Agriculture Engineer

Agriculture Engineer

Terms of Reference

Division: Programs.

Location: Hadramout/Aden

Reports to: Project Manager.

Organization & Background:

A humanitarian, independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization that works across Yemen. The organization provides direct organization for conflict-affected populations, IDPs, host communities and vulnerable groups in the conflict areas. The organization, in partnership with international agencies, acts during crisis situations, and goes the extra mile to engage in other contexts where its competencies will add value. The organization promotes durable solutions for conflict-affected populations and helps to restore services, education, economy, wellbeing and health.

Role Purpose:

The Agriculture Engineer will enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability by providing technical support and training to farmers on modern practices. This role involves coordinating with agricultural authorities and local stakeholders to implement effective programs. The engineers will promote climate-smart agriculture, oversee soil and water conservation efforts, and empower marginalized communities through capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, the position will involve monitoring and evaluating project outcomes to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Ultimately, the Agriculture Engineer will drive sustainable agricultural development that benefits both the economy and the ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Support and Field Supervision:

• Supervise and follow up with beneficiary farmers throughout all stages of agricultural operations, from land preparation to harvest.
• Maintain coordination with agriculture authorities at governorate and district level in a regular manner.
• Pre Planning and post reporting to the PM and seniors for all assigned activities and missions.
• Deliver technical training to farmers on modern agricultural technologies and techniques, such as protected cultivation, irrigation systems, and post-harvest practices.
• Provide guidance on climate-smart agriculture practices, including integrated pest management (IPM), intercropping, crop rotation, use of biofertilizers, and soil fertility management.
• Develop Bills of Quantities (BoQs) of agricultural inputs, tools, materials, and equipment according to the targeted farmers' needs.
• Receive, inspect, and verify the quantity and quality of agricultural inputs like seeds, tools, etc. against customized specifications.
• Inspect and ensure the quality of agricultural equipment and infrastructure such as protected houses, irrigation systems, and machinery.
• Support CEAs in training delivery and help manage demonstration plots under the Farmer Field School model.
• Provide technical input into the environmental and agroecological assessment processes to ensure appropriate selection of strategic crops (e.g., sorghum, sesame, wheat).
• Facilitate technical follow-up visits to ensure sustainable implementation of improved agricultural practices.
• Promote safe, productive, and sustainable agricultural practices that maintain soil health and efficiently use water.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of post-harvest storage practices and technologies (e.g., hermetic bags).
• Support identification and adoption of locally appropriate technologies for vulnerable communities.

Agricultural Development:

• Participate in the rapid, gender-sensitive, livelihoods/value chain assessment to identify relevant entry points for women, men, youth, and persons with disabilities.
• Engage with MoAI, AREA, community leaders and CEAs to identify and register project participants for input support, training, and producer association development.
• Support the establishment of Farmer Field Schools and demonstration plots through CEAs.
• Train and coach farmers on seed selection, multiplication, and conservation methods.
• Provide technical oversight in the identification and use of drought-tolerant seed varieties suited for the regions agroecological conditions.
• Work closely with producer associations to support the use of agricultural machinery for processing sorghum, sesame, and other crops, ensuring equitable access and maintenance planning.
• Encourage the development of farmer business models and circular economy practices (e.g., reuse of crop waste for livestock feed).
• Contribute to the development and use of visual training materials tailored for low-literacy participants.

Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work closely with local agricultural directorates, AREA, CEAs, extension services, and other relevant government and civil society stakeholders to align project activities and ensure integration with existing systems.
• Support training and mentorship of CEAs and community-based extension workers to build local capacity and ensure sustainability of project interventions.
• Facilitate the formation and strengthening of producer associations and support the drafting and ratification of their governance documents.

Soil and Water Conservation:

• Collaborate with CAGs and CfW teams to identify and implement soil and water conservation activities including tree-planting, canal rehabilitation, gabion construction, and erosion control.
• Provide technical guidance for the design and implementation of localized soil and water conservation plans.
• Support community-driven initiatives to protect and restore viable agricultural land.
• Coordinate environmental awareness sessions and engage communities on conservation planning and ownership.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Participate in initial assessment missions and distribution/site selections.
• Track project indicators at all levels (activities, results, objectives, and goals).
• Collect, analyze, and use data on crop yields, water use efficiency, economic return, and project outcomes to adaptively manage and improve implementation.
• Compile and present data-driven reports to the project manager, donor, and stakeholders.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of project activities, including weekly and monthly narrative reports.

: Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience working in the agricultural sector, particularly in field-level operations.
• Fully familiar with the livelihood zones across Yemen, including seasonality, community norms and preferences for agricultural inputs.
• Proven experience in climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable land management techniques.
• Experience in supporting producer associations, CEAs, and smallholder farmer groups.
• Proficient in modern agricultural technologies, value chain development, post-harvest handling, and environmentally friendly practices.

• Proficiency in English and good interpersonal skills.

• Effective use of computer Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.

• Specialized training or course in field supervision or related agricultural topics.
• Familiarity with working in donor-funded projects, especially in fragile or conflict-affected contexts.
• Moderate proficiency in spoken and written English, with the ability to produce quality reports.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation, and negotiation skills.
• Experience in participatory approaches and understanding of gender dynamics in agriculture.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently to field locations including rural communities in Hadramout.