PROGRAM: Program on Regenerative Agricultural Transformation (PRAT)
JOB TITLE: PRAT Intern
REPORTS TO: PRAT County Implementation Coordinator.
DUTY STATION: Four Stations; Kisumu, Vihiga, Kakamega and Siaya Counties
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Vibrant Village Foundation (VVF) is a 501(c)3 private foundation based in Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. Founded in 2010, the Foundation provides direct assistance and grants in targeted communities in the areas of health and nutrition, clean water, agricultural development, education, the arts, and poverty reduction.
The Foundation currently supports programs in 14 countries around the world. Our goal is to achieve measurable and long-term results to improve lives and strengthen communities.
The Foundation’s office in Kenya was established in 2013 and currently operates a community development program among rural communities in Vihiga, Kisumu, and Siaya Counties, Kenya. Below is the job description for the Position of PRAT Intern.
VISION, MISSION AND VALUES
Vision: To empower communities to find sustainable solutions to their development challenges
Mission: VVF-Kenya supports communities to find, incubate, and develop knowledge, skills, tools, and expertise that are applicable in finding long-term solutions to the development obstacles within the local contexts
Values:
- Community First – We exist to serve our communities. Therefore, our actions individually and collectively should reinforce the value that we put on our communities
- Leadership – Each of us is a leader in our area of work. This should be demonstrated in our interaction with our co-workers, the community, and other stakeholders
- Integrity – Willingness to be accountable for our actions and hold others accountable for their actions.
- Dignity – We believe that our work should enhance the right to a healthy, productive, and dignified life for the communities we work with.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The position plays a critical role in the field implementation of the five aspects of the program which include the following:
- A value chain approach to the adoption and scaling of CA/RA
- Mechanisation and digitalization of smallholder farming
- Multi-stakeholder partnerships for delivery of services along entire value chains
- Provision of access to financing and creation of the enabling environment
- Facilitating Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning systems.
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, pilot test, and replication of commercially based mechanized CA Technologies, Inputs, Practices, and Services
- Mobilization, recruitment, organization, and strengthening of farmers and farmer-producer groups
- Provision of on-ground advisory extension services to farmers
- Promote & support the commitment of farmers to soil health improvement
- Implement setting up of CA demonstrations and organizing field days, and farmer exchange visits.
- Support capacity development of farmers in CA through the VVF -TOTs extension model.
Creation of Produce Markets
- Facilitate the signing of contract farming agreements between farmers and aggregators
- Provision of ground oversight, enforcement of contract farming, and addressing emerging issues.
Innovative Financing Mechanism
- Linkages of the farmers with the appropriate providers of financial services
- Financial literacy training and support to the program farmers
- Link the farmers with the developed digital tools
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Carry out project data capture
- Monitor the progress of the project and adoption of the technologies and provide feedback to farmers and other relevant stakeholders
- Provide findings/feedback to the farmers and other stakeholders
- Preparation and submission of progress reports on a weekly and monthly basis
Management of Partnership Relationships
- Be the link between the program farming communities and the key stakeholders and partners
- Represent the organization in partnership meetings and fora as may be required from time to time
- Be able to effectively respond to queries that are raised by the partners and stakeholders
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
- Fresh graduate or about to graduate with a degree or a diploma in Agriculture, or a related field
- Excellent interpersonal and mobilization skills and proven ability to facilitate multi-stakeholder fora.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Understanding of Luhya/ Luo and sensitivity to local cultural norms
- Initiative, problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to tasks and challenges.
- Motorbike riding experience would be an added advantage.
How to Apply
Those who meet the above requirements should submit their short CV (maximum of 4 pages) and cover letter (maximum 1 page) addressing admin@vvf-kenya.org with the subject Agronomist for PRAT Program.
Indicate your expected renumeration in the cover letter
