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 Agriculture Officer for a multi-year USAID-funded

project “Growing Agriculture and Incomes in Syria (GROW) Activity” in Northeast Syria. This position

reports to the Agriculture Productivity Specialist.

Job Summary:

The Program Officer will work under the Enterprise Development Coordinator 's direct supervision. 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:

- Dedication to the assigned work plan, as directed by the immediate supervisor (Enterprise

Development Coordinator), ensuring high quality, accuracy, and adherence to established

timelines.

- Support the GROW team in mapping out high-potential areas for targeted value chains, through

conducting required surveys and assessments.

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.

- Supporting the agriculture productivity team and targeting business owners in assessing gaps of

ASPs and developing activities to address these gaps.

- 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.

- Assist the agriculture productivity team in designing business management demand-driven soft

skill assistance based on gap assessments.

- Support targeted ASPs in strengthening business relationships with their existing farmer networks

through subsidized certified agriculture inputs.

- Participate in assessing selected businesses to identify food safety non-conformities and propose

operational tools for improvement.

- Support training specialists in conducting training sessions, through facilitating the

implementation of these planned training sessions in coordination with other local stakeholders.

- Collaborate with the GROW technical team with required surveys and assessments to identify

necessary interventions and investments, and draft Grant Agreements.

- Support technical team with the required inputs to identify new markets and buyers for targeted

agribusiness firms based on product standards and competitiveness.

- Facilitate conducting Business to Business and Business to Farmers meetings and events.

- Conduct rapid assessments of clients to determine gaps in branding, marketing, packaging, and

grading.

- Disseminate expressions of interest at roadshows, trade events, and relevant authorities.

- 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.

- Collecting data and information needed to undertake an effective follow-up on activities related

to agriculture value chains and marketing.

- Supervise and follow up on the implementation of GROW activities with a focus on improving

crops, productivity processing, and input-output market enhancement.

- Conduct regular field visits to ensure GROW interventions are implemented aligned with the work

plan.

- Perform field technical monitoring visits and desk reviews as per monitoring schedule and record

the outcome.

- Follow up with targeted ASPs and selected Agri businesses on gaps identified from previous

reports and visits.

- Provide timely inputs for monthly and quarterly progress reports and any other required reports.

- Prepare clear and concise reports in line with the requirements.

- Carry out any other related duties as might be reasonably requested by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• 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 two years in working with INGOs in the field of agricultural market

development projects or Agri SMEs supporting programs.

• Minimum of two years professional experience in implementing early recovery Programs, or

livelihoods programs, or value chains program, or Agriculture resilience building programs.

• Previous proven experience in conducting value chain assessment, and market assessments

would be an advantage.

• Prior experience working on USAID funded programs in the region is preferable.

• Previous experience in implementing interventions supporting Agri businesses and supporting

Agri value chains SMEs will be an advantage.

• Previous experience in organizing and implementing agricultural training and business

management skills training will be an advantage.

• Strong knowledge of agricultural value chains and Markets supply systems in NES.

• Team player with good interpersonal skills, self-motivated, energetic, hard-working.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, tasks efficiently.

• Excellent time management skills and resourcefulness with strong attention to detail.

• Ability to develop strong, positive relationships internally with team members and externally with

Stakeholders, Funders, Social Networks and other partners.

• 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:

• Fluency in written and spoken Arabic.

• Good Commend in written and spoken English is an advantage.