Agronomy Project Assistant at ZOA International

ZOA, as an international NGO, supporting vulnerable people affected by violence, conflicts, or
natural disasters by helping them to realize dignified and resilient lives. Together, we can come to their aid in emergencies and remain faithful to communities as they recover – providing new opportunities for them to help themselves again. The work of ZOA is coordinated from the Netherlands. We are active in multiple countries in Africa, South America, the Middle East Region, and Asia. We work with approximately 900 employees worldwide and with (local) partners. We invite you to join our team of committed colleagues.

ZOA has been working in Borno State in Nigeria since 2016 especially in 10 LGAs in Borno State and 3 LGAs in Yobe State. We reach out to the internally displaced persons and vulnerable host communities with emergency humanitarian & early recovery assistance to meet their needs. ZOA Nigeria focuses on Food Security & Livelihoods, WaSH, Education.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Agronomy Project Assistant

Location: Bama, Borno
Employment Type: Full-time
Starting Date: As soon as possible
Duration position: Fix Term - One Year (Renewable position based on the need)
Workhours: Fulltime

Key Responsibilities
Field Activity Support:

• Assist in the establishment of demonstration plots, farmer field schools (FFS), and training sessions on crop production.
• Support input distribution (seeds, fertilizers, tools) and provide basic technical follow-up with farmers.
• Promote climate-smart and sustainable agriculture practices among smallholder farmers.
• Assist in identifying and mobilizing project beneficiaries based on set criteria.

 Community Engagement:

• Work closely with community leaders, agricultural groups, and extension agents to support implementation.
• Facilitate regular farmer group meetings and engage in sensitization on agronomic practices.
• Help resolve challenges and report feedback from the community to the project team.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Collect and submit field data on planting, crop performance, and challenges using templates or mobile data tools.
• Keep accurate records of attendance, distributions, and training sessions.
• Provide weekly updates and assist with the preparation of project reports and case studies.

 Coordination & Teamwork:

• Work collaboratively with Livelihoods, M&E, and other technical teams to ensure integrated program delivery.
• Participate in regular team planning meetings, reviews, and learning events.
• Perform other relevant tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Diploma or Certificate in Agronomy, Crop Production, Agricultural Science, or related discipline

Experience:

• Experience with NGO/development projects, particularly in community-based agriculture or food security interventions.

Skills & Competencies:

• Knowledge of crop production, pest and disease management, and soil fertility.
• Practical skills in working with farmer groups, input delivery, and field demonstrations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with rural communities and facilitate farmer training.
• Basic proficiency in data collection tools (paper or digital like Kobo Toolbox).
• Fluency in local language(s) and at least basic spoken and written English.

Other Requirements:

• Willingness to travel frequently to remote field locations.
• Motorcycle riding skills with a valid license may be required.
• A team player with good interpersonal skills, patience, and flexibility.
• Commitment to inclusive, gender-sensitive, and climate-resilient programming.

Identity:

• The candidate is expected to fully support the vision and mission of ZOA.

Behaviour & Attitude:

• Flexible and adaptability;
• Interpersonal and cross cultural sensitive;
• Able to work under pressure and with strict deadlines;
• Able to work in a sometimes fluid and insecure environment.

Special conditions:

• Frequent travel to in field locations within the programme area, and to other ZOA programme locations and stay with project implementation team for further guidance and support.

Salary and other terms of employment

• Attractive and Negotiable.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• If you have questions about this vacancy, you can contact Musa Yaro, Office Manager, email recruitment.nigeria@zoa.ngo
• ZOA operates with an equal opportunities policy and is committed to diversity in the workplace.
• Qualified women and men, and cultural backgrounds, and candidates with disabilities are welcome to apply.
• We are here for our neighbors in need, who are suffering in this broken world.
• Position is opened for National Candidates
• CV’s of no more than 4-5 pages in length are appreciated.
• ZOA is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage applications from qualified female candidates and persons with disabilities.
• Please provide at least 3 references related to your previous employment listed in the application.
• References of previous positions held should not be older than five years.
• Please note that ZOA carries out background and reference checks (including COTER) for all candidates as part of the recruitment process.
• As ZOA participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a written questionnaire: the “Statement of Conduct”, which will be sent to past employers regarding Misconduct (such as sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment).