Field Data collectors for the Soil Values Program in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria
Current Job Openings --> Part Time --> Part Time Africa
About IFDC
IFDC is a public international organization active in 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.
Our Values
We are guided by four core principles:
Collaborate – We work across teams, countries and partners to create lasting impact.
Innovate – We apply evidence and continuous learning to design practical and responsible solutions.
Include – We promote equity and meaningful participation for women, youth and underrepresented groups.
Act with Integrity – We steward resources responsibly, uphold transparency and remain accountable to the communities, partners, staff and donors who place their trust in us.
About Project/Program
The Government of the Netherlands is committed to advancing food security and promoting sustainable soil management in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Through the Dutch Directorate-General for International Cooperation (DGIS), soil fertility improvement is embedded within an integrated policy framework that combines agro-ecological and socio-economic dimensions. Under this framework, a consortium composed of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV), and Wageningen University (WUR) has secured DGIS funding to implement the Soil Values Program over the period 2024-2033. The Soil Values program aims to promote sustainable soil fertility and soil health management in the Sudano-Sahelian region to enhance agricultural productivity in an environmentally sound manner and strengthen the resilience and livelihoods of small-scale farmers particularly women and youth in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Northern Nigeria. Over its implementation period, the program targets the sustainable management of 2 million hectares of farmland and seeks to improve the resilience and livelihoods of 1.5 million small-scale farmers.
Scope of Services
Field Data Collectors will serve as the primary field-level interface between implementation activities and the MEL system, ensuring that accurate, timely, and field-verified information is systematically captured and made available through the MEL dashboard to support monitoring, learning, and reporting across watersheds. Specifically, Field Data Collectors will be responsible for:
-
Recording and regularly updating key farmer information including identity details, location, household characteristics, landholding information, and other core profiling variables within the farmer registry module of the MEL dashboard;
-
Tracking profiled farmers over time by updating participation status, follow-up information, and changes in engagement directly in the MEL dashboard;
-
Documenting farmer participation in interventions and activities, covering both Soil Values and other initiatives operating within the same watersheds, and ensuring this information is consolidated at farmer level in the MEL dashboard;
-
Conducting follow-up surveys and routine field checks to capture early application of practices learned through trainings and demonstrations in accordance with MEL protocols;
-
Regularly verifying the presence and condition of practices introduced, such as composting, Bokashi preparation, soil and water conservation structures, and other agro-ecological practices;
-
Ensuring timely submission and synchronization of field data through digital data collection tools linked to the MEL dashboard, in line with data quality and validation standards;
-
Supporting data quality assurance processes, including clarification of inconsistencies and collaboration with MEL teams during dashboard-based data reviews.
Requirements
-
Minimum of a high school diploma (Baccalaureat); a degree or advanced training in agriculture, agronomy, environmental science, rural development, social sciences, or a related field is an advantage;
-
Previous experience in field data collection, agricultural extension, or community-based monitoring is an asset;
-
Strong digital literacy, including the ability to use tablets and mobile data collection applications and to enter, review, and synchronize data within digital reporting systems, including the MEL dashboard;
-
Basic understanding of farming systems and rural dynamics, particularly in smallholder and watershed contexts;
-
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to engage respectfully with farmers and community stakeholders and to collect reliable information;
-
Youth aged 18-35 are strongly encouraged to apply in line with the program’s youth empowerment objectives.
Key Deliverables
-
Strengthening the functionality and responsiveness of the MEL system, including regular and accurate data flows into the MEL dashboard;
-
Provision of reliable and timely data to inform decision-making, reporting, and learning at program and partnership levels;
-
Improved tracking of farmer participation and exposure to interventions across Soil Values and other World Bank funded programs operating in the same watersheds (e.g., FSRP, ACReSAL);
-
Enhanced capacity for contribution analysis and outcome monitoring through consistent longitudinal farmer-level data;
-
Improved farmer engagement and early uptake of sustainable practices supported by regular follow-up and feedback mechanisms.
Location and Duration
-
Burkina Faso (Boucle du Mouhoun; Centre-Ouest; Hauts-Bassins; Nord);
-
Mali (Koutiala; Segou; Sikasso);
-
Nigeria (Bauchi; Jigawa; Kano) ;
-
Niger (Maradi; Tahoua; Zinder.
Reporting and Work Relationships
Field Data Collectors will report to the MEL Country Coordinators, who will provide orientation, capacity building, and ongoing technical supervision. They will work in close coordination with program implementation teams and relevant community structures at the watershed level to ensure effective field monitoring and data flow.
Payment Fees and Terms
Field Data Collectors will be engaged as consultants and receive a monthly remuneration of EUR 200 (130.000 FCFA). Travel and related costs outside their assigned duty areas will be covered by the program. In addition, each Field Data Collector will receive a monthly communication allowance of EUR 15 (10.000 FCFA) to cover internet data and phone communication related to field reporting and coordination. They will work on average 10-12 working days per month, focusing on data collection, monitoring, and farmer engagement activities within their assigned communities. Outside these days, they are free to pursue other activities, provided performance standards and reporting timelines are met.
Diversity Clause
IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.