriate establishment, regulation and control.

Primary Objective: The Agronomist will oversee all activities related to agricultural production and improve the agricultural extension system while serving as the Deputy Team Leader. This role involves collaborating closely with farmers, farmer groups, and the Directorate of Agriculture (DoA) to ensure the successful implementation of best practices in agriculture and water management.

Scope of Work:

1. Agricultural Production and Extension System Improvement:

• Take overall responsibility for activities focused on enhancing agricultural production.
• Lead the improvement of the agricultural extension system to better serve farmers.

2. Deputy Team Leader:

• Act as the Deputy Team Leader, taking on the responsibilities of the Team Leader in the Team Leader’s absence.
• Ensure continuity in team leadership and operations during transitions.

3. Farmer and Stakeholder Coordination:

• Maintain effective communication and coordination with farmers, farmer groups, and DoA extension workers to align efforts and ensure effective collaboration.

4. Training Development:

• Coordinate the development of training modules on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and water management to enhance knowledge transfer.

5. Training and Coaching:

• Lead the organization and execution of production-related training sessions and coaching activities for farmers and extension workers.

6. On-the-Job Coaching:

• Provide hands-on coaching and mentoring to extension workers to improve their skills and capacities.

7. Agricultural Advisory Development:

• Oversee the development and dissemination of agricultural advisory approaches that benefit the broader farming community.
• Ensure that these approaches are practical, effective, and accessible to the target audience.

Deliverables:

• Successful coordination and execution of activities aimed at improving agricultural production and extension services.
• Development and implementation of GAP and water management training modules.
• Effective on-the-job coaching for extension workers, improving their technical capacity and performance.
• Clear communication and strong relationships with farmers, farmer groups, and DoA extension workers.
• Comprehensive agricultural advisory approaches developed and shared with relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Education/Training:

• University degree (Master’s or equivalent, e.g., German Diplom) in agronomy or a related field.

Language:

• Proficiency in Arabic (C2 level) in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• Proficiency in English (C2 level) in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

General Professional Experience:

• 10 years of professional experience in agricultural production.

Specific Professional Experience:

• 5 years of experience in agricultural extension services, including hands-on work with farmers and extension workers.

Leadership/Management Experience:

• 3 years of management experience in leading projects, teams, or organizations, ensuring smooth operations and results.

Professional Experience in Iraq:

• 15 years of professional experience in Iraq, providing a deep understanding of the local agricultural landscape and challenges.

Development Cooperation Experience:

• 5 years of experience working on development cooperation projects, ensuring alignment with international best practices and donor requirements.

If you are interested in this position and meet the necessary qualifications and experience, kindly submit your CV in English to the following email address: hr-iraq@gopa-afc.de 

Please ensure that the subject of the email is "HR-IQ-029". Emails without this subject will not be reviewed.

The deadline for applications is Oct 14th, 2024. CVs received after this date will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

GOPA AFC is committed to equal opportunities for both genders.