Trainer +Community Facilitator (Couple/Sharia Maharam)

Job Summary

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

This combined couple position is designed to drive the implementation of Level up: Empowering Afghanistan's Food Future project in Balkh Province. The Trainer (Female) focuses on technical capacity-building, specialized training for farmers and women-led associations, and field-level demonstrations. The Community Facilitator (Male) acts as the primary bridge between the technical team and communities, ensuring effective mobilization, market linkages, and coordination. Together, the couple ensures that agricultural inputs distribution, innovative adaptation measures, and value-chain opportunities reach both male and female farmers and businesses, fostering food security and local economic resilience. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Primary Responsibilities

·         Conduct daily field-level training sessions for farmers and women-led businesses on improved production and post-production techniques.

·         Support master trainers in delivering specialized technical training packages to target beneficiaries in the five districts of Balkh.

·         Establish and manage farmers' peer-to-peer groups at the community level to facilitate knowledge sharing and social cohesion.

·         Systematically manage the distribution of improved agricultural inputs, extension services, and small tools to verified beneficiaries.

·         Facilitate the establishment and continuous support of women-led processing businesses and associations.

·         Deliver tailored entrepreneurship and technical training packages specifically designed for business associations.

·         Provide support to facilitate trials of innovative adaptation measures (legume inoculants and salt-tolerant fodder) through on-site technical support.

 

1. Technical Support and Expertise

·         Provide practical demonstrations on food fortification and product diversification methods to legume producer groups.

·         Guide local business associations in daily operations, including cleaning, grading, processing, and packaging.

·         Develop and maintain a localized platform that facilitates on-demand access to existing machinery owners.

·         Provide guidance on post-harvest handling and storage techniques to reduce losses and maintain quality.

·         Orient community members on climate-smart agricultural practices and resource management to build long-term resilience.

1. Coordination and Collaboration

·         Organize and lead meetings with influential local leaders and male community members to advocate for women’s project activities.

·         Facilitate access and sales to diversified market channels by organizing participation in trade fairs and exhibitions.

·         Coordinate with district-level MAIL extension workers and district governors' offices to ensure field activities are supported locally.

·         Serve as a liaison between community associations and machinery owners to streamline pay-per-use systems.

·         Build and maintain strong professional relationships with local stakeholders, including elders, youth groups, and cooperatives.

1. Monitoring and Reporting

·         Maintain accurate daily attendance sheets, participant logs, and beneficiary databases.

·         Collect field-level data on the growth performance of trial crops and gather beneficiary feedback.

·         Prepare and submit comprehensive weekly and monthly progress reports, success stories, and beneficiary testimonies.

·         Report any challenges or resistance encountered in the field to the National Project Manager immediately.

1. Adherence to Policies

·         Comply fully with COAR's organizational policies, including Safeguarding, PSEA, Child Protection, and Code of Conduct.

·         Ensure all activities (training and mobilization) are conducted in a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.

·         Promote gender-sensitive approaches that address the specific needs of women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

1. Other Duties

·         Contribute technical content for newsletters, success stories, and community-focused visibility materials.

·         Support the selection of training beneficiaries and facilitate community events or awareness campaigns.

·         Assist in developing work plans and donor reports for training and capacity-building activities.

·         Participate in coordination meetings and workshops to share lessons learned from training and community experiences.

·         Perform other related duties as required by management to ensure the attainment of project objectives.

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATION AND SKILLS

 

Education:

Ø  Trainer  (Female) Qualifications

 • At least a graduate of 14th Grade – Agriculture Institute, Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (Agronomy, Horticulture, Agricultural Economics) is highly desirable.

 • Professional certification in Agricultural Extension, Training of Trainers (ToT), or Community Development is an added advantage.

 

Ø  Community Facilitator (Male) Qualifications

• At least a graduate of 14th Grade – Agriculture Institute, bachelor’s degree from an agriculture university or have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Business Administration (BBA), Law, or a related field.

Experience:

Ø  Trainer (female) Experience

·         3–4 years of professional experience in agricultural extension and implementation of agricultural and livelihood projects, preferably with international and national NGOs or UN agencies.

·         Community facilitator (male): 3-4 years of experience in community mobilization and rural development, preferably with INGOs/NGOs.

·         Proven track record in conducting practical farmer training, demonstrations, and community awareness campaigns.

Skills:

• Technical knowledge of agronomic practices (legumes, post-harvest) and the ability to simplify complex concepts for local farmers.
• Strong facilitation, presentation, and data collection skills; deep understanding of the local Balkh context and community dynamics.
• Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto with working knowledge of English; strong commitment to gender equality and safeguarding.

 

WORK CONDITIONS

Working hours: Full-time from Saturday to Thursday, with flexibility required for emergency reporting or donor visits.

Travel: Frequent travel to project sites within Balkh province is required.