Location: Mutare

TechnoServe Background

TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries. We are a nonprofit organization that develops business solutions to poverty by linking people to information, capital and markets. With more than four decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private enterprise to transform lives.

Program Description

TechnoServe is implementing a coffee agronomy training program that seeks to improve incomes for 400 coffee farming households in Manicaland Province by increasing their coffee farm productivity. This will be achieved by promoting improved coffee agronomic practices at the farm level through a two-year structured and farm-based training program based on the coffee growing cycle. The training will be conducted by locally recruited and trained Farmer Trainers (FTs). It is expected that up to 50% of the trained farmers will adopt at least 50% of the best practices.

Position Description

The Agronomy Advisor shall support the implementation of strategies that will enable farmers to achieve sustainable increases in coffee quality and yields.

Duties & Responsibilities

Supervise 5 Farmer Trainers (FTs); Prepare and submit weekly work plan and monthly training schedules; Collect and review weekly training plans, farm visit and attendance data from FT’s. Ensure completeness, accuracy and clarify of data prior to submission for processing; Clearly communicate goals and roles and responsibilities to Farmer Trainers; Provide feedback, coaching and development activities related to performance management; Develop a team spirit among all reports; Model monthly agronomy training to FTs at local training demonstration plots; Prepare and ensure all training materials reach FT’s in a timely manner; Observe full training delivered to farmers by assigned Farmer Trainers (FTs); Check attendance forms, ensure reported data is accurate, clear and complete; Complete training observation assessment on tablet and give feedback and coaching to the FT; Visit randomly selected farmers, discuss training, farmer adoption and challenges and complete best practice check list on tablet; Create a good working relationship with stakeholders and manage quarterly update meetings with local stakeholders including ward, district and provincial; Be a program ambassador at the operational area; Provide translation and contextualization services to high-level visitors; Spearhead efforts in making the agronomy program more gender inclusive and conflict sensitive using local customs etc; Provide support to the Coffee Program Manager as required.

Required Skills and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agribusiness, Crop science, Horticulture or related agricultural sciences. May accept diploma and more than five years’ experience in lieu of Degree; At least five years’ professional experience – ideally in the private sector – in one or more of the following areas: agriculture, small and medium enterprise development, farmer associations or cooperatives, project management, financing, engineering, community development; Clean class four (4) drivers’ license, more than 5 years driving experience; Strong planning abilities; prior experience working to tight and strict deadlines; Ability to lead a team and work collaboratively within a team; prior experience managing direct reports; Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, Willingness to spend significant time in rural areas; Experience working with farmers is essential; Experience working in the project location and knowledge of Manicaland Province are essential; Experience and knowledge in coffee will be an added advantage