Field Volunteers – Community Resilience & Agriculture

Uncategorized

The success of any development project is decided on the ground, in the fields and homes of the people it serves. As a Field Volunteer, you are the vital link between our strategic goals and the rural communities of Benue, turning climate-smart theories into life-changing realities. This role is for those who are not afraid to get their boots muddy to ensure that no farmer is left behind in the transition to a sustainable, digital agricultural future.

Job Summary

The Field Volunteer serves as a frontline representative of the Foundation, responsible for community engagement, data gathering, and operational support. Your primary mission is to foster local ownership of our projects, ensuring that rural families can effectively adopt new technologies and sustainable farming practices to build long-term resilience.

Key Responsibilities

  • Direct Community Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for local farmers, facilitating open dialogue and building trust between the community and the Foundation.
  • Operational Execution: Support the rollout of field-based initiatives, ensuring resources and training materials reach the intended beneficiaries efficiently.
  • Data & Impact Tracking: Assist in gathering real-time data from the field to help our research team monitor project health and measure the progress of rural households.
  • Youth & Group Leadership: Coordinate local volunteer groups and youth committees, empowering them to take leadership roles in community-led development.
  • Logistical Support: Assist in the organization of town halls, demonstration days, and training workshops in various rural locations.
  • Advocacy & Education: Translate complex climate concepts into actionable advice for local stakeholders, promoting the benefits of digital innovation in farming.

Required Skills & Qualifications

  • Academic Standing: Open to current undergraduates, recent graduates (BA/BSc/HND), or established professionals. Advanced degrees (MA/MSc) in Social Sciences, Agriculture, or Development Studies are a plus.
  • Field Experience: 1 to 10 years of experience, with a proven track record of working in rural operational environments or on donor-funded humanitarian projects.
  • Community Management: Demonstrated ability to manage diverse groups, particularly youth, and build productive local partnerships.
  • Personal Attributes: A strong appetite for learning, high adaptability to rural living conditions, and an unwavering commitment to humanitarian ethics.
  • Technical Basics: Competency in basic documentation, reporting, and the ability to conduct simple field research.

Why This Role is Important

Field Volunteers are the heartbeat of the CSFRRDF mission. While policies are made in offices, resilience is built in the village. This role is critical because it ensures that our interventions are culturally appropriate, technically sound, and genuinely beneficial to the farmers. You provide the human face to our digital innovations, making technology accessible and relatable.

Benefits of Applying

  • Hands-on Experience: Gain unparalleled experience in the realities of rural development and the intricacies of NGO field operations.
  • Skill Acquisition: Develop your skills in community mobilization, data collection, and project management.
  • Local Recognition: Build a reputation as a community leader and a driver of positive change within the Benue region.
  • Path to Career Advancement: Many leaders in the NGO sector began their journeys as field volunteers; this is a premier starting point for a career in international development.

Salary & Compensation

  • Expectation: Competitive / Stipend-based (Consistent with NGO volunteer standards in Nigeria).

About the Organization

The Climate-Smart Farming & Rural Resilience Development Foundation (CSFRRDF) is a newly rebranded force in the Nigerian non-profit sector. Formerly known as the Climate-Smart Farmer Hubs Initiative, we have expanded our vision to address the holistic needs of rural Africa. Our work sits at the intersection of environmental sustainability and digital empowerment. We are dedicated to ensuring that the rural poor are not just survivors of climate change, but active participants in a new, green economy.

Application Details

  • Location: Benue, Nigeria
  • Application Deadline: Rolling Basis (Interviews held as applications are received)
  • Role Type: Contract / Volunteering

How to Apply: We invite passionate changemakers to submit:

  1. A CV (Not exceeding 3 pages).
  2. A Cover Letter detailing your experience with rural field operations.
  3. Two Professional References who can vouch for your conduct and work ethic.

Email your application to: [email protected] Subject Line: Application – Field Volunteer

Tips for Applicants

  • Showcase Your Local Knowledge: If you speak local languages or have a deep understanding of Benue’s geography, highlight this—it is a major asset for field roles.
  • Soft Skills Matter: Use your cover letter to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills; being a volunteer is as much about listening as it is about doing.
  • Be Specific: Instead of saying you are “organized,” mention a specific time you managed a group or an event under challenging conditions.