Programme Officer, Livelihood and Food Security at Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS)

Job Purpose

• The Programme Officer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring activities aimed at improving livelihood opportunities and food security for beneficiaries in Katsina State.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive livelihood and food security strategies that integrate climate-friendly farming practices and organic agriculture in the 5 LGAs under HANDS' oversight.
• Conduct assessments to identify livelihood challenges, food insecurity issues, and environmental concerns, and design tailored interventions to address them effectively.
• Provide technical assistance, training, and capacity building to farmers, cooperatives, and community groups to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and improve crop yields.
• Collaborate with government agencies, agricultural experts, environmental organizations, and community leaders to promote the use of climate-friendly farming products and organic inputs for sustainable agriculture.
• Facilitate access to resources, such as seeds, fertilizers, and tools, that support climate-resilient farming and organic agriculture practices.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of livelihood and food security interventions, collecting data on agricultural productivity, income generation, and food access, and reporting findings to the Katsina State Programme Lead.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with local markets, buyers, and value chain actors to create market linkages for farmers and promote income generation opportunities.
• Advocate for policies and practices that support sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and food security at the local and regional levels.
• Conduct training sessions and workshops on climate-smart agriculture, organic farming, and sustainable land management practices for farmers and community members.
• Ensure gender mainstreaming and inclusivity in all livelihood and food security activities, empowering women farmers and marginalized groups to actively participate in agricultural development initiatives.

Risk Involved:

• The Livelihood and Food Security Officer may face risks related to promoting innovative farming practices, including resistance to change from traditional methods, limited access to resources, and potential environmental challenges.
• Working in agricultural settings may also involve exposure to physical hazards, such as extreme weather conditions and agricultural machinery.
• The officer must prioritize safety, sustainability, and community engagement in all activities.

Qualifications

• Interested candidates should possess an HND / B.Sc Degree with 3 years experience.