Drive efficient project delivery and achieve impactful results by coordinating and monitoring project activities.
South Sudan remains one of the most fragile countries globally, with rural communities facing profound challenges related to food and nutrition insecurity, low incomes, and poor access to social and economic infrastructure and basic services. These challenges are compounded by repeated climate change shocks that have eroded the adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities. Despite its agricultural potential, systemic underinvestment, protracted conflict, and fragile governance have suppressed development. Against this backdrop, the South Sudan Livelihoods and Resilience Project (SSLRP), of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) presents a critical opportunity to improve livelihoods and resilience of rural smallholder households across three states, eight counties.
The South Sudan Livelihood Resilience Project (SSLRP) is a major initiative financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Dutch Government, and the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP). The project is implemented by the Government of South Sudan through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) appointed as the Lead Implementing Agency.
The overall goal of the SSLRP is to contribute to improved and resilient livelihoods among targeted rural communities in eight counties across five states (Torit, Magwi, Kajo-Keji, Wau, Jur River, Bor, Awerial, and Terekeka). The Project Development Objective is to empower communities to participate in decision-making processes that recover agricultural livelihoods, build household resilience, and promote stability.
Under the project structure, UNOPS is the Lead Implementing Agency with exclusive responsibility for the full implementation of two core technical components:
Component 1: Community Driven Development Planning: Focusing on building inclusive Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and developing Community Development Plans (CDPs).
Component 2: Community Agriculture Investment Fund (CAIF): Providing grants for micro-projects and constructing productive community infrastructure, including the significant rehabilitation of the Magwi Palotaka Feeder Road.
In delivering these components, UNOPS is also responsible for all associated project management, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and knowledge management functions to ensure effective execution, accountability, and learning. Component 3 (Policy, Coordination, and M&E) is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), with whom UNOPS closely coordinates
The Community & Rural Development Associate is responsible for the hands-on implementation of community mobilization, capacity building, and participatory planning activities at the county and community level. The incumbent serves as the primary field liaison, facilitating the formation and strengthening of inclusive Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and guiding communities through the development of their Community-Driven Development Plans (CDPs). By ensuring genuine participation, social inclusion, and the integration of resilience principles, the associate plays a critical role in laying the foundational governance and planning groundwork for all subsequent livelihood and infrastructure investments under the SSLRP.
1. Project Support and Data Collection
Assist in collecting and verifying baseline data and community profiles essential for the participatory planning and targeting processes under Components 1 and 2.
Support the implementation and regular use of community-led monitoring systems, including the Participatory Self-review and Planning (PSRSP), to track the progress of Community Development Plans (CDPs) and livelihood activities.
Compile and manage field data on Community-Based Organization (CBO) formation, training sessions, and CDP development for input into the project’s Management Information System (MIS) and reporting.
2. Site Monitoring and Reporting
Conduct regular field visits to monitor the mobilization, formation, and capacity-building activities of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) across assigned counties.
Monitor and report on the community-led development of Community Development Plans (CDPs), ensuring the process is inclusive and adheres to approved methodologies and tools.
Prepare detailed field visit reports documenting progress, challenges, compliance with social and environmental safeguards, and providing actionable recommendations for the Community Development Specialist and Project Manager.
3. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination
Serve as the primary field liaison with County Development Committees (CDCs), Payam Development Committees (PDCs), traditional authorities, and local government departments to ensure alignment and secure necessary support for project activities.
Facilitate ongoing dialogue with community leaders, women’s groups, youth representatives, and persons with disabilities to gather feedback, foster ownership, and ensure their active participation in all stages of planning and implementation.
Organize and co-facilitate community visioning, prioritization, and planning sessions using tools such as resource mapping, seasonal calendars, and the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) approach.
4. Grievance Redress Mechanism Support
Act as a frontline focal point for the project’s Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) at the community level, ensuring community members are aware of and can safely access reporting channels.
Log and initially address community feedback and complaints in a confidential manner, escalating sensitive issues promptly to the Safeguards Officer in accordance with established protocols.
5. Community Representation and Coordination
Coordinate directly with representatives of diverse social groups, including returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host community members, to ensure their meaningful engagement in CBOs and CDP processes.
Support the coordination between CBOs, Community Interest Groups (CIGs), and local authorities to strengthen local integration and the legitimacy of community-led structures.
6. Meeting and Workshop Support
Provide logistical and substantive support for organizing and facilitating training workshops, capacity-building sessions, and stakeholder meetings at the county and payam levels.
Support the delivery of structured training to CBOs on governance, financial management, conflict sensitivity, climate resilience, and nutrition-sensitive planning as outlined in the project design.
7. Documentation and Capacity Building
Document field observations, success stories, lessons learned, and innovative community approaches related to CBO strengthening and CDP development for knowledge management and reporting.
Support the capacity-building efforts for community facilitators and CBO members, providing hands-on mentoring and guidance on participatory methodologies and group dynamics.
8. Other Duties
United Nations Office for Project Services
