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Sustainable Organic Farming and Development Initiatives (SOFDI)is an organization implementing an agriculture program in Vihiga / Kakamega County and is recruiting for the position of an Animal Technician and Agriculture Field Extension Officer with over 3 years’ experience in the management of livestock (poultry and goat) and plant agriculture respectively.
Animal Technician
Knowledge, Skills and Experience;
- Animal care techniques,
- Verbal and written communication,
- Knowledge of feeding for production and reproduction of animals and environmental conditions necessary for the health and production of animals,
- Effective communication skills: Reporting and project information management skills.
Education and Qualifications:
- Diploma in animal production and health from a recognized institution,
- Possession of a certificate in animal health from AHITI will be an added advantage,
- A valid motor bike riding license,
- Computer literate,
- Registered with Kenya Veterinary Board
- Certified provider of Artificial Insemination (AI) services for goats.
Agriculture Field Extension Officer
Overall Purpose: The Extension officer will be responsible to the Head of Program (HoP) for effective planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring sustainable agricultural program.
He/she will be the focal staff for farmer groups’ capacity building and developing marketing strategies for small holder farm products as an income generating activity (IGA).
The extension officer will carry out all farmer mobilization and capacity strengthening activities, supervise lead farmers and provide extension support.
Duties & Responsibilities
- In coordination with the HoP oversee overall farm management of supported projects.
- Identification of crop suitability and other required farm inputs for different sites in collaboration with agricultural officers from the Ministry of Agriculture.
- Coordinate the establishment and strengthening of farmer groups as entry points for agricultural projects
- Carrying out Monitoring and Evaluation activities, and propose revisions required during the course of implementation of the work plans.
- Assisting the HoP in preparing work plans and budgets
- Participate in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of farmer training curriculum and capacity building programs aimed at equipping and strengthening farmers with capacity to implement agricultural projects.
- Training farmer groups on all aspects of agricultural production.
- Be able to establish and sustain working partnerships and networks with stakeholders, and other players on the ground to ensure inclusive and consultative implementation of program.
- Carrying out trials on improvement of the establishment of agricultural modern farming technologies
- Serve as the farmer groups’ primary technical assistant in planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of project activities.
- Organize farmer groups into strong, productive and cohesive agribusiness oriented agriculture units
- Mobilize and prepare farmers for collective marketing
- Conduct farmers trainings; group dynamics, financial management, gender, crop production, post-harvest handling and storage, entrepreneurship and marketing etc.
- Conduct farmer exchange visits
- Participate fully as a member of the project team, including active involvement in planning and review meetings, and the preparation of timely progress report
Minimum Qualifications
- Diploma in agricultural extension, farm management, horticulture or equivalent qualifications with a strong focus on agronomy/crops husbandry.
- At least three years’ experience in planning, implementing and evaluating agricultural programs
- Experience in Conservation Agriculture (CA), Organic farming and working with the youths and Women groups will be an added advantage.
Key Competencies
- Strong communication and presentation skills in both English and Kiswahili, including ability to develop reports and manage project information database
- Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, data-base, email and utilization of the internet
- Must be self-motivated/driven, reliable and a team player.
- Must be able to work with least supervision.
- 3 years relevant agriculture work experience.
- Must be able to meet strict deadlines.
- Ability to ride a motor cycle with a clean and valid driving/riding license.
- Proven ability in team and collaborative work.
- Strong participatory planning skills.
Application Procedure
Application letters with copies of relevant certificates address and telephone contacts of three professional referees and detailed CVs together with day time contacts should be addressed to the Head of Program: sofdiorganic@gmail.com
Please indicate current and expected remuneration.
The application to be received by Friday 15th May 2015 must have the job title as the subject.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
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