Project Field Officer

Company Description

1. About SNV

   SNV is a mission-driven global development partner, rooted in the contexts and societies where we work. Inspired by the transformational principles and objectives set out by the SDGs, we are committed to building resilient agri-food systems that deliver food security and adequate nutrition; to increasing the reliability and availability of water and sanitation at an acceptable quantity and quality; and to improving access to affordable and sustainable energy for all.

   We are one team of over 1,600 people, the vast majority of whom come from the contexts where we work, in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia. Together, we are committed to effective and efficient stewardship of resources and maximising positive, lasting impacts. Our ability to deliver results rests on our robust foundation of experience, knowledge, evidence and learning; our commitment to strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships; and the relationships and trust of those we work alongside.

   SNV in Lao PDR has had a presence since 1993. In Lao PDR, SNV implements agri-food, energy and water projects. We prioritize interventions that address gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and institution strengthening. Our work is aligned with the country’s 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan and the National Nutrition Strategy and Action Plan. In the agri-food sector, we have contributed to reducing the stunting prevalence of children under five. We work on diversifying diets through household production and commercialising agriculture value chains by strengthening farmer linkages to markets.

   For more information on SNV, visit our website: www.snv.org.

   Background

   SNV in partnership with WFP is implementing a nutrition project under the Global Agriculture & Food Security Program (GAFSP). The aim of the project is to improve household nutrition through the production of nutrient-dense crops at the household level. The project focuses on ensuring year-round availability of four food groups: carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits and legumes for household consumption. The project builds the capacity of District Agriculture staff to use participatory approaches to take stock of the gaps and needs of the community as well as strengthens the technical capacity of extension services to provide needs-based training using agroecological practices.

Job Description

Purpose of the job

The Project Field Officer works at the district level, ensuring the (quality of the) service delivery to the community. He/She will execute the local delivery of the project, conform to the advice given by the nutrition and agriculture advisor(s)/ project manager and conform to the SNV procedures and guidelines, making sure timelines and project standards are met. He/she will also anticipate delivery challenges to ensure service and delivery continuity.

Key responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager as well as the Agriculture and Nutrition Advisors, the project field officer will undertake the following tasks:

• Provide general office support following established targets and SNV’s policies and procedures.
• Work and exchange information with internal counterparts to support effective collaboration, implementation, and monitoring of ongoing project activities.
• Support communication and activities with district government partners
• Support implementation of the Nutrition Programme of the GAFSP project at district level in close collaboration with the District Agriculture and Forestry Office (DAFO) and Lao Womens Union (LWU) and other district-based stakeholders.
• Provide training on nutrition and agriculture-related topics
• Support implementation of participatory village action plans and multisectoral district level planning activities.
• Support the Implementation of Village Nutrition Clubs (VNC) in the project's target villages.
• Supervise other activities under the Nutrition Programme of the GAFSP project that are implemented by SNV, such as Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture (NSA) Planning.
• Support other SNV field staff in the district where applicable.
• Supervise other SNV-supported programme activities that exist in the district.

Qualifications

Qualifications

The preferred staff should have the following qualifications, experience and competencies:

• Bachelors degree in nutrition, agriculture or related field
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in agriculture project implementation
• Good analytical and IT skills
• Fluency in both oral and written communication in Lao and English

Competencies