Senior Project Assistant (Agronomist Specialist in Soil and Water Conservation)

Title: Senior Project Assistant (Agronomist Specialist in Soil and Water Conservation)

Sector: Program

Location: Baidoa

Announcing Date: 12th October 2025                                                                                       

Closing Date: 26th October 2025

Background

The Rural Education and Agriculture Development Organization (READO) is a local humanitarian organization based in South-Central Somalia. Established in 2008, READO works to reduce poverty, promote sustainable livelihoods, and advance Sustainable Human Development (SHD). Our mandate includes poverty eradication, employment creation, and livelihood development.

Currently, under a Consortium of different organizations, READO is starting the project  “Resilient and Efficient Agroecological value Chains and Technologies” (REACT), for water and food security of small farmers in Somalia, and seeks a dedicated Agronomist based in Baidoa to support the achievement of project activities.

The 36-month” REACT” project will be implemented in five villages in the peri-urban area of Baidoa City in the Bay Region (Southwest State) of Somalia.

The intervention offers a response to the limited access to water for agricultural production.

low productivity of local farming systems; and limited and poorly diversified livelihoods and household income sources, with specific gender barriers in accessing agricultural services and women limited economic participation in production activities.

Purpose of the Position

The Senior Project Assistant (Agronomist Specialist in Soil and Water Conservation) will play a key role in the successful implementation of READO’s activities, including:

1.      The promotion of productive community practices and innovative technologies for the context in Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) through ToTs and cascade training on SWC to farmers.

2.      The promotion of integrated agroecological production systems, setting up an operating system based on water recycling, energy saving and the use of composting organic waste in 5 greenhouses; creating and training five management youth groups to improve diversified production and income generation activities.  

3.      The integration of productive activities with nutritional value with agricultural production: agroforestry nurseries and chicken farming.

4.      Improve women’s financial inclusion and agricultural micro-entrepreneurship through financial literacy activities, saving training and specific training packages for female micro-entrepreneurship; and women empowerment through personalized training relating to the subject of the production activity.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Project Assistant will:

• Ensure project activities are implemented in coordination with consortium partners.
• Ensure project activities are implemented in line with organizational plans and objectives in coordination with READO relevant units.
• Supervise day-to-day project activities.
• Supervise field staff.
• Work closely with local authorities and community leaders to ensure effective project delivery.
• Mobilize communities and raise awareness about project goals and objectives.
• Develop work plans in consultation with the Project Manager, the PDM Unit and the Director of Programs.
• Coordinate logistics and transportation for project activities to ensure timely delivery of assistance.
• Provide regular updates and progress reports, following donor requirements, to the Project Manager, the PDM Unit and Director of Programs.
• Address and resolve conflicts that may arise during project implementation.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Project Manager or the Director of Programs.

Minimum Requirements and Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in a similar role, preferably with an INGO.
• A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Economics, Development Studies, Animal Science, or a related field.
  • A technical diploma with at least 8 years of relevant experience may be considered.
• Strong command of written and spoken English (business communication preferred).
• Proven report-writing and presentation skills.
• Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in challenging environments with respect for cultural and ethical norms.
• Flexibility to work under difficult conditions in volatile contexts such as Somalia.
• Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Core Organizational Values

• Respect
• Integrity
• Transparency and Accountability
• Volunteerism
• Commitment
• Neutrality

Interested candidates should send an application letter and CV, including personal data and contact details for three referees, to: hr.somalia@readosom.org

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Submission Deadline: 26th October 2025