Programme Officer — Agriculture & Rural Livelihoods

Overview

Programme Officer – Agriculture & Rural Livelihoods

About GetCare Foundation

GetCare Foundation is a nonprofit development organisation advancing sustainable agrifood systems, environmental health and community resilience through integrated programmes, research, institutional partnerships and locally driven development solutions.

Our work connects agricultural production, market systems, environmental sustainability and rural economic transformation to improve livelihoods and strengthen community resilience.

Position Overview

GetCare Foundation seeks a qualified and motivated Programme Officer – Agriculture & Rural Livelihoods to support the planning, implementation, coordination and monitoring of agricultural development and rural livelihood interventions.

The successful candidate will work with smallholder farmers, farmer-based organisations, local institutions and programme partners to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen market participation and promote climate-resilient farming practices.

The role will contribute particularly to GetCare Foundation's Farming Against Hunger and Poverty (FAHAP) programme and related rural economic transformation initiatives.

1. Key Responsibilities

Programme Implementation and Field Coordination

• Support the planning, coordination and implementation of agricultural and rural livelihood programme activities.
• Facilitate farmer registration, mobilisation, group organisation and community engagement.
• Coordinate field activities with farmer cooperatives, agricultural extension officers and relevant local institutions.
• Prepare field implementation schedules, work plans and periodic progress reports.
• Identify operational challenges and recommend practical improvements.

Agricultural Development and Farmer Support

• Support farmer training in good agricultural practices, climate-smart agriculture, soil fertility management and sustainable production.
• Facilitate access to agricultural inputs, mechanisation services, technical assistance and other production support.
• Strengthen farmer organisation, recordkeeping and production planning.
• Assist farmers and cooperatives in improving post-harvest handling, produce quality and market readiness.

Market Access and Rural Enterprise Development

• Support agricultural market assessments, value-chain analysis and buyer engagement.
• Facilitate linkages between farmer groups, aggregators, processors and institutional buyers.
• Contribute to initiatives that improve farmer incomes, local enterprise development and market participation.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Collect, validate and maintain accurate programme and beneficiary data.
• Support baseline assessments, field monitoring and programme performance reviews.
• Document implementation achievements, challenges, lessons learned and case studies.
• Prepare timely field reports and contribute to institutional reporting requirements.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain constructive working relationships with farmers, traditional authorities, district-level institutions and development partners.
• Represent GetCare Foundation in approved community engagements and technical meetings.
• Support collaboration with research institutions and technical partners where required.

2. Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Rural Development, Development Studies or a closely related discipline.
• At least three years of relevant experience in agricultural development, rural livelihood programming, farmer engagement or related development work.
• Practical understanding of smallholder agricultural production systems and rural development challenges.
• Experience coordinating field activities, farmer groups or community-based interventions.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare technical reports, work plans and programme documentation.
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and digital data collection applications.
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to undertake regular field travel.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience working with NGOs, agricultural development programmes or farmer cooperatives.
• Knowledge of climate-smart agriculture, agricultural value chains and market systems development.
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation approaches and digital data collection.
• Ability to communicate in relevant local languages.

3. Duty Station

Duty Station: [Insert approved duty station]

The position will involve regular travel to programme communities and other operational locations as required.

4. Employment Terms

• Employment Type: [Full-time / Part-time / Consultancy]
• Contract Duration: [Insert approved duration]
• Reporting To: Programmes Director or designated supervisor
• Remuneration: Competitive and commensurate with qualifications, experience and the approved programme budget
• Expected Start Date: [Insert date]

Appointment will be subject to GetCare Foundation's recruitment procedures, satisfactory reference checks and applicable institutional policies.

5. Application Instructions

Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following:

1. A cover letter explaining their suitability for the position.
2. An updated curriculum vitae highlighting relevant experience.
3. Copies of relevant academic or professional qualifications.
4. Contact information for two professional referees.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted through the GetCare Foundation online recruitment portal. Applicants should complete the application form and upload the required documents, combined into one PDF where necessary.

Application Deadline: [Insert approved closing date]

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

GetCare Foundation is committed to equal opportunity, ethical recruitment, safeguarding and a professional working environment. Recruitment decisions will be based on merit, relevant qualifications and the requirements of the position.

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