Non Profit Network Coordinator Job in Kenya

Duma Works is recruiting a Network Coordinator for one of our clients. 

The company is non-profit and provides agriculture resources and equipment with the aim to provide food security for all households in Kenya.

Location:
 Busia

Objective 1: Support Village Based Advisors  to carry out activities and introduce technologies to farmers, in line with seasonal program targets and milestones (primarily related to dairy farming in Western Kenya)

Key activities & responsibilities to achieve this objective:

  • Understand seasonal targets for own network of VBAs
  • Convey targets in easy to understand format to each VBA
  • Regularly visit, coach, spot check and give feedback to each VBA about activities carried out and progress against targets (on a rotational basis so as to cover the entire network)
  • Alert Regional and Program coordinators proactively where progress is not on track to reach set targets, work with these counterparts and other FIPS managers as needed to identify the problem and resolve it to ensure overall program success
Objective 2: Select, train and supervise VBAs to be self-supporting entrepreneurs and to follow the FIPS approach (house to house, inclusive, small packs, multi-technology)

Key activities & responsibilities to achieve this objective:
  • In coordination with Program Coordinator and Regional Coordinator, have input into the development of business models that apply to VBAs’ activities (profit-making)
  • Together with the Program and Regional Coordinators, organize and supervise VBA trainings on the application of these profit-making models to their activities as VBAs
  • Track and report on the implementation of these models by VBAs, the success of VBA businesses, and any challenges or barriers that may arise that limit or prevent their success
  • Act as a linkage and “hub” between VBAs and suppliers – as a trustworthy contact person who can manage the development and expansion of successful credit relationships with suppliers on behalf of a network of effective “retailers” (VBAs) of inputs needed by farmers
  • Help to create farmer demand for relevant inputs by supporting field days and mother-demo-linked promotional activities by VBAs, in conjunction with FIPS (Program & Regional Coordinators, Business Development Officer(s)) and with supplier companies
  • Maintain active relationship with local government (chiefs at village/sublocation level, for recruitment of VBAs, and Ministry of Agriculture Extension Officers at Ward level, for ongoing training and support); including sharing all reports on VBA activities with the Extension Officers.
Objective 3: Tracking and reporting on VBA activities and results/impact

Key activities & responsibilities to achieve this objective:
  • Understand and train VBAs on the use of the FIPS Logbook, reporting forms and procedures
  • Maintain own tracking records using the tools in the Network Coordinator Management Binder
1.    schedule of own activities
2.    rotational schedule of VBA visits
3.    checklist for VBA visits
4.    monthly checklist
5.    up to date VBA contact list
6.    current targets (seasonal plan) for own network
  • Submit monthly reports on VBA activities (summarized) to the Regional Coordinator on time, following up on any gaps (VBAs who have not reported)
  • Respond to requests and instruction from Regional and Program Coordiantor, and FIPS office staff or management, for provision of reports, data or other information or records of network activities
  • Maintain records of trainings of VBAs, demonstration plots, multiplication/seed repayment agreements, and any other activities undertaken in the network
  • Cooperate with and actively engage with Field Monitoring Officers from FIPS to get up to date performance feedback from their spot-checking activities
Objective 4: Understanding, applying and sharing technical knowledge that can help farmers improve food security and dairy production

Key activities & responsibilities to achieve this objective:
  • Understand and teach VBAs and farmers good agricultural practices for the local agro-ecology
  • Continuously learn through observation and trial the best and most desirable crops, varieties, technologies and methods for the local agro-ecology and local farmers’ needs, wants and constraints
  • Actively track and share all this relevant information with Regional and Program Coordinators
  • Embrace new suggestions and knowledge shared by FIPS/colleagues/farmers/Ministry or Private sector partners
  • Identify and discuss constraints or apparent problems with crops, varieties or other farm activities and seek solutions
Internal and External Relationships

Internal
  • Regional Coordinator
  • Program Coordinator
  • Field Monitoring Officer(s)
  • FIPS Management
External
  • Village Based Advisors
  • Farmers
  • Ministry of Agriculture
  • Local Administration
  • Input Supply Companies
  • National Research Institutes
Reporting Responsibilities (which reports/documentation does this rôle produce)
  • Monthly reports summarizing VBA reports on all network activities
  • Quarterly Logbook submissions
  • Any other activity reports ad hoc as required, including photographs and program updates
Qualifications
  • Secondary School completion
  • Certificate or Diploma in Animal/Livestock Production or Health is required
Skills and Experience
  • Understanding of local agro-ecology
  • Understanding of agricultural practices
  • Experience in dairy farming and animal/livestock production & health work
  • Excellent people and communication skills
  • Respect for farmers and a sincere desire to help them succeed
  • Organized, able to track own activities and those of others
  • Honest, hard working and dedicated
  • Interested in entrepreneurship and business opportunities that are win-win (beneficial to many)
  • Technical agricultural skills (various areas may be relevant and useful)
  • Experience in teaching and/or training
  • Experience in running own business
How to Apply

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please send your CV to apply@dumaworks.com. 

As the subject line of your email, write “2091” and please make sure to include your Your Full name &  Phone number e.g. 2091, Barack Obama, 07xxxxxxxxx.in the message body.

If you don’t follow these instructions, your application will not go through. 

Deadline for receiving applications: 9th March 2016

* When applying to any job through Duma Works, you can expect that after you apply, you will receive a confirmation email, and then an SMS alert asking you to take a basic screening test over SMS. The SMS with the test may not arrive immediately. Please be patient. The SMS test will typically be 5-8 questions to help us understand your background. Regular SMS rates apply to the test, and if you ever have any issues with the process, please reach out to 0702093793.