Technical Field Specialist (TFS) - Crops at Farmcrowdy

Location: Nationwide
Reports to: Regional Manager & VP, Operations
Direct Reports: Farm Supervisors, Farm Extension Workers, Farmers

The Role

• We are currently scaling up on our farm project operations and we will require the services of Technical Field Specialists for selected crops, namely: Soya Beans, Maize, Rice & Cassava.
• The Technical Field Specialist is responsible for Farm Operations and will play a key role in planning, organizing and implementing the Production & Commercialization plans for all Farmcrowdy’s Farm Projects. The successful candidate (s) must possess technical expertise in a given crop or livestock and must have proven working knowledge of other
• crops/livestock of interest.
• The role requires a reliable, trustworthy, conscientious, self-motivated professional who is always prepared to be a “hands on” practical farm manager when required. The successful candidate(s) will be responsible for managing a combined team of Farm Managers, Farm Extensions workers & Farmers.

Key Responsibilities
Farm Management:

• To co-ordinate management of all farm operations
• Manage the initial set-up of the farm from bush clearing, irrigation installations and building up your team
• Manage all day-to-day farming operations
• To Send Weekly ‘Farm Updates’ of all operational activities
• 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
• Compile and Control Budgets for the farm project (s).
• Perform long and short term project management to optimize farm profit and minimize loss; Preparing Risk Assessments where required
• 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.

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 productivity and profitability
• Facilitate Training programs; Develop and Deliver appropriate training to both Farm Managers and Farm Extension Workers; Coordinate training needs assessment
• Risk Assessment and Management
• Conflict Resolution
• 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

Competencies
Ideal candidates for this role should have:

• Master’s degree with specialization in any Agric related field; Plant breeding, Agronomy, Crop Protection or related Agric Disciplines
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in agricultural processes and farms operations with focus on Production Management and Commercialization.
• Must be able to provide evidence on a previous farm project (s) with reference from the farm’s management about a successful out-come
• Research work in any of the Crop mentioned below; Must have the practical evidence based results from research project(s)executed
• Must have working knowledge of crops peculiar to given regions
• Knowledge of Irrigation Farming is an added advantage
• Must have working knowledge of other grain crops and or livestock peculiar to given regions
• Willingness to Travel to different locations when required

Skills Required:

• Organisational and time management skills;
• Ability to work under pressure
• Supervisory skills and Management ability
• Numerical aptitude;
• Self-motivation and the ability to motivate others;
• 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
• Negotiating skills
• Language proficiency (English & other Indigenous Languages)

Professional Affiliations:

• 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)