Integrated Farm Management Component (IFMC)
Community Development Officer

‘Agricultural Growth and Employment Programme’ (AGEP), a Danida funded program for the development of the agriculture sector in Bangladesh, has been approved. Implementation of the components has started and will continue until 2018. The largest component of AGEP, the ‘Integrated Farm Management Component’ (IFMC) will be implemented by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) under the Ministry of Agriculture. IFMC will promote the concept of Integrated Farm Management through Farmers’ Field School (FFS). The immediate objective of the IFMC is ‘Increased agricultural production and diversification among female and male members of landless, marginal, and small farming households.’

IFMC will implement a large number of FFS as well as supporting the development of farmer’s organizations. The FFS activities will be implemented through established DAE structures with facilitation by project trained Farmer Facilitators; supported, monitored and mentored by IFMC staff and DAE officers. Support to Farmers Organizations will involve component staff with support from DAE structures.

For implementing the above IFMC is seeking qualified candidate for the position of Community Development Officer (CDO) in project offices located in various districts of Bangladesh.

The CDO will work covering a number of districts, with the task of building the capacity of identified Farmers’ Organizations in their ability to sustainably provide useful services to their members and to the communities in general. There will be particular focus on capacity building for income generating activities and linkages to services and markets

The CDO will work under the guidance of Regional IDO and will be responsible for capacity development and mentoring of selected FOs in organizational development and management.

Key Responsibilities
The Community Development Officer (CDO) will work under the guidance of the regional IDO.  S/He will be responsible for
 

  • Building the capacity of Farmers’ Organizations as organizations providing useful services to their members.
  • Identify FOs that show potential in terms of organizational capacity and marketing opportunities.
  • Work with FOs to identify market opportunities and develop plans and strategies to increase the capacity of FOs the benefit from these opportunities.
  • Identify market opportunities, linkages and partnerships and assist selected FOs in developing such opportunities.
  • Developing and maintaining effective communication links with FOs.
  • Building capacity of FOs in sustainable income generation and linking and mentoring of selected FOs in organizational development and management
  • Prepare annual training plan and training budget for the districts and prepare training modules and upgrading of existing training modules.
  • Overall day to day management of district level offices including fund management.
  • Any other job assigned by CMU.

Qualifications & Requirements    

  • Bachelor in Social Science/ Rural Development/ Business Administration/ Agriculture Economics from any recognized & UGC approved Universities. Masters preferred.
  • At least five years working experience including hands-on capacity development of farmers’ organizations or community based organizations among which at least two years continuous working experience in one organization.
  • Person having experience in FFS related activities will get preference.
  • Skill in Driving Motorcycle. Must have valid motorcycle driving license.
  • Experience in facilitating community led process and establishing sustainable community groups.
  • Experience in conducting and facilitate training.
  • Experience in planning, organizing and monitoring.
  • Excellent writing and editing skills in both English and Bangla.
  • Strong computer skills are essential.

Job Location

  • Position will be based in various districts of Bangladesh with extensive travel in different unions.
  • Willingness to undertake extensive travel by motorcycle is essential.

 Salary Range

  • TK. 34,500 - 36,200 (All Inclusive)

Application Requirements

  • Applicants must apply through proper channel.
  • Interested candidates are requested to apply mentioning current and expected salary.
  • No phone or personal inquiries will be accepted. 
  • We carefully review all applicants' credentials and experience. However, due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. If you have not been contacted within 60 days of the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

The deadline for application is 24th October, 2014