Project Extension Officer (5)
Sustainable Transformation of Enterprises in the Poultry Sector (STEPS) Project
Background
Rural Self-help Development Association (RSDA) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) established in 1991. RSDA’s mission is to promote self-help and help smallholder farmers to run their own affairs and improve their livelihoods. RSDA cooperates with and support farmers in the 10 Districts of Lesotho. To achieve its mission, RSDA partners with multi funding partners. To maintain trust with both farmers and funding partners, farmer participation, accountability, transparency and responsiveness are very important.
Project Description
STEPS aims to catalyse private sector-driven transformation enabling local poultry sector actors to access Lesotho’s strong end-markets and reclaim market share. STEPS will transform Lesotho’s poultry sector to enhance the profitability of value chain actors, increase meat and egg production and improve food security.
Leveraging on existing opportunities and tools, STEPS will address constraints which limit production, productivity, and efficiency of local poultry egg and meat markets. A segmented approach takes into consideration the unique needs of local poultry producers, including subsistence farmers, and small to large scale commercial poultry enterprises engaged in production, processing, marketing, and retailing of eggs, meat, and processed poultry products. These actors will be engaged through the indigenous and dual-purpose poultry value chains, and the commercial broiler and layer value chains respectively. STEPS will identify pathways to further integrate and grow poultry, and poultry related business opportunities for women and youth.
Position Description
Extension Officer will develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for poultry farmers, focusing on various aspects of poultry management, including breed selection, nutrition, housing, poultry health, marketing and access to market. Conduct on-site visits to assess poultry farms, provide advice, and offer solutions to enhance poultry productivity. Extension Officer is responsible for the technical implementation of poultry production and poultry business enabling environment activities as detailed in the project work plan. The duties include mentoring farmers, poultry value chain actors regarding production, processing, and distribution of poultry farm products including use of new tools and practices to foster poultry value chain development.
Extension Officer is the face of RSDA and the STEPS project in the field and facilitates implementation of the project activities in the assigned area and the primary source of information from RSDA to beneficiary communities and vice versa. He/she is the farmer recruiter, trainer, facilitator, advisor, a mentor and mediator and will be based in the field to support successful roll-out of STEPS project activities and day-to-day operations as well as reporting on project milestones guided by Project Implementation Plans.
Extension Officer ensures project beneficiaries’ participation and act as the supporting element in the monitoring process and observe outcomes and report promptly.
Reporting and Supervisory responsibilities;
The Extension Officer reports to the Project Coordinator. The position is based in either Maseru, Mafeteng orLeribe.
The Extension Officer will execute the following duties:
- Organize and conduct workshops, meetings, and training sessions based on developed training curriculum for poultry farmers and Businesses
- Provide advice on the use of improved and good practices in the poultry value chain.
- Conduct on-site visits to farms and agribusinesses to diagnose and resolve issues
- Assist farmers in planning and managing their production and businesses
- Collect and analyse data related to poultry production, pricing, and other relevant factors
- Deliver presentations on poultry farming techniques, new technologies, and other relevant topics
- Collaborate with researchers and specialists to understand the local poultry conditions and challenges
- Keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in poultry science, technology, and market trends
- Prepare reports on work activities, progress, areas of concern, and recommendations for improvement
- Collect M&E data on a regular basis as required by MEL Officer to measure both project and business performance.
- Document Most Significant Change (MSC) stories and case studies from the farmers
- Participate in staff monthly and quarterly meetings.
- Participate in technical and specific training organized for the project staff and general RSDA staff meant for growth and development of the Field officers.
Qualifications and Experience Required
- Bachelor’s degree -BSc in animal production, animal sciences, poultry sciences, agribusiness or other relevant fields.
- A minimum of two (2) years of working with Private Sector or NGOs on animal production and entrepreneurship.
- Strong relevant experience working in the poultry sector in Lesotho is an advantage.
- Fluency in Sesotho and English with excellent writing skills.
- Ability to independently and proactively work as a team member with minimum day to day oversight.
- Experience in Project Management for NGOs especially US funded projects is an added advantage.
Your application should include; Cover letter, CV, Certified copies of certificates and transcripts
Applications addressed to Managing Director, should only be hand delivered at RSDA Offices, situated at Rants’ala Street, Stadium Area, Opposite Coop College, Maseru
Note: No email application submissions will be accepted
Deadline for submission of applications is Friday 23rdAugust 2024 at 12:30 pm.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
