Food Security Officer

Placement Location: Jinja, Uganda

Eligible Citizenship: Ugandan

About: Development in Gardening’s mission is to improve the nutrition and health of HIV-affected and at-risk populations through sustainable gardening. We do this by training people in agriculture and nutrition and providing resources to create projects that empower communities to meet their own needs. For those individuals who are simultaneously suffering from HIV/AIDS, poverty and, malnutrition, more than just antiretroviral therapy (ART) is needed. Through supporting the development of community gardens, Development in Gardening (DIG) has identified a sustainable model to increase nutrition, food security, income, physical health, and community capital. 

Position Overview: Development in Gardening (DIG) is looking for a qualified Food Security Officer to help lead and implement community agriculture programs and establish an agriculture-training center around Jinja District, Uganda. The gardens and training center will be implemented in communities affected by HIV/AIDS. The Food Security Officer will work with DIG’s Uganda Team to increase and measure the impact of the programs on food security, nutritional well-being, and income generation.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the DIG Uganda Team and local group leaders to develop a DIG Agriculture Training Center Program with a demonstration site for organically-grown vegetables and grains
• Work with the DIG Uganda Team, local site managers, and local communities to identify and implement successful agricultural programs focused on food production, income generation, and nutrition
• Develop a strong training curriculum to go with DIG’s Resource Toolkit (Community Garden Protocol, Garden Manual, Nutrition Manual, and Pest and Disease Library)
• Organize and facilitate training programs in organic farming and gardening methods, nutrition, business and marketing, and other relevant topics
• Provide ongoing technical support and oversight at all demonstration sites
• Develop and implement a program of monitoring and evaluation to ensure that project goals are being met
• Report monthly on project indicators and progress

Required Skills and Experience:

• Experience developing and managing public health or nutrition programs
• Experience developing monitoring and evaluation tools

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Field experience working in organic agriculture and community development strongly preferred
• Master Degree in Global Health, International Development, or Agriculture or 2+ years of experience in the field
• Experience in project coordination and organization development
• Familiarity with methods, tools and techniques of participatory planning
• Team player; able to work productively with teams
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural work environment
• Flexible, adaptable, eager to learn and teach, tolerant of heat and uncomfortable physical situations, willing to physically work the land alongside participants, and passionate about grassroots agricultural development
• Knowledge of local Uganda languages a plus

Living Conditions: Fellows will be provided with housing, health insurance and a living stipend of $550/month. Housing will be arranged for fellows in Jinja, Uganda. Additionally, fellows will receive an award of $1500 upon successful completion of the fellowship year. Flights to and from the placement site and all other costs associated with GHC programming are included, including $600 in professional development funds.

*Note: the living stipend and completion award may be paid out in USD or local currency, as determined by the placement organization

To apply to this position click: HERE