Full Time
Nairobi, Kenya
Posted 1 month ago

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)

Livelihoods Farm Assistant (Nairobi) – Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) – 2024

Position: Livelihoods Farm Assistant
Company: Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Type of Job: Fixed-Term Contract (One Year with Possibility for Extension)
Reporting to: Livelihood Coordinator
Application Deadline: November 22, 2024

Introduction

Are you passionate about empowering refugees and displaced persons through sustainable agribusiness initiatives? Do you have expertise in modern farming techniques and a desire to make a meaningful impact in Nairobi? Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is seeking a dedicated Livelihoods Farm Assistant to join our team and contribute to the growth and development of our livelihood projects.

About Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organization with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate on behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons. Founded in November 1980 as a work of the Society of Jesus, JRS was officially registered on March 19, 2000, in Vatican City as a foundation. We operate in over 56 countries worldwide, providing services to more than 811,884 individuals.

In Nairobi, JRS works with urban refugees and other persons of concern in three main areas:

Education
Sustainable Livelihood
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)/Protection

In Kakuma Refugee Camp, we focus on:

Education
Integrated Psychosocial Inclusive Education Programs in centers and safe shelters

Why Join JRS?

Make a Difference: Contribute to improving the lives of refugees and displaced persons through agriculture and livelihood projects.
Professional Growth: Work with a diverse team of professionals committed to social justice and humanitarian aid.
Innovative Environment: Implement and promote modern farming techniques to enhance sustainability and productivity.

Key Responsibilities

1. Mikono Farm Coordination

Field Focal Point: Serve as the primary contact for the agribusiness project, providing training to JRS beneficiaries on modern farming techniques.
Needs Assessment: Carry out thorough assessments to identify beneficiary needs and advise the office to ensure programs remain relevant and effective.
Beneficiary Support: Mentor beneficiaries in creating six-month farming plans, including production and revenue forecasts.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Support the livelihood department in regular follow-ups and monitoring of beneficiary progress.
Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of all beneficiaries and activities within the agribusiness project.
Home Visits: Conduct home visits to assess conditions and make recommendations for additional support.

2. Livelihood Project Support

Project Planning: Contribute to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of JRS livelihood projects.
Community Engagement: Facilitate community meetings and workshops to gather feedback and encourage participation in livelihood initiatives.
Needs Assessment: Perform comprehensive needs assessments and provide recommendations to enhance project effectiveness.
Additional Duties: Undertake any other lawful duties assigned by JRS authorities.

3. Compliance and Quality Assurance

Policy Adherence: Ensure compliance with organizational policies and local regulations.
Child Safeguarding: Uphold JRS’s commitment to Child Safeguarding and act in accordance with the organization’s Code of Conduct.
PSEA Commitment: Maintain zero tolerance towards all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse, especially concerning children and vulnerable adults.

Qualifications and Skills

Educational Qualifications

Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Development Studies, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience

At least 2 years of relevant experience for degree holders and 4 years for diploma holders.
Experience working with refugees and disadvantaged communities.
Demonstrated knowledge of livelihood-based development and emergency response operations.

Essential Skills

Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Ability to interact effectively with beneficiaries and team members.
Sales and Marketing Skills: Competence in promoting agribusiness products and services.
Problem-Solving Skills: Capability to address challenges and find effective solutions.
Negotiating Skills: Proficiency in negotiating with stakeholders to benefit the project.
Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.
Time Management: Skill in working within set timeframes to meet deadlines.

Company Culture and Values

Core Values

Integrity: Modeling JRS’s values and ethical standards.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age diversity.
Fairness: Treating everyone equitably and justly.
Commitment: Dedicated to JRS’s mission, vision, and values.

Work Environment

Inclusive: Embracing diversity and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued.
Collaborative: Encouraging teamwork and open communication.
Supportive: Providing resources and support for professional development.

Child Safeguarding and PSEA Commitments

JRS has zero tolerance towards all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse. We take all concerns and complaints seriously, especially those involving children and vulnerable adults. Our policies outline the expected behavior and responsibilities of all persons acting on behalf of JRS, including staff, consultants, volunteers, interns, pastoral teams, and other representatives. All staff are expected to abide by these policies and guidelines.

Salary and Benefits

Salary Level: This position is graded at Job Group 5.
Compensation: KES 96,609 gross per month.
Benefits: Opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a significant impact in the community.

Apply Now for Livelihoods Farm Assistant

Are you ready to join a dynamic team committed to making a real difference? Apply now to become our next Livelihoods Farm Assistant and help shape a better future for refugees and displaced persons in Nairobi.

Application Deadline: November 22, 2024

Apply Now

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all backgrounds. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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Expert Tips to Be a Successful Applicant for the Livelihoods Farm Assistant Position

As a recruiting expert with over 30 years of experience, I offer the following tailored tips to help you craft a standout application for the Livelihoods Farm Assistant role at JRS.

1. Emphasize Your Agricultural Background

Detail Your Education: Clearly mention your degree or diploma in Agronomy, Agriculture, or related fields.
Highlight Specialized Training: Include any courses or certifications in modern farming techniques or agribusiness.
ATS Tip: Use keywords like “Agronomy Degree” or “Diploma in Agriculture” to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems.

2. Showcase Experience with Disadvantaged Communities

Provide Specific Examples: Discuss your work with refugees or disadvantaged communities.
Impact Statements: Quantify your achievements (e.g., “Improved crop yields by 20% in refugee camps”).
ATS Tip: Incorporate phrases like “experience working with refugees” to align with the job description.

3. Demonstrate Knowledge in Livelihood Projects

Project Involvement: Describe your role in livelihood-based development projects.
Emergency Response: Mention any experience in emergency response operations.
ATS Tip: Use terms like “livelihood projects” and “emergency response” to enhance keyword density.

4. Highlight Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills: Provide examples of effective communication with team members and beneficiaries.
Teamwork: Showcase your ability to work collaboratively in multicultural settings.
ATS Tip: Keywords such as “strong interpersonal skills” can improve your ATS ranking.

5. Detail Your Sales and Marketing Abilities

Agribusiness Success: Share experiences where you applied sales and marketing skills to promote agricultural products.
Revenue Growth: Include any metrics demonstrating increased sales or market reach.
ATS Tip: Phrases like “sales and marketing in agribusiness” will align with the job requirements.

6. Illustrate Problem-Solving Skills

Challenges Overcome: Describe situations where you identified and solved problems in agricultural settings.
Innovative Solutions: Mention any innovative techniques or technologies you’ve implemented.
ATS Tip: Incorporate “problem-solving skills” and “innovative farming techniques” into your resume.

7. Align with JRS’s Mission and Values

Personal Statement: Express your commitment to accompanying, serving, and advocating for refugees.
Cultural Sensitivity: Highlight your ability to work respectfully across different cultures and backgrounds.
ATS Tip: Use terms like “commitment to JRS’s mission” to show alignment with organizational values.

8. Tailor Your Resume for the ATS

Use Standard Formatting: Avoid headers and footers that can confuse ATS software.
Include Relevant Keywords: Mirror the language used in the job description.
ATS Tip: Stick to simple fonts and bullet points to enhance readability.

9. Provide Strong Professional References

Select Relevant Contacts: Choose references who can attest to your skills in agriculture and community work.
Prepare Your References: Inform them about the role so they can tailor their feedback.
ATS Tip: While references aren’t scanned by ATS, they are crucial for the later stages of recruitment.

10. Craft a Compelling Cover Letter

Personalize Your Message: Explain why you are specifically interested in JRS and the Livelihoods Farm Assistant role.
Highlight Key Skills: Summarize how your skills and experience make you the ideal candidate.
ATS Tip: Reiterate important keywords from the job description to reinforce your fit for the position.

Embark on a rewarding journey with Jesuit Refugee Service and contribute to meaningful change. We look forward to receiving your application!