Field Extension Facilitator at Frank Management Consult Ltd

 Job Purpose 

The Field Extension Facilitator’s role is pivotal in driving three core pillars: Quality, Regenerative Agriculture, and Inclusivity. The successful candidate(s) will be responsible for delivering comprehensive extension services, facilitating behavioral change among coffee farmers, and ensuring strict compliance with the Tool for the Assessment of Sustainable Quality™ (TASQ™). The Agronomist will empower farmers through targeted training, individual farm visits, and the management of demonstration plots, ultimately supporting farmers in achieving and maintaining international certifications such as Rainforest Alliance and FairtrAde.

 Job Requirements

 Key Responsibilities  

Training and Extension Services

• Group Training & Farmer Schools: Organize and conduct regular group training sessions, field days, and farmer field schools focusing on AAA standards and best agricultural practices.
• Individual Farm Visits: Conduct systematic, individual farm visits to provide tailored agronomic advice, monitor progress, and support farmer-specific needs.
• Demonstration Plots: Establish, manage, and utilize demonstration plots (demo plots) as practical learning sites to showcase the efficacy of regenerative and sustainable farming techniques.
• Behavioral Change: Act as a catalyst for behavioral change, motivating producers to adopt new production technologies and sustainable practices.

Agronomic & Quality Compliance

• Quality Management: Train farmers on selective harvesting, same-day coffee processing, cherry processing, avoiding over-fermentation, and proper, contamination-free storage.
• Regenerative Agriculture: Instruct farmers on soil conservation (erosion control, mulching, cover crops), water management (wastewater treatment, irrigation efficiency), and biodiversity protection (agroforestry, shade tree diversity).
• Farm Management: Guide farmers on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), safe agrochemical handling, correct pruning techniques, planting density, and farm renovation planning.
• Occupational Health & Safety (OHS): Ensure strict compliance with OHS standards, specifically the mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during hazardous activities.

Social & Inclusive Practices

• Human Rights & Labor Laws: Conduct awareness training on the strict prohibition of child labor and forced labor, ensuring compliance with ILO conventions and Kenyan law.
• Gender Mainstreaming: Promote women's empowerment, joint farm management, and equitable access to financial services and training within farming households.
• Worker Welfare: Educate farmers on the requirement to pay at least the statutory minimum wage to hired workers and provide safe working conditions and access to clean water.

Assessment, Data Management & Reporting

• TASQ™ Assessments: Conduct rigorous farm evaluations using the TASQ™ framework to assess compliance across Quality, Sustainability, and Productivity criteria.
• Improvement Plans: Co-develop and monitor customized improvement plans for each farm based on TASQ™ assessment results.
• Data Collection (FARMS System): Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of farmer profiles, farm maps, production volumes, and compliance statuses in the FARMS digital system.
• M&E Reporting: Support Enveritas and internal M&E teams by ensuring accurate data collection regarding living income, climate indicators, and regenerative practices.

Program & Certification Support

• Certification Readiness: Support farmers in meeting and maintaining the rigorous standards required for Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade certifications.
• Continuous Professional Development: Actively participate in team meetings, peer-to-peer learning, and continuous training programs (e.g., Learnability platform) as outlined in the Agronomist Development Plan (ADP).

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Agronomy, Agriculture, Agricultural Extension, or a closely related field from a recognized institution.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of practical experience in agricultural extension, preferably within the Kenyan coffee sector.
• Proven experience working with coffee smallholder farmers and facilitating adult learning or farmer field schools.
• Familiarity with international sustainability standards (Rainforest Alliance,Fairtrade, Organic).
• Proficiency in digital data collection tools and farm management software.

Required Competencies & Skills

• Empathy & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and communicate effectively with rural farming communities.
• Learnability: A strong desire for self-study, continuous learning, and adapting to new agronomic technologies and methodologies.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze farm data, identify root causes of non-compliance, and formulate effective improvement plans.
• Autonomy & Self-Motivation: High level of intrinsic motivation, capable of managing time and schedules effectively in a field-based environment.
• Language: Fluency in English and Swahili; knowledge of the local language of the assigned cluster is a distinct advantage.