Technical Field Specialist - Cassava at Farmcrowdy

Contract duration: Minimum 2 years.
Reports to: VP, Operations & CEO

The Role

• The Cassava Specialist is responsible for the Cassava Farm Operations.
• The Cassava Specialist will play a key role in planning, organizing and implementing the production and commercialization plans for all Farmcrowdy’s Cassava Project Farms.
• He/She will be managing a combined team of Farm Managers, Farm Extension Workers and also the Farmers.
• The role requires a reliable, trustworthy, conscientious, self-motivated professional who is always prepared to be a “hands on” practical farm manager when required.

Duties
Farm Management:

• To co-ordinate management of all Cassava farm operations within the region.
• Perform long and short term project management to optimize farm profit and minimize loss
• Coordinate financial and physical performance of the farms
• Successful implementation of short and long term business plans in cooperation with the management team and ground staff
• Manage the initial set-up of the farm from bush clearing, irrigation installations and building up your team
• Manage all day-to-day operations in for cassava farming
• Manage seed acreage contract allocations to farmers
• Land management of cropping systems, nutrients, pests, tillage and other resources
• To increase yield by variety selection and soil improvement practices
• Active involvement in Selection of Farm lands, Soil tests etc
• Co-ordinate an integrated pest management system
• Develop a cost effective and environmentally sound method of enhancing yields

People Management:

• To create a stable workforce by providing leadership for effective management of the staff and operations of the region.
• To provide coaching and training on developing production management programmes which will enhance profitability
• Maintain the Farm Projects’ evaluation program, measuring for effectiveness and productivity of operation areas. Prepare reports as assigned.
• Facilitate Training programs; Develop and Deliver appropriate training to both Farm Managers and Farm Extension Workers; Coordinate training needs assessment
• Risk Assessment and Management
• Set-up agreed KPIs for the region and ensure targets are achieved
• Financial Reports on all Farming activities
• Conflict Resolution
• Compile and Control Yearly Budgets for the region
• Maintain regular communication with the Farm Managers and the Farm Extension workers
• Liaise and interact with Farmers’ co-operatives/ Farming communities located within the region

Core Competencies
Ideal candidates for this role will have:

• Master’s degree with specialization in Plant breeding, Agronomy or related fields with at least 5 years experience
• At least 10 years of hands-on experience in agricultural processes and farms operations with focus on Cassava Production Management and Commercialization.
• Must be able to provide evidence on a previous Cassava farm project/research work in agriculture with reference from the farm management about a successful out-come
• Must have knowledge of Irrigation Farming
• Must have working knowledge of other crops such as Rice; Maize; Tomato and or livestock peculiar to given regions
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to make sound decisions and solve problems
• Effective leader and team-player receptive to feedback and willing to learn new things and share knowledge and skills; embracing continuous improvement
• Excellent organizational and negotiating skills
• Language proficiency (English & other Indigenous Languages)
• Willingness to Travel
• Must demonstrate ownership of an Agric Support Network
• Must belong to a Professional Body (Group) that is related/affiliated to Agriculture
• Must have access to Federal (State) Ministries and or Parastatals which are responsible for Agriculture (Products, Equipment and otherwise)