Community Liaison Assistant – Optimisation Agronomy at DanChurchAid (DCA) Kenya

Job Description

Community Liaison Assistant – Optimisation Agronomy

DanChurchAid (DCA) Kenya is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Community Liaison Assistant (Optimisation Agronomy) in the location outlined below to support the  implementation, testing, documentation, and continuous improvement of shade net agricultural optimisation recommendations derived from a previous 2026 optimisation study. The role focuses on practical action research, household level support, data collection, and hands on demonstration of improved production techniques in Kakuma Refugee Camp and the Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement.

The post is ideal for a dynamic, proactive young graduate passionate about agricultural innovation, livelihoods, and community driven learning. Good contextual understanding of working in Turkana West including refugee programming work and proficiency in common local languages, is desirable.

Duty Station: Kakuma / Kalobeyei, Turkana County
Reports to: Project Officer – Livelihoods
Contract Type: Full-time
Start Date: As soon as possible

 Key Responsibilities

A. Implementation of Optimisation Recommendations

• Support households in adopting improved planting densities, crop combinations, and spacing models.
• Facilitate installation of vertical trellising, perimeter cropping systems, and hanging/vertical production methods.
• Assist households in adopting water‑saving technologies (mulching, clay pot irrigation, bottle drip, basin furrows).
• Promote crop diversification using heat‑tolerant and high‑value varieties suitable for shade‑nets.
• Guide groups in implementing crop rotation schedules, organic soil improvement, and low‑cost infrastructure upgrades.

B. Field‑Based Action Research & Learning

• Conduct routine field observations, collect data, and document results on productivity, water use, income, and crop performance.
• Trial new micro‑innovations (e.g., climbing varieties, intensive bed designs, micro‑irrigation prototypes).
• Monitor adoption rates and identify barriers faced by households.
• Support demonstration plots and Farmer Field School‑style learning sessions.

C. Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting

• Collect quantitative and qualitative data weekly using digital tools or paper forms.
• Maintain an updated database of shade‑net performance indicators.
• Prepare concise progress briefs, case studies, and action research summaries.
• Contribute to donor reports, learning products, and internal knowledge sharing.

D. Capacity‑Building & Community Support

• Train households on optimised agronomic practices, including IPM, soil preparation, and succession planting.
• Work with women’s groups, youth groups, and small producer collectives to strengthen agribusiness potential.
• Support community mobilisation and follow-up visits to ensure adoption and consistency.

E. Coordination

• Work closely with the Project Officer – Livelihoods, enumerators, community facilitators, incentive staff, and relevant partners.
• Participate in team meetings, field planning sessions, and joint monitoring visits.
• Liaise with local agricultural officers, extension providers, or other technical stakeholders where required.

 Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management,or related field.

Technical Skills

• Basic understanding of horticulture, crop production, or smallholder agriculture.
• Ability to learn and apply new agricultural techniques quickly.
• Familiarity with data collection tools (ODK, Kobo, Excel, etc.) is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated interest in action research, participatory learning, or community‑based approaches.

Soft Skills

• Energetic, curious, and willing to work outdoors in field settings.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organized, self‑driven, and able to manage field tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to engage respectfully with refugee and host community households.

4. Experience

• Experience in community agriculture, agribusiness, or livelihoods projects.
• Previous work or volunteering in humanitarian or development settings.
• Experience conducting surveys, monitoring activities, or practical fieldwork.

5. Personal Attributes

• Passion for practical, hands‑on learning and experimentation.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in diverse communities.
• Problem‑solver with a positive, flexible attitude.
• Commitment to accountability, transparency, and safeguarding principles.

6. Child Protection, Safeguarding & PSEA

The  Community Liaison Assistant (CLA) – Optimisation Agronomy must adhere to all organisational safeguarding, Code of Conduct, and PSEA policies and will be required to report any concerns immediately.