Assistant Programme Officer Food Security & Nutrition – Kampala – AVSI Foundation

About US:
AVSI Foundation is an international not-for-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in Italy in 1972. Its mission is to promote the dignity of the person through development cooperation activities, with special attention to education, according to the social teaching of the Catholic Church. AVSI has been present in Uganda since 1984, first supporting hospitals and agriculture projects in Gulu and Kitgum districts, and later expanding around 1990 to establish the present-day headquarters in Kampala, offices in Pader, Gulu and Kitgum, and project activities in 12 other districts. AVSI staff has remained through the long periods of instability in northern Uganda caused both by anti-government rebellions led by Lord’s Resistance Army, and by conflict across the northern border in Sudan, which caused displacement in both countries.

About SCORE Programme:
AVSI is leading a consortium of partners including CARE, TPO and FHI360 is implementing a USAID funded project titled “Sustainable, Comprehensive Responses for vulnerable children and their families – SCORE” in 23 districts in Uganda.

Job Summary: The Assistant Programme Officer Food Security & Nutrition will provide support to the SCORE programme by contributing to the implementation of activities, in particular, focusing on improving the socioeconomic status of vulnerable children and their household members. Specifically, the incumbent will work closely with the Gulu Group Coordinator and other Project Officers to support the implementation of food security and nutrition activities at beneficiary level within Gulu Group area.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
· Offer technical support to Farmer Field Schools Facilitators on sustainable Farmer Field Schools approach, plan with communities around the production cycle of their chosen enterprise and provide training on demand in line with AVSI Foundation policy
· Map nutritional needs of target communities and promote linkages with nutrition and health services.
· Provide training and support to local partners and beneficiaries in urban horticulture and other food-production methods as appropriate.
· The incumbent will increase awareness of target group on infant feeding practices, hygiene, balance diet and cooking demonstration.
· Carry out dialogues and workshops for vulnerable households on the importance of creating and providing a supportive and protective family environment and education for their children
· Coordinate with the Economic Empowerment Project officer to promote agricultural enterprises as avenues towards economic strengthening and food security among VC households
· Render support in reporting and documentation as required by the supervisor
· Work in liaison with the Gulu Group Coordinator, and other SCORE Project Officers to implement and monitor project activities at beneficiary level
· Perform other duties within the area of responsibility as requested by the Programme Officer (SCORE) Gulu Group Coordinator

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
· The Assistant Programme Officer Food Security & Nutrition should hold a diploma in agricultural and food sciences or nutrition or any other related field. Possession of a University degree from a recognized institution is an added advantage
· Working knowledge of the Farmer field schools approach is a requirement. Formal training an advantage.
· A minimum of two years’ experience in improved agricultural practices and/or nutrition.
· Previous experience in training, sensitization and support to community groups and households
· Ability to interact with community groups and communicate in the local language
· People management skills – team building initiatives
· Effective interpersonal skills – oral and written communication skills
· Computer literacy skills
· Previous attendance in trainings/courses in child-related programming including psychosocial support, child protection, livelihoods, food security, and healthcare is an advantage

How to Apply:
All suitably qualified candidates should send their application letters, accompanied with updated Curriculum Vitae indicating three professional referees and copies of relevant certificates via E-mail with the subject line indicating ‘Application for Asst. Programme Officer – Food Security’ addressed to:

The Human Resource Manager,
AVSI Foundation,
P.O. Box 6785, Kampala, Uganda.

E-mail to: hr.kampala@avsi.org

Deadline: 26th November 2015 by 5.00 pm