Jobs at Grameen Foundation in Uganda- Extension Specialist

Job Title: Extension Specialist

About this job

Our client Grameen Foundation is a non profit organization that is seeking to recruit result driven and motivated individuals for the Vacancy above;

Reports to: Manager, Content and Services

Job Summary: The Extension Specialist will be responsible for creating ICT based extension models leading to high quality extension services to GF’s end users and other parts of agricultural value chains, enabling improvements in the efficiency, effectiveness, profitability, and sustainability of agriculture (Increasing adoption and impact), with a strong linkage to research.

Duties and Responsibilities:

    Develop innovative and practical  Agricultural extension models
    Train teams (Super CKWs, Filed officers and Data Validators) on essential extension methodologies
    Lead the content packaging  and development of agriculture first aid kits
    Support the dissemination of key adoption
    Support the quality assurance process on the different agricultural  products
    Support research and product development/Assist in developing prototypes and field testing them with farmers
    Create and develop research partnerships to strengthen Ag knowledge feedback loop.

Key Tasks and Technical Performance Areas

    To encourage farmers/CKWs  to adopt better practice through exposure to new knowledge, information, skills, inputs and processes (especially technical, management, market) to improve the long term performance of their farms /businesses;
    To develop the capacity of farmers/CKWs/ Field officers to  adopt and implement better practice through exposure to new knowledge, information, skills, inputs and processes to improve the long term performance and adoption in the farming business;



    To provide technical services for farmers in key parts of value chains where it is more effective and efficient for this capacity to remain with Farmers  or associated agencies (e.g. for integrated pest and disease management, post-harvest handling, marketing  etc.);
    To develop closer relationships and improved engagement with other parts of the value chain, especially input suppliers and customers to ensure quality inputs, including new products; as well as to track market needs and quality requirements;-
    To establish strong research linkages and improved access to better practice  to ensure a continued flow of new knowledge and innovation, across a range of technical, management and market disciplines, through formal and informal relationships;

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

    Has a deep commitment to eradication of poverty and alignment with Grameen Foundation’s mission
    Believes in the potential to leverage information and communication technology (ICTs) to promote agriculture
    Is able to think creatively about the commercial side of  extension product development
    Has strong written and oral communication skills/ ability to speak several local languages is a big plus

Qualifications:

    A bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and a post graduate in extension services/ agribusiness or related field
    4+ years’ experience of professional practical agriculture extension
    Knowledge of, and experience in, the application of Good Agricultural Practices
    Ability to take initiative and work without constant supervision
    General professional experience
    Knowledge and practical work experience in the field of agricultural extension, farm advisory work and/or small farmer training and development
    Work in enhancement of rural livelihoods and sustainable development of rurally based business.

How to Apply:

Please follow the instructions as stated below as failure to do so could lead to disqualification.

1. Send an Application letter and CV/Resume.

2. Merge these two documents into one document in either word or pdf format.

3. Do not attach or send any scanned documents, these are sometimes too large for our inbox.

4. Include the job title and/or reference number in the subject line of the email address   and send your application by email to grameenjobs@nftconsult.com

5. Only successful candidates will be contacted. For all other inquiries please contact our offices directly.


Deadline: 25th January 2013