Background

The Evangelical Lutheran Development Service (ELDS) is Development service arm of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi (ELCM). It was established in 1989 and is operational in twelve districts namely Chikwawa, Neno, Mwanza, Zomba and Phalombe in south; Dowa, Dedza, Kasungu, Nkhota Kota and Mchinji in Centre; Karonga and Chitipa in the North. ELDS works in rural areas to reduce human suffering and poverty through sustainable development (food and nutrition security, Micro-finance, Value Addition and Marketing; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene; Health Services (Maternal and Child Health, Sexual Reproductive Health Rights); Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management; HIV and AIDS, Psychosocial, Disability, Child Protection, Gender, Human Rights and advocacy as cross cutting.

With funding from NORAD through Oxfam Malawi, is to implement a “Rooted in Diversity: Partnership for Food Security and Livelihoods* in Nkhota-kota District for five-years (2024-2028). ELDS is therefore inviting applications from suitably qualified persons to be considered for positions below.

(2) Field Officer

Reporting to the Project Officer, the Field Officer is responsible for the execution of day to day project activities within the impact area of his/ her jurisdiction. He/she also provides technical assistance to the communities, capacity building, mentoring, training, support, and documentation. Provides support to the monitoring and evaluation function in the project at community level. Working in close liaison with the Project Team at Field level, Government officials and Sectors, and other relevant stakeholders to enhance the achievement of the project goals.

Key functions

• Coordinate the formulation of weekly and monthly activity work plans and budgets at community level and district level.
• Contribute towards development of annual work plans and budgets
• Provide technical leadership and assistance to communities in all areas and promote project learning through documentation of lessons learned
• Facilitate community mobilization through meetings, visits e.t.c
• Represent ELDS at meetings or task forces in the District, Area Development Committee Meetings
• Conduct frequent field visits and monitor community based activities as necessary to ensure adequate implementation.
• Ensure appropriate communication and timely responses between communities and project partners and programme staff.
• Facilitate community trainings in relevant area of need.
• Facilitate demonstrations to communities on relevant technologies
• Prepare timely weekly and activity project reports.
• Work closely with relevant government departments at field level.
• Hands on experience with working with communities

Qualifications, Knowledge and skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Agribusiness, Natural resources management or equivalent with three years of experience OR Diploma in Agriculture, Agri-business, Natural Resources management with vast experience of not less than six years working in similar position
• Knowledge and skills in Agro-ecology, Agribusiness and Cooperative Development, Integrated Watershed Management, Natural Resources Management, Disaster Risk Management, Irrigation, Farmer Field Schools (FFS)/Farmer Business School concepts
• Experience in participatory community development approaches.
• Possess good analytic skills and proficient in writing technical reports.
• Ability to use MS Word, Excel, Micro-soft Power Point,
• Ability to ride a motorcycle a must

Interested candidates should submit their applications with CVs plus at least three traceable referees not later than 31st October, 2024. Applications should be addressed to:

The Executive Director
Evangelical Lutheran Development Service
P/Bag 25
LILONGWE
Tel: 0111 741 576

Email: matamandokachirwa@ymail.com copy to alickkaonda@yahoo.co.uk

ELDS offers equal opportunities and regards issues of safe guarding with highest priority. Only shortlisted candidates will be communicated for immediate interviews. Women are encouraged to apply.