JRS Kenya is an international Catholic organization with a mission to accompany, serve and advocate on behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons, that they may heal, learn, and determine their own future. In Nairobi, JRS is working with Urban refugees and other persons of concern in 3 main areas: Education, Sustainable livelihood, and MHPSS/Protection while in Kakuma Refugee Camp focussing on Education, Integrated psychosocial inclusive Education programme in Centres and Safe Shelters.

JRS was Founded in November 1980 as a work of the Society of Jesus, JRS was officially registered on 19 March 2000 in Vatican City as a foundation.

JRS is present in over 56 countries worldwide, providing services to more than 811,884 individuals. The work is overseen by 10 regional offices with support from the International Office in Rome.

Job Purpose: 

The Agronomist Assistant will work under the general guidance of the Livelihoods Officer and the Pathfinder Coordinator and will oversee livelihoods initiatives, including agribusiness activities within the livelihood department.

The incumbent will support JRS achieve project objectives, ensuring high-quality, timely, and results-based project implementation. The role oversees the day-to-day execution, monitoring, and reporting of livelihood interventions ensuring that all activities meet JRS standards, donor requirements, and the needs of beneficiaries.

The post-holder will work under the supervision of the Livelihood Officer and closely with the Pathfinder Coordinator to manage budgets, address implementation challenges, ensure compliance, and strengthen team capacity.

Reporting to the Livelihood Officer, the Agronomist Assistant will be based in Nairobi office and one in Kakuma Field Office.  This is a fixed term contract type for One (1) Year with possibility for extension subject to availability of funds and individual performance.

Child Safeguarding and PSEA commitments                      

JRS has zero tolerance towards all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse and takes seriously all concerns and complaints about sexual exploitation and abuse against children and vulnerable adults by JRS personnel.  JRS is committed to Safeguard children and vulnerable adults and has policies which outline the expected behaviour, code of conduct and responsibility of all persons acting on behalf of JRS (Staff, consultants, volunteers, interns, Pastoral team, and other representatives). All staff working for JRS are expected to abide by these policies and guideline.

Key Result Areas

1. Project Implementation 

· ≥90% of livelihood project activities (including Farm activities) in the department are delivered within set time and budget. 

· Annual beneficiary target achieved or exceeded. 

· 100% adherence to Livelihood project budgets, ensuring expenditures align with donor and JRS standards on financial management, accountability, and good governance.

· Timely identification and escalation of implementation risks (under-performance, shifting needs, over/underspending).

2. Capacity Building 

· 100% comprehensive training manuals, presentations, and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials in areas of climate smart agricultural technologies are developed.

· 100% of beneficiaries are equipped with technical skills in climate smart crop and livestock production including sensitization on climate change and adaptation.

· At least 2 Learning field visits to schemes with established demonstration plots and/or Farmer Field Schools (FFS) are conducted.

3. Monitoring, Reporting & Learning 

· Quarterly monitoring exercises conducted to assess progress against livelihoods project objectives.

· Support the Livelihood officer in 100% of monthly, quarterly, and donor reports submission on time and meeting quality standards (accuracy, completeness, analysis).

· Quarterly documentation of lessons learned and best practices and dissemination to the team and management.

· Support MEAL in ensuring data collection tools are used consistently, accurately and are relevant to concerned projects.

·  Collect, compile, and analyze 100% of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) data.

4. Collaboration

·  At least 5 collaborations are established with market off-takers and partners to strengthen market linkages and improve agricultural value chains.

·  Ensure productive and timely engagement with all internal departments staff (MEAL, Finance, HR, Logistics) and stakeholders is established to support smooth project delivery.

· Active participation in 100% of monthly team meetings, ensuring strong internal communication, coordination, and work plan alignment.

5. Communication Representation & Coordination

· Ensure timely communication and coordination with internal departments).

Person Specification – Essential Requirements

Qualification and Desired Competencies          

· Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or Agriculture Extension OR other relevant field from a recognized university.

·  At least one (1) year of experience working with refugees and disadvantaged sections of the community.

· Experience working with partners, government entities, and coordination platforms (advantage).

·  Strong written and verbal communications

·  Strategic thinker with strong analytical and planning skills.

· Strong programme cycle management skills (design, planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, reporting).

·  Demonstrated experience in business and group methodology training.

·  Demonstrated leadership and team-building abilities.

·  Proactive, self-driven, and able to work with minimal supervision.

·  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

·  Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.

· Strong understanding of safeguarding, accountability, and inclusion principles.

Qualities        

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling JRS’ values and ethical standards and acts in accordance with the JRS Code of conduct.

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

•  Treat everyone fairly

Core Values   

•  Commitment to JRS mission, vision and values, and the ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and in advocating for their right to protection and a life in dignity.

• High integrity, honesty, and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with situations, people, and information.

•  Acceptance of diversity and inclusion.

• Willingness to work in flexible, sub-optimal, stressful, and unstable environments.

JRS Commitment      

JRS is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable work environment. We prohibit discrimination against any candidate or employee based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, or any other legally protected status. All hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs, and we are dedicated to fair treatment in all stages of recruitment and employment. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds to enrich our organization with their unique perspectives and experiences

Salary Level and Benefits     

•  This position is graded at job Group 5.

•  KES 104,658 Gross per month.

•  Principal Medical Cover

•  Contributory Pension Scheme

Only short-listed candidates who meet the minimum qualification and shortlisting criteria will be contacted.

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.