Mercy Corps Agricultural Extension Specialist Job Vacancy in Uganda

m 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.

• 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.

• 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.