Farmer Training and Extension Support Specialists

Vacancies: Farmer Training and Extension Support Specialists Mobile Training Unit (MTU) ProjectGeneral Information:
TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries.
We are a non-profit organization that develops business solutions to poverty by linking people to information, capital and markets.
Our work is rooted in the idea that given the opportunity, hardworking men and women in even the poorest places can generate income, jobs and wealth for their families and communities.
With more than four decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private enterprise to transform lives.
The Project:
In July 2013, TechnoServe Kenya received funding from the John Deere Foundation to implement the Mobile Training Unit (MTU) project that aims at accelerating adoption of better agricultural technologies & practices among dairy, horticultural and maize farmers through extension support and linkages to markets and services.
Phase 1, working with 7 Farmer Business Organizations (FBOs) in 4 Counties has been running since July 2013 and will end in December 2014.
Phase 2 building on the experiences, systems and networks established in Phase 1 will be implemented from January 2015 and proposes to expand the outreach to over 7 counties (Nandi, UasinGishu, TransNzoia, ElgeyoMarakwet, Kericho, Bomet and Nakuru).
The Positions:
TechnoServe seeks to engage two dynamic Farmer Training and Extension Support Specialists coming in at the level Assistant Business Advisors (ABA).
The Farmer Training and Extension Support Specialists will facilitate trainings on the MTU platform and support FBOs’ extension teams and stakeholders in wide-scale dissemination of appropriate technologies among smallholder farmers in target areas.
They will be part of a wider team charged with the responsibility of ensuring that TechnoServe Kenya delivers in its obligations in implementing the MTU Project.
Requirements:

The positions calls for highly organized and self-driven individuals with at least 3 years’ experience in agricultural extension and training of smallholder farmers in integrated staples, horticultural and livestock farming systems; and in particular individuals with;

Strong facilitation skills motivated by a strong desire to implement results focused projects.

Well-honed skills in managing stakeholder partnerships at local and national levels.

Demonstrated entrepreneurial interest & commitment to rural agricultural and livestock development;

High degree of organization, adaptability and prioritization of issues reflected in self-initiatives and working with minimal supervision

Strong communications and writing skills with fluency in written and spoken Kiswahili & English is a must.

A degree in agricultural extension, rural development, crop production, livestock development, animal husbandry, veterinary medicines or any other closely related discipline.To Apply:
Please submit your application (by email only) to ke-recruit@tns.org with the position title placed in the subject line.
Please include
(1) cover letter describing your interest,
(2) curriculum vitae,
(3) salary history, and
(4) telephone contacts of three professional referees.
Please include all requirements in a single document (pdf).
Applications will be treated confidentially.
Deadline for applications is 27th November 2014.
Note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
TechnoServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer