Agri-Enterprise Development Officer at Hope to the Vulnerable Communities (HOVUC)

Position Summary

• The Agri-Enterprise Development Officer will oversee HOVUC's agri-enterprise ventures, including smart/organic/vertical farming and poultry enterprises, ensuring they remain profitable, sustainable, and impactful as demonstration and training sites. The officer will provide technical expertise, manage farm operations, build market linkages, and support women and youth in establishing agri-businesses. The role requires a mix of hands-on agricultural skills, enterprise development, and market development expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of HOVUC's smart farm (organic, vertical, and tech farming) and poultry enterprise (layers, incubation, chick brooding, and improved kienyeji production).
• Ensure the farms function as demonstration and training sites for youth and women on sustainable agribusiness.
• Develop and implement strategies for maximizing farm productivity and profitability while maintaining eco-friendly and climate-smart practices.
• Oversee the sale and distribution of farm produce (vegetables, eggs, chicks, mature birds, etc.),ensuring quality standards and customer satisfaction.
• Conduct market research and establish linkages with buyers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to grow the sustainability ventures.
• Provide technical support, consultations, and training to local farmers, youth, and women groups on poultry and smart farming enterprise development.
• Document lessons, case studies, and impact stories from the agri-enterprise initiatives for visibility and fundraising.
• Support the development of new agri-business ventures and innovations to expand HOVUC's sustainability portfolio.
• Collaborate with program teams to integrate economic empowerment and agribusiness learning into community development programs.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Animal Science, Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience in poultry farming and/or smart/organic/tech farming.
• Proven experience in agribusiness development, market linkages, or cooperative/farmer enterprise strengthening.
• Strong knowledge of poultry management (layers, incubation, brooding, improved kienyeji) and climate-smart farming practices.
• Ability to train, mentor, and provide advisory services to farmers, youth, and women groups.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with demonstrated ability to turn agricultural initiatives into sustainable business ventures.
• Strong record-keeping, financial literacy, and agribusiness planning skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for engaging communities and market stakeholders.
• Knowledge of digital tools for marketing farm products is an added advantage.
• Must be a resident of Kisumu County or willing to reside in Kisumu County.

Deadline: 20th October 2025.