Cooperative Officer-Isiolo

Summary of Position
The Cooperative Officer will play a critical role in strengthening agro-entrepreneurship and the local food system by involving vulnerable groups, particularly youth and women, in local agricultural and agro-pastoral production. The officer will focus on validating the role of these groups in strengthening climate-smart value chains with high nutritional value and commercial potential. This role will involve technical, managerial, and market access training for cooperatives to increase agricultural incomes and optimize production.

Purpose of the Role
To enhance the production and business capacities of youth and women's groups in agribusiness, ensuring support and market access for high-potential, high-nutrition value chains. The role emphasizes the development and implementation of a growth plan for cooperatives, supporting practical, managerial, and equipment growth, and ensuring an increase in agricultural incomes.

Engagement
Represent LVIA in various forums, collaborate with implementing partners, INGOs, UN bodies, and local communities for smooth project implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Management (50%)
• Lead the implementation of cooperative work plans in line with agreed approaches and milestones.
• Oversee technical, management, and market access training for cooperatives.
• Support the engagement of youth and women’s groups for improved economies.
• Coordinate with stakeholders at various levels for effective communication and mobilization.
• Plan and lead training sessions for community mobilizers and champions.
• Collaborate with other LVIA staff to integrate messaging into agricultural training.
• Prepare activity reports and support the review and development of work plans.
• Collaborate with the M&E team to monitor and evaluate the impact of cooperative activities.

Collaboration & Networking (25%)
• Integrate community approaches, gender sensitivity, and conflict sensitivity into activities.
• Conduct community mobilization and sensitization meetings.
• Support collaborative partnerships and identify opportunities for linkages.
• Engage in systems strengthening actions and support community visioning processes.
• Facilitate planning meetings and workshops with government, NGO, private sector, and community partners.
• Continuously update stakeholder mapping and coordinate activities with various stakeholders.

Influence and Representation (15%)
• Assist project coordinator and the LVIA administrator in coordinating activities with partners and county government.
• Facilitate planning meetings and workshops to promote partner acceptance and buy-in.
• Ensure close coordination and information sharing with relevant stakeholders.

Branding, Communication, and Visibility (5%)
• Ensure project activities are well-branded with LVIA and donor visibility.
• Capture and share quality images and videos of activities.
• Support documentation of success stories and community voices.

Essential Qualifications
• Degree in a relevant field such as Cooperative Management, Agribusiness, Entrepreneurship, Agricultural Economics, or related disciplines.
• A minimum of 3 years' experience directly implementing cooperative or agricultural interventions in Kenya ASALs.
• Proficient analytical skills in program monitoring, data collection, and evaluation.
• Effective verbal and written communication, multitasking, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage priorities independently and work as part of a diverse team.
• Familiarity with M&E, information, communications, and knowledge-sharing technologies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Word and data management software.
• Experience in community mobilization and adult training in field settings.
• Strong planning skills and the ability to generate innovative solutions in dynamic work situations.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and present well-written, cohesive analyses and reports.
• Willingness to spend significant time in project implementation sites in rural areas.

Preferred Qualifications
• Relevant certifications and additional training on cooperative management or agribusiness.
• Knowledge of modern agricultural practices, including climate-smart agriculture.
• Valid vehicle driving license and motorcycle riding permit.
• Knowledge and certification in project management.
• Proficiency in using GIS and other agricultural software tools.
• Familiarity with M&E technologies and innovative information sharing approaches.
• Demonstrated flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm in dynamic work environments.

How to Apply
Submit your application via email to [email protected] before 12:00 (EAT) on August 12, 2024. The email subject should state: “Application for Cooperative Officer.” Attach your Curriculum Vitae and a Cover Letter with a minimum of three references.

NOTE:
1. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
2. Any form of canvasing will lead to automatic disqualification.
3. LVIA is an equal opportunity employer and therefore applicants of either gender or persons with disability are encouraged to apply.
4. LVIA does not charge any fee for the recruitment and selection process.