VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT), a not-for-profit organization established in Kenya in 2009 by the Swiss-based Biovision Foundation for Ecological Development, is situated on the main campus of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in Kasarani, Nairobi. The Trust’s goal is to alleviate poverty and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Kenya and other African countries, through dissemination of information and knowledge on appropriate technology, to improve human, animal, plant, and environmental health. BvAT supports the Biovision Farmer Communication Programme (FCP), the Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative (EOA-I), Knowledge Centre on Organic Agriculture (KCOA) and other agro-based initiatives in Africa.
BvAT is seeking to
recruit qualified persons for the following vacant positions:
FARMER FIELD OFFICERS
Job Purpose & Scope:
Contribute to the
promotion and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and technologies
through participatory, market-oriented approaches to meet the needs of
smallholder farmers while staying relevant to the context of the project.
The Role also manages, coordinates and supervises activities at the Farmer
Resource Centre aimed at supporting knowledge and skills development of farmers
on ecological sustainable agriculture and engaging stakeholders for enhanced
uptake and use of FCP information pathways.
Specific Duties &
Responsibilities:
Outreach Activities
- Responsible for an updated and resource center
consolidated database of farmers being (currently submitted monthly via
Kobo Toolbox) reached through FCP activities.
- Carry out farmer trainings to community groups to
provide relevant knowledge and skills development on ecological
sustainable agriculture practices and technologies.
- Promote use of organic and ecologically
sustainable farming methodologies through establishment of demonstration
plots in selected farms.
- Participate in field days and agricultural shows.
- Carry out school trainings and participate in
other school events to promote knowledge and skills development on
ecological sustainable agriculture technologies for school going children.
- Train farmer groups on sound organizational
development in order to benefit from better and more reliable markets.
- Conduct regular farmer visits and follow-ups to
deepen skills and knowledge acquired from other training activities.
- Using FCP participatory methods and tools, lead
farmer groups in participatory needs identification and analysis leading
to development of farmer action plans
- Link up with value chain support organizations to
facilitate improved market linkages for the target farmers.
- Promote the use of FCP information and
communication pathways (TOF magazine, TOF radio and Infonet) to increases
awareness and knowledge of the benefits of organic farming and
environmental conservation.
- Proactively engage and coordinate with relevant
County governments departments, NGOs and other institutions in your region
of operation to develop mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Respond in a timely manner to queries raised by
farmers through visits to the resource centre and BvAT’s Tusemezane
platform.
Administrative and
management functions
- Supervise Farmer Field Assistants attached to the
Resource Centre to ensure all the set targets for each FFA are met within
the expected standards.
- Responsible for administrative functions;
including timely payments of the bills, cleanliness, security and general
centre maintenance to ensure staff are well facilitated and supported to
carry out their activities smoothly.
- Ensure all resources provided to the resource
centre are used prudently and well maintained. The FFO maintains and updates
the assets register.
- Facilitate and lead monthly meetings with Farmer
Field Assistants to plan monthly activities and prepare monthly reports.
- Using the provided templates, timely submit centre
consolidated monthly workplans, reports and timesheets. The FFO does the
initial check on the FFA’s timesheet, signs and submit to the Outreach
Manager.
- Maintain and update project records and files,
both paper and electronic, using the filing structure provided. The
records include, and not limited to, monthly reports, plans, documented
consultative meetings with farmers, M&E tools/forms, activity photos,
assets register, etc.
- Ensure the resource centre fully complies with the
branding and operations protocols as shall be advised.
- Complete in a timely manner staff appraisal with
the Outreach Manager in line with BvAT’s Appraisal system. The FFO does
the first level FFA’s appraisal, signs and submit to the Outreach Manager.
- Perform other related duties as may be required
and assigned by the supervisor.
Requirements:
Education and Knowledge
- Bachelor’s Degree in organic agriculture,
agricultural extension, rural development, crop production, livestock
development, community development or any other closely related discipline
in any agriculture related field
Work experience
- At least 3 years in a similar position
Specialized Knowledge and
skills required
- Communication Skills (verbal and written)
- Facilitation skills
- Report writing skills
- Data collection and entry
- Networking and engaging especially with local
government
- Staff supervision and leadership
- Project planning and implementation
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Computer skills
Personal Attributes
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Self-discipline
- Flexibility
- Creativity
How to apply:
If you believe you are
the right candidate for any of the above positions and can clearly demonstrate
your ability to meet the requirements, please submit your detailed CV and
application letter indicating summary of your key qualifications and expected salary to
careers@biovisionafricatrust.org
The closing date for
applications is 9th November 2020. Only shortlisted
candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Biovision Africa Trust is an
equal opportunity employer.