Key areas of responsibilities are:
Program Planning & Development
Play an active role in all the stages of the program from design to all the phases of implementation
Be responsible for the design of the annual work plans, tools and processes for the effective implementation of the program activities
Work with the head of finance and operations in preparation of the program budget in line with the proposal and annual work plans
Be the key link between the program and ACT and other program partners and stakeholders
Lead Implementation of Agricultural Extension services
Provide leadership in mobilization, recruitment, organization and strengthening of farmers and farmer producer groups
Provision of on-ground advisory extension services to farmers
Promote & support commitment of farmers to soil health improvement
Provide leadership and on the ground guidance in the setting up of RA/CA demonstrations and organizing field days, farmer exchange visits
Support capacity development of farmers on CA through the VVF -Trainer of Trainers (TOT)
Extension Model (designed/provided by ACT)
Facilitate development and signing of contract farming agreements between farmers and aggregators
Provision of ground oversight, enforcement of contract farming and address emerging issues
Provide findings/feedback to the farmers and other stakeholders
Program Strategy Leadership
Work with ACT and the program M&E team in the development of M&E strategy and in the establishment of baselines and follow-up of program indicators
Work with and provide leadership to the M&E team in the data capture systems and tools that properly monitors and evaluates the program objectives.
Monitor the progress of the project and adoption of the technologies and provide feedback to all the key program actors and the other stakeholders
Ensure that crop production systems and activities among the program farmers and farming communities contribute to sustainable agriculture
Ensure the CA/RA values and principles being promoted by Vibrant Village Foundation are fully embraced by the farming communities and other key program stakeholders
Lead design of appropriate practices and provide technical agricultural value chain support in the areas of crop production and livestock keeping
Keep up to date with developments in the sector, including best practice examples, to ensure on going organizational and personal development and learning
Provide technical support to the post-harvest handling and marketing of local crop products
Monitor and document the project progress, lessons, good experience and impact in collaboration with the farming communities and other program stakeholders
Identify any challenges and obstacles to the achievement of the program vision and goals and trouble shoot in a timely manner
Advice program teams on best practices to ensure quality outcomes for all crop production activities
Administrative Responsibilities
Provide technical and administrative leadership to all the program staff including ensuring all staff JDs are up to date and facilitation of their capacity development
As part of the senior leadership team, play an active role in setting the strategic priorities for the organization
Actively monitor the program progress and preparation of reports on a monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and annual basis
Performs other duties as assigned by the line manager.
These essential functions are not to be interpreted as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required.
All work responsibilities are subject to having performance goals and/or targets established.
Education, qualifications & other knowledge
MSc/BSc in Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Crop sciences, Arid land agriculture, Extension or other related disciplines
Knowledge of the agriculture development & policy environment in Kenya
Knowledge of agriculture value chains, mechanization uptake among small scale farmers and the principles of Conservation Agriculture
Knowledge of gender and social inclusiveness
Experience
At least five years of practical work experience in the field of agricultural crop production, agricultural mechanization, RA/CA and related.
Previous NGO work experience in rural development,
Good Experience in rural development particularly in diversified livelihood and participatory research approaches.
Experience with international organization, public sector institutions
and/or funding agencies
Practical experience in providing training on crop production and protection to staffs and smallholder farmers.
Experience of project planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation.
Skills & abilities
Excellent ability to develop and translate plans into cost-effective operations and activities in line with identified and available resources.
Very good English and Swahili language skills (written and spoken)
Understanding of Luo/Luhya and sensitivity to local cultures
Computer literacy, crop-related computer software applications, excellent record keeping and report writing
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Good team building skills and the ability to work in a multi partner approach
Training need assessment and training facilitation
Willingness to spend up to 50% of work time with rural farming communities, ability to work with minimum supervision
Strong sense of integrity and personal commitment to the goals and values of Vibrant Village Foundation
Good community level facilitation and coordination skills
Those who meet the above requirements should submit their short CV (maximum of 4 pages) and cover letter (maximum 1 page) addressing admin@vvf-kenya.org with the subject Agronomist for PRAT Program.Indicate your expected renumeration in the cover letterApplications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the right candidate is identified
Apply via :
admin@vvf-kenya.org
