Livelihoods Project Officer (Agriculture Focus)

Position Summary

The Livelihoods Project Officer will hold a pivotal role in the implementation and oversight of Islamic Relief Türkiye’s livelihoods programming, with a particular emphasis on agriculture-based initiatives. The Livelihoods Project Officer will work under the coordination of the Area Supervisor and will be key in implementing field-level activities within the agricultural activities. This position is designed to support vulnerable Syrian and Turkish communities in line with the national development plan for Southern Türkiye and the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP) framework.

The Officer will be responsible for managing a diverse range of livelihoods activities, especially those related to livestock and agriculture, while supervising agricultural Project Assistants and ensuring the effective and timely execution of all phases of the project cycle—including planning, implementation, coordination, and reporting.

The role also entails maintaining strong engagement with relevant stakeholders, including NGOs, governmental bodies, and field-level coordination structures such as cluster meetings.

Key Responsibilities

The position requires the holder to spend the majority of their time (over 50%) in the field, ensuring a consistent presence in project implementation areas and maintaining direct communication with communities, beneficiaries, and field-level stakeholders. The post holder will also be responsible for directly supervising staff, providing technical guidance, overseeing their day-to-day performance, and supporting them in field duties and direct implementation activities.

Project Management & Implementation

• Lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of livelihoods and agriculture-related activities under active projects.
• Ensure timely development and execution of activity plans, including crop production, soil management, animal husbandry, and eco-friendly farming practices.
• Maintain regular field presence and technical oversight across project sites to ensure high-quality delivery aligned with sector standards.

Team Supervision

• Directly supervise assistant positions; provide technical guidance, daily oversight, and performance management.
• Support team development through capacity building and mentoring in line with project needs and compliance standards.

Technical Support & Advisory

• Provide expert technical advice in the areas of:
  • Crop consultancy: Advising on maximising yields and sustainable farming.
  • Soil science: Analysing and improving soil for productive outcomes.
  • Farm management: Supporting farming operations with improved techniques.
  • Environmental sustainability: Promoting eco-friendly agricultural approaches.
• Oversee beneficiary selection processes, needs assessments, and ensure fair access to services.

Monitoring, Reporting & Documentation

• Ensure accurate data collection and field monitoring tools are in place.
• Prepare internal and donor-facing reports including narrative and financial components, with strict adherence to deadlines and reporting formats.
• Collaborate with MEAL and Finance Departments to ensure proper project tracking and budget monitoring.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain relationships with NGO and authority stakeholders, ensuring strong networking and participation in relevant field-level cluster meetings.

Coordination & Compliance

• Liaise with support departments to coordinate logistics, procurement, and finance-related matters in a timely and efficient manner.
• Identify internal and external challenges and contribute to strategic solutions.
• Propose new project ideas, drawing on field observations and community feedback.

Required Qualifications

Education

• University degree in Agriculture, specialising in Horticulture (Vegetables), Field Crops, Plant Protection, Soil Science, or a related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of proven, gap-free experience working in livelihoods or agricultural projects with international NGOs in Türkiye, preferably under the 3RP framework.
• Demonstrated experience in managing teams and complex field activities.
• Practical understanding of project cycle management and donor reporting.

Languages

• Fluency in Turkish and English (written and spoken) is required.
• Arabic is a strong asset.

Other Requirements

• Applicants must hold Turkish citizenship, in alignment with the operational requirements. Please note Islamic Relief Türkiye does not provide support for work or residency permits.
• Residency in Gaziantep is preferred due to the nature of the role and its operational requirements.
• Male applicants must have no outstanding military service obligations.
• Valid driving licence (B class) is required.
• Strong computer literacy (MS Office, data management tools).
• Proactive, reliable, and able to work independently under pressure.
• Culturally sensitive and committed to humanitarian principles.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the positions may close once suitable candidates have been identified. Therefore, we strongly encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.