Introduction:   

Church World Service (CWS) is a not-for-profit, faith-based organization transforming communities

       around the globe through just and sustainable solutions to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster.

 CWS does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, genetic  

  information, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or in the provision of services.

This position will contribute to the implementation of the TALA project ( Together in Agriculture and

Livelihood) . Advancement ) , aimed at ensuring food security for smallholder farmers through efficient and

sustainable agricultural production and management combined with small livestock farming. This project

aims to improve the food security and economic well-being of smallholder farmers in Bakua groups

Mulumba and Bakua Muanza Mwana in the Musuasua sectors The project aims to support the Miao people

through the provision of improved animal breeds, the development of crop production, modern

beekeeping, and the formation of Smallholder Farmers' Associations (SFAs). It also includes

comprehensive training for selected farmers, organized into groups, to enable them to carry out these

activities, diversify their livelihoods, improve their food security, and strengthen their economic

empowerment within an inclusive socio-economic environment.

The project assistant's main responsibility will be to provide technical training and extension services to

project beneficiaries, particularly farmers and livestock breeders. The successful candidate will work

closely with group leaders, local veterinary and livestock service providers, as well as the project officer

and project manager, to promote good agricultural and pastoral practices and address the needs of local

farmers.

Key relationships:

Internal to CWS

• Project team members in the field.
• CWS Humanitarian and Development Team
• CWS Admin and operations team
• Other team members in the programs team

External

• Vendors
• Communities
• Any other Partners in relation to his/her capabilities

Work Environment

• Field environment, Periodic travel to other field locations as may be required.

Program Administration (60%)

• Supporting the implementation of the food security and livelihoods project ( Mwanga project) in Kazumba territory
• Identify, profile and organize farmers into groups for the purpose of carrying out project activities.
• Adapt and use approved training materials and ensure that existing training materials are up to date,
• To offer farmers comprehensive training in livestock farming, crop production and AVEC (Association for the Study and Protection of Animals),
• To provide agricultural extension services to meet the individual needs of farmers as they arise and to support the adoption of agricultural technologies,
• Advising farmers to adopt best agricultural and livestock practices for poultry, rabbit, goat and beekeepers,
• Participate in the training of lead farmers or mentor farmers, support their coordination of farmer groups and ensure follow-up to guarantee better management of livestock and crops,
• Identify local veterinary and livestock service providers and stakeholders who may be interested, facilitate collaboration and networking among farmers,
• Providing technical advice to farmers on animal production and product marketing and/or facilitating market linkages,
• Provide regular updates and reports on the project, both quantitative and qualitative, for project reporting
• Support monitoring and evaluation exercises, including baseline, annual and final surveys

Compliance (20%)

• Prepare weekly written reports that reflect the results achieved and the difficulties encountered, and propose weekly and monthly plans.
• Identify and propose adjustments and/or resolve quality issues throughout the project implementation.

Data Management and analysis (15%)

• Anticipate and resolve problems to ensure timely service delivery
• Participate in field monitoring and data collection visits; analyze the data collected
• Conduct farm visits to assess project results and lessons learned and determine the adoption or transfer of technologies at the farmer level.
• To offer practical solutions to the technical problems that farmers may face
• Ensure that results are achieved in accordance with the indicators and report any delays observed to your supervisor

Additional Responsibilities (5%)

• Other tasks assigned by the supervisor.
• Take charge of any project component supported by CWS

Experience:

• A minimum of four (4) years of paid work experience in animal health and production is required. Experience in agricultural education and extension, community development, livestock farming, or a related field working with communities is required.
• Experience diagnosing and treating livestock, including assessing distress or discomfort in animals/livestock required
• Experience providing advice to farmers practicing mixed crop and livestock farming on crop and livestock management and agribusiness required.
• Ability to handle animals effectively and gently
• Prior experience in community organizing and training is required.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, including a willingness to try to understand and tolerate differing opinions and viewpoints.
• Ability to keep and maintain accurate records
• Experience  riding a motorcycle required and a valid driver's license required. 

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of animal production and health
• Knowledge of integrated development plans and strategies of farmer groups
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Good knowledge of Kenya rural areas.
• Strong computer skills, in particular Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook required.
• Excellent report writing skills are required
• Fluency in Tshiluba and French ; English and/or Swahili is an asset

Education & Certifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in agronomic sciences (animal science specialization preferred), animal health and production, agricultural teaching and extension required.
• Training in development and breeding, as well as three years of experience, are required.

Abilities:

The Project Assistant - Animal and Plant Production must have the ability to:

• Follow instructions from the Supervisor with a positive and receptive attitude.
• Deal effectively and courteously with many associates, outside agencies, applicants, and members of the public.
• Conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner to represent the best interests of CWS Africa
• Maintain a high-performance standard with attention to detail.
• Carry out all the duties efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision.
• Take initiative.
• Maintain strict confidentiality with CWS Africa administrative and operational information.
• Manage a large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required while maintaining a high level of motivation,
• Effectively manage CWS Africa's resources.
• Maintain the integrity of official records.
• Analyse and solve complex problems and make sound decisions.
• Work independently and contribute to overall operations of CWS.
• Communicate in English, both written and oral.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required.

Important Requirements:

• Strong English communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required.
• Remain alert and responsive to any child safeguarding and PSEAH (Prevention of Sexual, Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment) risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills which will enable you to promote strong safeguarding PSEAH practices, understand the child safeguarding and PSEAH Policies and procedures, and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the Child Safeguarding and PSEAH Policies.

• The candidate should be in good health, willing and able to travel extensively in often difficult conditions, and have a high degree of flexibility. Must have proof of Yellow Fever vaccination before traveling for CWS
• This position is based in Kazumba territory.
• This position requires use of laptops at all time, competence in Microsoft office packages is required.
• This position may require travel in sub-Saharan Africa on short notice and under sometimes difficult conditions to meet demands of a dynamic operational program.
• Background check which includes references, and an educational and criminal check is required before the start of employment.
• A valid passport and the ability to maintain a valid passport throughout the entire appointment is required, which includes having enough passport pages for travel.
• Physical: This position requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, pushing/pulling, handling objects (manual dexterity), reaching above shoulder level, using fine finger movements and lifting/carrying heavy loads.
• Environmental: Incumbents in this position will be exposed to excessive noise, marked changes in temperature and/or humidity, dust and infectious diseases, harsh weather climates, long work hours, bumpy roads, extended travel, excessive sun exposure, and non-ventilated spaces.
• The US Embassy rates DRC rates as security level 4; incumbents should exercise high level security precaution.
• This position is Full time
• All employees should be prepared to work from the CWS office within their location of hire. Remote work arrangements may vary depending on location and the governing rulings regarding the prevailing context.