Field Officer – Climate Resilient Coffee Farming in Vietnam Project

Field Officer – Climate Resilient Coffee Farming in Vietnam Project

(Full time, Vietnamese National, based in Buon Ma Thuot)

Organisation Description & Position Overview

SNV is a not-for-profit international development organization driven by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Founded in the Netherlands in 1965, we have built a long-term country presence in over 24 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Our global team of local and international advisors works with local partners to equip communities, businesses, and organizations with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to increase their incomes and gain access to markets and basic services - empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and guide their own development. Our work focuses on three sectors - Agrifood, Energy, and Water.

SNV has been working in Viet Nam since 1995, and currently has over 50 national and international staff. SNV Viet Nam’s team works hand-in-hand with communities, government agencies, and businesses in more than 50 provinces, including the most remote and poorest areas of the country. We operate from a country head office in Hanoi.

Job Description

SNV is supporting the management and delivery of the Climate Resilient Coffee Farming in Vietnam. This is a five-year project sponsored by Tchibo with the objectives of promoting climate resilient coffee farming in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. We are seeking qualified candidate for the Field Officers – based in Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak - to support the implementation of the project.

Key Responsibilities:

Under the guidance and leadership of the Project Manager (PM), the Field Officers (FO) will support the overall implementation of the project, working closely with local government project partners, key stakeholders and local communities. Specific roles/tasks:

• Establishing & strengthening relationships: The FO will support and strengthen collaborative working relationships with key partners to ensure smooth implementation, including with: government agencies at provincial, district and grassroots levels, as well as with other key relevant partners and stakeholders such as companies, other development partners/projects, NGOs and local communities.
• Confirming the selection of project areas, identification and organisation of beneficiaries & participation of project partners: A key part of setting up the project (and as the project expands in scope during implementation) will require the FO to support the PM by conducting surveys and field consultations to confirm which districts, communes, villages and farmers will participate in the project, as well as how farmer groups are organised to receive trainings and other support from the project. The FO will also work with local stakeholders such as agricultural extension service centres and/or other potential extension service providers on how training and capacity building is delivered through the project.
• Developing detailed activity implementation plans: Overall work plans are developed by the PM; however, the FO needs to develop detailed implementation plans with implementing partners such as agricultural extension service centres.
• Organizing project activities/field work: The FO will organize project activities and field work (such as trainings, farm demonstration activities, agricultural extension/farmer coaching visits, study tours) activities with local partners and communities on the ground. This may involve basic administrative tasks such as preparing permission letters, identifying venues for workshops, or other suppliers of goods/services that the project may need in line with relevant SNV procedures and cost norms under guidance by the PM.
• Supporting implementation: Implementation is mainly expected to be carried out by project delivery partners such as agricultural extension service centres. However, the FO may be called upon to support the implementation of field activities, including accompanying consultants and other project staff on field visits, supporting facilitation of events, acting as a resource person, farm coach and even trainer or supporting other project activities in the field. Some activities could also be implemented directly by SNV. Accounting, financial management and reporting Under guidance from the Project Administrator completing basic project financial accounting, monitoring, and reporting tasks.
• Monitoring of activities: It is expected that a considerable volume of the farmer training and coaching is to be implemented by project partners such as local agricultural extension service centres. Thus, a key part of the FO role relates to the monitoring of field activities – ensuring they have been implemented as planned and ensuring quality standards of delivery. FO will report on any issues, challenges/risks to the PM.
• Other relevant tasks as assigned by PM: There may be other administrative, logistical or monitoring tasks assigned by the PM for the effective planning, management, implementation and/or monitoring of project activities in the field.

Candidate profile and requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, plant protection, rural development or similar fields
• At least 5 years’ experience working in agriculture and rural development.
• Specific working knowledge and professional experience of the coffee sector and/or the Central Highlands region will be a distinct advantage. Technical knowledge of sustainable or Good Agricultural Practices in terms of coffee farming practices/techniques will be highly desirable (e.g. concerning reducing water use, correct application/use of agrochemicals, conservation farming techniques etc).
• Good skill on communication, working with local authority and farmers.... Understanding of project management, coordination procedures, administrative systems, M&E systems and finance processes
• Experience in organising field activities such as grouping, trainings, agriculture extension, community development activities and conduct models. Experience in the performance of trainings and other extension support related to sustainable agriculture/coffee will be extremely desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and team spirit towards work
• Good organizational skills and interpersonal skills

Other requirements

• Takes initiative and creative in solving problems.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Good oral and written communication skills, especially in engaging local farmer groups and extension staff.
• Willing to travel to districts and neighboring provinces.

Additional information

Application Deadline: Feb 23rd, 2023
Contract Duration: Project- based long term contract
Duty Stations: Buon Ma Thuot, Vietnam
Desired Start Date: ASAP

How to Apply:

Join our team by applying today! If you are passionate about making a difference in people's lives and possess the required qualifications, we encourage you to submit your application through Smart Recruiters before/on Feb 23rd, 2023. At SNV, we value your privacy, and rest assured that all your information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Working at SNV:

SNV offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. We offer a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from, and contribute to, an internal global network of experts. For more information, please visit our website: www.snv.org/careers.

SNV strives to be an inclusive employer, thriving on the diversity of its people and does not discriminate on the base of disability status, religion, ethnic origin, gender and sexual orientation, etc.

At SNV we prioritise safety and security for all employees. We conduct thorough background and reference checks concerning possible safeguarding incidents for all candidates applying for International determined positions. As SNV participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a request to past employers to fill in a questionnaire regarding Misconduct (sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment), the “Statement of Conduct". This Statement of Conduct adopts the definitions used in the Scheme.? 

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