Jobs – Agricultural Extension Specialist at Mercy Corps

Job Title:  Agricultural Extension Specialist

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 Summary: 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.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

• 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.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience: 

• All 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.

How to Apply for the job:

All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their 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 Estate Road, Kampala Head Office in Nsambya on Plot 1102 Nsambya Estate Road, Kampala or to Mercy Corps Offices in Kitgum. E-mailed applications with cover letter to: mcuganda@ug.mercycorps.org will also be accepted.

NB: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Female Candidates are encouraged to apply.

Deadline: 12^th September, 2014