Positions
Agricultural Officer based in Mavindini (Makueni County)
Agricultural Officer based in Matuu (Machakos County)
Position Reports to: Project Coordinator
Position
The HACA Agricultural Officer will support the achievement of the program’s agricultural production and marketing objectives principally through leading the program’s capacity building strategy with program partners and beneficiaries. In addition, the Agricultural Officer will oversee efforts that lead to increased and improved linkages between small farmers, farmer organizations, relevant government ministries and the private sector.
Main tasks and responsibilities
Farmer mobilization, recruitment and enrollment into the HACA poultry, dairy and crop production interventions (poultry, green gram, dairy)
Set up and manage a number of chick brooders, sourcing of chicks from hatchers, and brooding the chicks to 4 weeks while administering the relevant vaccines
Carrying out practical demonstrations relating to poultry production
Advising farmers on group formation, construction of farm structures and equipment
Plan and execute the best strategies in formulation of agribusiness products that will attract customers in the market especially poultry and pulses crops
Undertake marketing of produce to ensure maximized returns and keep good relations with farmer clients
Take lead in setting up and management of the credit management model through the farmer groups/Self Help Groups
Dissemination of new technologies through community mobilization, sensitization and capacity building
Participating in and organizing exhibitions, trade fairs, shows and field days for farmers
Participating in planning and budgeting for the agribusiness component
Collecting and collating livestock/crop data and information for gross margins, market access and planning
Participate in various partnership and networking forums at project implementation level to share the work that HACA does as well as learn from other stakeholders
Maintain working relations with relevant County Government line ministries (Crops and Animal Production Officers at the Ministry of Agriculture at Sub-county level), other implementing stakeholders, private sector, learning institutions among others
Qualifications
Diploma in a relevant field such as Agriculture, Agronomy, Animal/Crop Production
2 years’ experience in a similar position
Previous experience in rural set up of Kenya
Experience and knowledge in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) market and value chain development, agricultural service provision and farm enterprise development
Knowledge and previous practice of MS Office (Word and Excel are essential)
Results driven and motivated by a sense of performance excellence and urgency
Strong communication skills in English & Kamba, both verbally and written
Personal qualities of integrity, customer orientation and cooperation
Being a Christian adhering to the Christian identity of Help a Child
Full support for the vision and mission of Help a Child
