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Wednesday, 20 August 2014
Job Title: Agricultural
Extension Specialist
Employer: Mercy
Corps
Job Location: Uganda
Reports to: Program Manager
About Mercy
Corps:
Mercy Corps is an
International NGO that exists to alleviate poverty and oppression by
helping people build secure, productive and just communities. Mercy
Corps has been fully registered in Uganda as an operational NGO.
Currently Mercy Corps has an office in Kampala and is implementing
Food Security programs which comprises of Water and Sanitation,
Livelihood and Agriculture and Conflict Mitigation Management Program
in North and North Eastern Uganda. We implement programs in
the northern districts of Pader, Kitgum, Agago, Lamwo, Kaabong, Abim
and Kotido with funding from USAID, USDA, Walmart Foundation, SDC,
DFID as well as other private donations. Mercy Corps’ programs in
Kitgum currently focus on economic and market development,
agriculture, financial services, and women’s empowerment.
Job Overview: The Agricultural
Extension Specialist for an anticipated program will mainly focus
attention on enhancing small holder farmer production and
productivity, improved performance of targeted commodity markets and
improved access to financial services. The Agricultural Extension
Specialist will work closely with the private sector partner in
designing and use of appropriate extension materials; help set up
extension agent network model; support delivery of quality extension
services and technical advices to program target groups; build
technical capacity of agribusinesses to provide embedded extension
services. Through the private sector led extension model, the
Specialist will be responsible to ensure quality of service delivery
and adoption of new practices and technologies promoted by the
program. The Agricultural Extension Specialist will work closely with
the program team across components and the Monitoring Evaluation
Learning and Communication department to ensure quality program
implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
Job Duties:
- Work closely with the Program Manager and all other teams in designing and implementation of agricultural extension services of the project according to the approved work plan and budgets, project document and implementation strategies.
- Design and establish appropriate extension materials, help set up viable private sector led extension service delivery model for the promotion of improved technologies and practices aimed at enhancing small holder productivity and prevention of post-harvest losses.
- Offer technical guidance and assistance to the private sector partner on curriculum development and basic teaching methodologies for the program targeted value chain commodities
- With supervision and guidance from the Program Manager and support from field program teams undertake assessments pertinent to agricultural extension to inform program design and strategy
- Work closely with the private sector partner in the design and implementation of demonstrations on agro-techniques to farmers
- Build capacity of private sector partner staffs and agents through trainings and technical advices to improve their extension service delivery
- Maintain close coordination and co-operation with other agriculture staff and district departments of agriculture to ensure synergy and improved coordination among programs/interventions
- Work closely with all Mercy Corps program team from all sectors to ensure good internal coordination and subsequent high quality project implementation
- Actively participate in the periodic program planning, review and reflection meetings and sessions.
- Build field team capacity in the areas of agricultural extension and other relevant technical areas
- Provide managerial and supervisory support to a team of agricultural development officers
- Compile and prepare periodic work plans and progress reports.
- Prepare accurate and timely reports and other project documentation and communication that contribute to a learning organization
- Coordinate with other Mercy Corps programs and local government bodies to ensure coherent program implementation and to capitalize on business opportunities in Mercy Corps’ target communities.
- Assists in all other tasks and duties as assigned by supervisor and program managers.
- Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its mission.
- Successful applicants should hold Degrees, preferably graduate level, in Agronomy, Agricultural Extension, Rural Development or Agricultural Economics.
- Minimum of five to seven years relevant experience including working with private sector companies in the agricultural sector is required;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Experience of working with agricultural research institutions and seed enterprises.
- Excellent computer skills, specifically in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to complete tasks in a timely manner;
- Excellent teamwork abilities and interpersonal skills;
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills as well as familiarity with agribusiness sector is required;
- Demonstrated flexibility, creativity and enthusiasm as well as a willingness to learn and to be continually adaptive within a dynamic and often self-directed working environment mandatory;
- Ability to focus on day-to-day tasks at hand while also working towards longer-term objectives with an understanding that these will change continuously;
- Willingness to spend much time in the field and work closely with program target groups.
Deadline Date: 12/09/2014
How to Apply:
Please send your applications
including a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV
(with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates
to:
The Human Resource Manager,
Kampala Head Office in Nsambya on Plot
1102 Nsambya Estate Road, Kampala
or
To
Mercy Corps Offices in Kitgum.
Or
Send applications with cover letter
to:
E-mail: mcuganda@ug.mercycorps.org
NB: Only
short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Female
Candidates are encouraged to apply.
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