Extension and Market Development Officer at SPARD Africa Consulting

Duties and responsibilities

SPARD Africa is scaling up its fodder enterprise with support from Kenya Feed the Future — Crops and Dairy Market Systems Development project (KCDMSD).

Under the leadership of Director of Programs, the Extension and Market Development Officer will be responsible for providing technical input and coordinating all functions related to production and marketing of fodder for SPARD Africa’s new scale up program in Makueni and Taita Taveta Counties.

Responsibilities

• Establishment of Out-grower Model
• Development and implementation of an appropriate extension system.
• Fodder Market Development
• Partnerships and Collaboration
• Monitoring and Reporting

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in animal production or other related field, three (3) years’ experience in either dairy, fodder production and agribusiness OR a diploma in animal production or related field with more than 5 years of proven experience in provision of extension services in dairy and fodder production.

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience in setting robust and sustainable extension systems for small scale farmers
• Experience in formation of group savings and credit schemes
• Significant experience in facilitating market linkages and market development among smallholder farmers

Most Critical Proficiencies:

• Clear understanding of smallholder dairy and fodder production systems in the semi-arid context
• Demonstrated knowledge of the latest developments in advancing good/best practices in dairy and fodder productivity improvement that reaches women and youth and other vulnerable groups in the society.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Proficient knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools
• Knowledge of and experience with developing private/public partnerships at the county level.