Field Extensionist – AgriTech Solutions at DanChurchAid (DCA)

Are you an enthusiastic, self-motivated, result-driven professional? Do you have passion and experience working with smallholder farmers to empower them for a better livelihood stance? Do you have capacity to instil knowledge in adult learners through innovative methods and practices? DCA is seeking to recruit an experienced and energetic Kenyan National for the following position: Field Extensionist – AgriTech Solutions Project (1 position); The position holder will be based in Nakuru County and report to the Project Officer, Financial Inclusion and Organisational Capacity Development.

The main responsibilities of the Field extensionist are:

• Lead in effective mobilisation, recruitment, onboarding, field-training, and supervision of farmers, farmer groups, lead farmers, phenological observers and group leaders aimed at better agronomic and economic outcomes.
• Train farmer groups on; better agronomic practices, actions sound organizational management and leadership, village savings and loan scheme, deploy measures to enhance uptake of microinsurance, foster positive social capital for promotion of good practices among the members.
• Conduct regular farmer visits and follow-ups to deepen skills and knowledge adoption and practice for better project outcomes.
• Lead in the routine day to day monitoring and data management actions including filing of project data, routine data collection, analysis and updating of relevant project statistics.
• Proactively engage and coordinate with relevant County governments departments, NGOs and other institutions in focus operation area and foster mutual beneficial partnerships.
• Prepare weekly action plans and project progress reports to the project officers and area manager aimed implementation of Agri-extension services and Agri-business development, and financial inclusion and organisational capacity development action.
• Perform other related duties as may be required and assigned by the supervisor.

Professional Qualifications:

• Degree or Diploma in horticulture, agronomy, agricultural extension, climate smart farming technologies or any other relevant academic qualification.
• Demonstratable technical skills and hands on experience in Village Savings and Loans schemes, and other Financial Inclusion innovations**, including deployment of micro-insurance schemes.**
• Experience working with smallholder farmers in capacity development, climate-smart agro-extension services provision, and agri-business support.
• Having worked for a fresh produce off taker or with farmers organised as out growers is an added advantage.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Good interpersonal skills and a proven team player. Self-driven and results orientated in challenging rural working environments.
• Experience in training at field/community level and excellent reporting skills. Excellence in English and Kiswahili, oral and written.
• A valid motorcycle riding licence and experience is an added advantage.