Consultancy under FORT project - Uganda

About The FORT ProjectThe FORT project strives for the transformation of rural areas in five regions of Uganda, whereby a variety of (un)organised farmers and their households are expected to increase their resilience to shocks through effective inclusion in or strengthening of their farmers’ organisations (FOs). These FOs will have a variety of sizes, ranging from informal groups to primary cooperatives, Area Cooperative Enterprises and the Apex organisation.In addition to producers’ organisations, FORT intends to strengthen the functioning of rural SACCOs to better serve the needs of rural households while reinforcing their savings and credit portfolios and the foundations of governance and financial management. FORT will be implemented by a consortium of Agriterra (lead), Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation WCDI (WUR) and the Uganda Cooperative Alliance. The project has a timespan of five years and an objective to reach 200,000 farmer households through approximately 120 formal FOs and 180 informal FOs.About The JobAgriterra is looking to recruit 17 consultants to provide tailor made and demand driven support to Farmer groups, Cooperatives and SACCOs on the new Farmers’ Organisations for Rural Transformation (FORT) project in Uganda.In FORT, cooperatives are considered farmer-led enterprises that can develop a variety of farmer-led businesses which should be economically viable responses to genuine needs of farmer households in their communities. Through services provision, cooperatives should strengthen the economic position and resilience of members and non-members, with business models that convince non-members to join. Farmers should be able to access production, financial and marketing/value-adding services in their vicinity. Farmers’ organisations should be capacitated to develop and sustain these services with business plans that have the potential to be upscaled, to enable cooperatives to maximize their potential based on the concepts of collective action and economies of scale. To ensure that the selected farmers’ organisations are structurally owned, controlled and used by their members, in an inclusive and representative manner, the capacity building will include advisory services, trainings and peer-to-peer exchanges to strengthen their governance framework, including the internal agency, institutional foundations and external agency of these farmer-led institutions.The consultants therefore be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of FORT project activities at the District level. They play a key role is providing technical support to Cooperatives, SACCOs and Farmer groups, collecting data, monitoring project progress, and ensuring effective communication between the project team and FOs.They will support to adapt and integrate the participatory methodology “Empowered Farmers in Farmers’ Organisations for Rural Transformation” (EFFORT) that will be developed as part of the project. They will take the lead in initiating and guiding change trajectories with the cooperatives as well as mediating negotiation processes and preparing business deals.The consultants will report directly to Agriterra’s FORT project lead and will be based in the secondary Ugandan regions, Lango, Elgon, Busoga, Tooro and Kigezi. The project needs 17 consultants to work in 17 districts of Lira, Dokolo, Mbale, Manafwa, Bulambuli Kapchorwa, Jinja, Kamuli, Luuka, Kabarole, Kyegegwa, Bunyangabu, Kyenjojo, Kabale, Rubanda, Kanungu and Rukungiri.If you have experience in the agricultural sector in Participatory Methodologies, Value Chain Development, Advocacy and Economic Analysis, marketing, this could be a consultancy for you.DutiesProject ImplementationSupport the implementation of FORT project activities according to the work plan.Deliver farmer trainings on improved agricultural practices, climate-smart agriculture, VSLA methodology, or any other relevant modules.Facilitate the formation, registration, and capacity-building of farmer groups and cooperatives.Promote formation of G20 groups under the cooperatives and SACCOs with in the District.Promote use of sustainable farming technologies and practices among beneficiary SHFs.Farmer Organisation Engagement & Mobilization.Mobilize and sensitize SACCO and cooperative members and leaders on the project objectives and interventions.Maintain strong relationships with local stakeholders, including farmers, local government, extension agents, the private sector, and other NGOs.Support development of Household and FO vision journeys and Follow up with groups, cooperatives and SACCOs on the adaptation, implementation and integration the participatory methodology EFFORT.Support for Input distribution and aggregation centres for improved production.Support in the establishment of input distribution and aggregation centres.Coordinate timely delivery and distribution of agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizers, tools, etc.) to farmers.Monitor usage and performance of inputs from input dealers with cooperatives under the project.RepresentationRepresent Agriterra in relevant community-level platforms and forumsPlanning and reportingDevelop monthly work plans and progress reports for the activities to be executed.Monitoring, Evaluation, and ReportingCollect and submit accurate field data (e.g., FO profiles, attendance, crop production data, success stories).Participate in assessments, surveys, and evaluations.Prepare regular activity reports and share updates with the Cooperative Advisors (Coops and SACCOs) and Project Officers (Farmer Groups)Ensure documentation of lessons learned and good practices from the field.Community Engagement and AdvocacyEngage with community members to ensure inclusivity in cooperative activities, focusing on the participation of disadvantaged groups amongst youth, women remote farmers and others. Support cooperatives in developing and implementing advocacy plans that address policy and market issues affecting farmersOrganisational Sustainability Guide cooperatives toward financial independence by developing robust organisational frameworks that enhance climate-smart service delivery and provide members with the agricultural extension support they need to thrive sustainably.Graduation and sustainabilityWork with cooperatives to achieve their multi-annual plans, ensuring they meet the necessary standards for graduation and long-term sustainability.Other Duties‍Attend project meetings and trainings as required.Represent the project in relevant community-level platforms and forums.Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor related to the projectWhat Do You BringEducational backgroundA bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agribusiness, Rural Development, or related field.At least 2–3 years of relevant field experience in implementing agricultural or community development projects.Alternatively, applicants with a diploma and over 5 years of work experience are also welcome to apply.ExperienceExperience working with farmer groups or VSLA groups, cooperatives or SACCOs is an added advantage.Experience with the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) or Participatory Integrated Planning (PIP) is a strong advantage.Familiarity with participatory training methods and extension approaches.Sector KnowledgeFamiliarity with participatory training methods and extension approaches.Strong network of national and international service providers and relevant actors.Understanding of and experience in agricultural projects, cooperatives participatory methodologies, advisory, financial project management, PMEL, donor reporting and/or business development.Local understanding of the context is a key priority especially the local language of the people in the district in which you apply.Communication & Interpersonal Skills‍Good oral and written communication and interpersonal skillsOther RequirementGood computer skills in MS applications (MS Office).Able and willing to travel frequently to rural areas.Good reporting and basic data collection skills (knowledge of digital tools is a plus)Duration of the assignmentThe consultancy is for 6 months from 1st November 2025 to 30th March 2026. This consultancy is subject to renewal depending on the performance of the individual.How To Connect With UsAre you interested in this consultancy, and you fit the profile? Apply with a cover letter and curriculum vitae by sending an e-mail to uganda@agriterra.org to the attention of John Bosco Abaho by the 15th October 2025.Ensure to Specify the district to work in from those listed above.