Farmcrowdy, is an agric-tech platform that gives Nigerians the opportunity to participate in Agriculture by connecting farm sponsors with real farmers for the purpose of producing high-quality farm produce. Our mandate is to empower rural farmers, contribute to food security in Nigeria and provide a healthy means of engaging people with Agriculture from a profit driven perspective.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Technical Field Specialist - Cassava
Location: Lagos
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)
Application Closing Date
4th May, 2017.
How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should send a cover letter along with your CV to: [email protected] with the subject title as ‘Application for Technical Field Cassava Specialist’
Note: Farmcrowdy is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in the workforce.