Assistant School MEALS Officer at Ulalo

ASSISTANT SCHOOL MEALS OFFICER (ASMO)

Department: Programmes
Reporting to: School Meals Officer (SMO)
Location (s): Mzuzu with frequent travel to project sites within the allocated
project locations.

Contract type Fixed contract for 6 Months (3 Months in 2024 and 3 Months in 2025)

Ulalo requires the services of Assistant School Meals Officer (ASMO) for the Chancen durch
Bildung School Meals Support Project to be implemented in Mzimba and surrounding districts.

Job Context

Ulalo tackles the challenge of Children and Youth failing to reach their educational potential
by partnering with them, their schools, communities, and governments to design and deliver
solutions that increase access to safe and quality learning, equip them with skills to attain
further education, overcome gender inequities, start businesses, get jobs, and drive
development in their communities.

Ulalo, in partnership with Chancen durch Bildung, is implementing the School Meals Support
Project. This initiative empowers schools and communities to sustainably grow their own
crops, prepare nutritious meals for students, enhance school attendance, and contribute to
improved educational outcomes. The project emphasizes reducing dependency on chemical
fertilizers by adopting sustainable agriculture practices such as agroforestry, composting, and the production of low-cost organic fertilizers.

Job Purpose

The Assistant School Meals Officer (ASMO) will support the day-to-day implementation of the Chancen durch Bildung School Meals Support Project during the peak growing season limited to 3 months in a year for 2 years. The ASMO will work under the guidance of the School Meals Officer (SMO) to assist in the setup and maintenance of school gardens and farms, ensuring the use of sustainable agriculture practices. The role involves close collaboration with schools, communities, and various stakeholders to enhance the productivity and effectiveness of the School Meals Program.

Scope and Limits of Authority

The Assistant School Meals Officer (ASMO) will report directly to the School Meals Officer (SMO) and will assist in the management of assets and resources allocated during the peak growing season.

Areas of Responsibility

● Assist in sensitizing communities, School Meals Committees, PTAs, teachers, and students on the importance of school gardens for the School Meals Program.
● Support the SMO in collaborating with community and traditional leaders to identify suitable land for school gardens.
● Help develop and implement action plans with schools, detailing roles, responsibilities,
and timelines for garden activities.
● Assist in training teachers, PTAs, students, School Meals Committees, and community
members on sustainable cultivation techniques to improve crop yields.
● Provide support in the procurement, handling, and distribution of seeds and gardening
tools, ensuring compliance with Ulalo regulations.
● Aid in the coordination of gardening activities, including plot preparation, planting,
care, and harvesting, under the supervision of the SMO.
● Conduct site visits to school gardens to offer technical assistance and ensure proper
implementation of sustainable practices.
● Assist in ensuring that schools have the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and tools
for the daily preparation and serving of school meals.
● Support the SMO in organizing and coordinating training sessions for school feeding
committee members and staff on food preparation and hygiene practices.
● Assist in collecting data and documenting project progress, including capturing success stories through photos and videos.
● Collaborate with the SMO and other team members on any additional project-related
activities as needed.
● Prepare and submit project reports.

The responsibilities stated above are not exhaustive and you may be required to carry out
additional responsibilities within the reasonableness of your level of skills and experience

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

● Diploma in Agriculture or any relevant field, or equivalent.
● A minimum of 2 years of experience working with schools and communities in sustainable
farming techniques.
● Experience supporting nutrition or school meals projects.
● Familiarity with project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
● Experience in training and working with diverse groups.
● Knowledge of post-harvest management.

Desirable

● Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
● Ability to work with minimal supervision.
● Cultural awareness and adaptability.
● Good command of written and verbal English and local language.
● Availability to work outside traditional office hours, including some weekends.
● Willingness to travel extensively to project sites.

Method Of Application

Please send your application letter highlighting your motivation and indicate your expected
salary and CV with copies of your certificates to:

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ulalo
Plot 304, Next to SOS Primary School,
P.O. Box 943,
Mzuzu.

Alternatively, you can submit your applications through email to [email protected]. Deadline for
receiving applications is: Monday 9th September 2024. Please note that only shortlisted
candidates will be contacted.

Further note the following:

Safeguarding

Ulalo is committed to protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults from any
abuse and harm. The post-holder(s) will have to abide by Ulalo’s child protection and
safeguarding policies and is required to undergo a police record check.

Equal Opportunity

Ulalo is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified Women are encouraged to apply.