Extension Officer at Chebango Tea Factory

Job purpose: Good plant husbandry and ensuring adequate supply of quality green leaf to the factory.

Key Responsibilities:

• Guiding farmers in planting quality tea plants;
• Recruiting out-growers/farmers to plant tea and farmers to supply green leaf to the Chebango Tea Factory;
• Carrying out verification of level of preparation of new growers/tea farms;
• Training farmers on effective management of the established nurseries and tea farms;
• Co-ordination between the company and the out growers (farmers);
• Co-ordination of activities with Tea Board of Kenya (TBK), Kenya Tea Research Foundation (TRFK) and other stakeholders;
• Issuing of fertilizers to farmers as by the number of verified bushes and training farmers on the application of fertilizer at their individual farms;
• Liaising with other authorities in solving problems concerning tea growing;
• Carrying out verification of new growers and transfer cases;
• Conducting field visits and teaching out grower about plucking quality leaves and carrying out census of plant population;
• Addressing farmers issues such as complaints, new ideas e.g. and report to the green leaf manager.
• Coordinating with accounts department.
• Participating in communicating the company’s policies to farmers as and when required.
• All other duties as directed by the top management of the organization

Accountability

Decision Making:

Advices the Factory Management Committee on the quality of tea leaves to be used for production.

Responsibility over data or information and assets

Responsible for all field data and assets.

Responsibility over staff.

Green leaf clerks staff and Nursery Staff

Job specification

Professional qualifications

·         Diploma in Agriculture/ Extension Services from a recognized institution; Knowledge of Quality & Food Safety Management systems will be an added advantage

Relevant Experience and Key skills

·         At least three (3) years experience in tea extension and/or other agronomic practices.

·         Computer literacy

·         Clean driving license classes F and G

Personal Attributes

·         Good administrative capability.

·         Team player.

·         Ability to complete assigned task with set deadlines

·         Good communications skills

·         Negotiation Skills

·         High integrity

 Performance Standards:

As per Key Performance Indicators (KPI) detailed in the employee’s annual work plan.