Agronomist

**Requisition ID**: 18452

**Region**: Global Deployment Option

**Contract type**: Open-ended contract
What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Role description

The ICRC defines Economic Security as the status of an individual, household or community that is able to cover its life and livelihoods obligatory expenditures in a viable manner, consistent with its environment, culture and customs. Within its global Economic Security approach in conflict affected countries, the ICRC implements Relief, Livelihood and Rehabilitation Programs in order to improve, restore or maintain food and economic security at household level. To achieve this objective, the Economic Security unity uses a combination of different interventions and modalities, such as cash and voucher programs, microeconomic initiatives, agricultural and livestock programs, and relief items distributions. However, today, communities affected by conflict are exposed to double vulnerability, at the intersection of climate and conflict risks.

The ICRC supports farming and agro-pastoralist communities around the world by providing material inputs for food production, technical support and coaching, to restore/ maintain their livelihoods. Farmers and pastoralists are disproportionally impacted by climate change as their activities rely on the climate and the natural environment, therefore adapting to the climate change will be crucial for the future viability of the farming system. A key focus in its work lies in the identification of needs faced by rural communities who have become victims of armed conflict, and meanwhile face the effects of climate change, the planning and development of viable responses aiming at strengthening their resilience, monitoring, and evaluating the impact of these programs. This should be done in compliance with ICRC's guidelines and standards.

Main responsibilities
You are the focal point for agricultural interventions, with direct operational responsibility for the implementation of such programs;
You design and implement propose appropriate agronomic interventions, taking in consideration the effects of climate change on agriculture, by promoting adaptation through climate-smart agriculture practices;
You collaborate with the Logistics department on the selection and procurement of appropriate seeds and other inputs for targeted households;
In collaboration with the Analysis and Evidence team, you conduct activities monitoring and the post-intervention impact evaluation of the agricultural program / projects;
You promote innovations in agriculture, by liaising with the Regional Agronomists, the farming communities, agriculture research institutions and other relevant centers of expertise;
You engage in participatory processes with communities, to understand farmers needs, preferences, and local innovations and consider them in the design of agricultural interventions;
You promote market-based approaches, such as the use of cash and vouchers, and agriculture value chains, as well as nutrition sensitive agriculture, in collaboration with other EcoSec technical experts;
You conduct frequent field trips to visit sub-delegations and communities in targeted area for coaching and supporting field teams in delivering the interventions.
You participate to internal/external workshops and seminars, and agriculture-related forums in your country of assignment
As a representative of the ICRC, you maintain contact and negotiate with government authorities and other parties to the conflict - civilian and military - in order to carry out the work as effectively as possible.
You promote the principles of the Red Cross and of international humanitarian law
Required Profile and Skills
3 years of professional experience in agricultural sector, of which at least 2 years international experience spent in development contexts working with rural communities
University Degree or equivalent in agricultural engineering, crop production, or similar;
Professional experience in international humanitarian work and field missions abroad, especially in emergencies;
Sound understanding of the project cycle, establishing appropriate (SMART) objectives and indicators;
Excellent command of French and English languages with excellent communication skill