Position Title: Program Officer
Vacancy Number: 429-2024
Number of Positions: 1
Location: Ar Raqqa city and will cover the interventions in Ar Raqqa and Deir ez-Zur governorates.
Department: Program-GROW
Reports to: Regional Manager; with close coordination with Agriculture productivity specialist.
Travel expected: 50%
Posted: January 24, 2024
Time Frame: January 24, 2024 to January 31, 2024

Overview:
Cooperative Housing Foundation (CHF) International is a humanitarian organization providing urgent support to the people of Syria. All project activities are politically neutral, independent, and impartial. We provide support to everyone based on need, not political, religious, ethnic, or tribal affiliation.
CHF is seeking a professional for the position of Program Officer for a multi-year USAID-funded project “Growing Agriculture and Incomes in Syria (GROW) Activity” in Northeast Syria. This position reports to the Regional Manager; with close coordination with Agriculture productivity specialist.
Job Summary:
The Program Officer will work under the Regional Manager's direct supervision and with close coordination and support from the Agriculture Productivity Specialist. This individual will primarily be responsible for field tasks and activities. They will receive technical direction from technical specialists. The Program Officer's main responsibilities include identifying potential Agricultural Input Service Providers (ASPs) and Agribusinesses operating in target value chains, as well as facilitating partnerships with the GROW program. S/he will also support the agriculture productivity team in assessing gaps and providing assistance to strengthen business relationships with existing farmer networks, expand reach to new areas, and address identified gaps. Additionally, the Program Officer will participate in assessing food safety non-conformities, conducting training, identifying market opportunities, and facilitating business meetings and events.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Program Officer is responsible for the following:
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Dedication to the assigned work plan, as directed by the immediate supervisor (Regional Manager), ensuring high quality, accuracy, and adherence to established timelines.
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Support the GROW team in mapping out high-potential areas for targeted value chains, through conducting required surveys and assessments.
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Support the GROW team to Identify potential Agricultural Input Service Providers (ASPs) and Agribusinesses interested in partnering with the GROW program through methods such as Request For Applications RFAs, roadshows, and agricultural events; in addition to conducting required surveys and assessments.
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Supporting the agriculture productivity team and targeting business owners in assessing gaps of ASPs and developing activities to address these gaps.
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Participating and Conduct meetings to present the GROW portfolio of services, gauge interest, and assess firms' willingness and ability to invest in the strategic transformation process.
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Assist the agriculture productivity team in designing business management demand-driven soft skill assistance based on gap assessments.
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Support targeted ASPs in strengthening business relationships with their existing farmer networks through subsidized certified agriculture inputs.
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Participate in assessing selected businesses to identify food safety non-conformities and propose operational tools for improvement.
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Support training specialists in conducting training sessions, through facilitating the implementation of these planned training sessions in coordination with other local stakeholders.
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Collaborate with the GROW technical team with required surveys and assessments to identify necessary interventions and investments, and draft Grant Agreements.
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Support technical team with the required inputs to Identify new markets and buyers for targeted agribusiness firms based on product standards and competitiveness.
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Facilitate conducting Business to Business and Business to Farmers meetings and events.
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Conduct rapid assessments of clients to determine gaps in branding, marketing, packaging, and grading.
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Disseminate expressions of interest at roadshows, trade events, and relevant authorities.
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Assist the GROW technical team in conducting rigorous needs assessments and develop support packages including capacity building, business development services, and locally available agricultural equipment and tools.
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Collecting data and information needed to undertake an effective follow-up on activities related to agriculture value chains and marketing.
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Supervise and follow up on the implementation of GROW activities with a focus on improving crops, productivity processing, and input-output market enhancement.
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Conduct regular field visits to ensure GROW interventions are implemented aligned with the work plan.
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Perform field technical monitoring visits and desk reviews as per monitoring schedule and record the outcome.
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Follow up with targeted ASPs and selected Agri businesses on gaps identified from previous reports and visits.
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To provide timely inputs for monthly and quarterly progress reports and any other required reports.
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Prepare clear and concise reports in line with the requirements.
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Carry out any other related duties as might be reasonably requested by the Supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
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A university degree in the field of economics, business administration, agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, rural development, or equivalent; Or A university degree with proven experience of not less than Three years in working with INGOs in the field of agricultural market development projects or Agri SMEs supporting programs.
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Minimum of three years professional experience in implementing early recovery Programs, or livelihoods programs, or value chains program, or Agriculture resilience building programs.
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Previous proven experience in conducting value chain assessment, and market assessments would be an advantage.
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-Prior experience working on USAID funded programs in the region is preferable.
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Previous experience in implementing interventions supporting agri businesses and supporting Agri value chains SMEs will be an advantage.
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-Previous experience in organizing and implementing agricultural training and business management skills training will be an advantage.
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Strong knowledge of agricultural value chains and Markets supply systems in NES.
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Team player with good interpersonal skills, self-motivated, energetic, hard-working.
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Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, tasks efficiently.
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Excellent time management skills and resourcefulness with strong attention to detail.
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Ability to develop strong, positive relationships internally with team members and externally with Stakeholders, Funders, Social Networks and other partners.
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Ability to think independently, decision making and problem-solving skills.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
- Flexible to work under pressure and remote areas.
- Proficiency in relevant computer applications.
Language Skills:
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Fluency in written and spoken Arabic.
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Good Commend in written and spoken English is an advantage.