Agriculture Consultant 218 views12 applications

Hand in Hand Southern Africa (HiH SA) is the implementing partner of the Acceleration of Women-Owned Micro-Enterprises (AWOME) Programme. AWOME Programme designed under a partnership between UN Women and De Beers Group is aimed at enhancing the capacity of women micro-entrepreneurs and co-operatives in Musina and Blouberg Local Municipalities of Limpopo Province to aid in job creation and increase of business revenue. As the implementing partner, Hand in Hand is responsible for a range of activities in the implementation of the programme. The majority of enterprises supported by the project fall
into the agricultural sectors. To augment the support rendered by Business Advisors, AWOME is looking for a specialist agricultural consultant for its Programme in Blouberg and Musina.

HiH SA seeks to appoint an  Agriculture Consultant to be based in Limpopo.

Responsibilities:

• In consultation with Business Advisors schedules frequent visits to farmers and their businesses
• Assessing supported farms and identify farm level constraints and develop strategies to counter them
• Providing direct technical assistance to farming enterprises participating in AWOME,particularly on crop and livestock production, processing, and marketing.
• Supporting enterprises with proper data collection templates based on type of enterprises, data collection and data use for decision making at farm level
• Collecting and analysing data and samples of produce, fertiliser, feed, soil and other factors affecting production.
• Advising farmers on techniques for improving the production of crops and livestock, and alternative agricultural options.
• Advising farmers on issues such as livestock and crop disease, control of pests and weeds, soil improvement, animal husbandry and feeding programmes.
• Advising farmers on alternative farming methods, such as organic farming, agro-ecology, climate smart agriculture etc.,
• Advising on new farm machinery or new farm buildings, health and safety
• Advising on business planning, budgets and applying for grants.
• Attending meetings, organizing seminars, classes, farm demonstrations and group sessions.
• Writing advisory leaflets, and technical notes to be used by farmers.
• Handling the business, compliance and paperwork issues surrounding modern farming.
• Undertaking administrative duties, managing budgets and accounts, updating information, and preparing reports.
• Keeping up to date with relevant developments.
• Facilitating pro bono technical assistance by outside specialists and other stakeholders;
• Offering training on the skills needed by the AWOME farmers at enterprise level or through business improvement groups(BIGs).
• Compiling and keeping an updated database of all supported farming enterprises in
• Blouberg and Musina- Keeping detailed records regarding fields, customers, crops, and samples.
• Compile local level, monthly, quarterly and annual reports for the Project Coordinator.
• Support Business Advisors with technical content required for entrepreneur case studies.

Requirements:

• Diploma in Agriculture from reputable training institutions accompanied by experience of working on a farm
• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences (crop science, animal science, soil science,engineering, agricultural economics), or other relevant degree required;
• Agricultural experience required in private sector, government, on commercial farms and/or NGO sector
• Profound understanding agricultural production, processing, and marketing issues in Limpopo, particularly fruits and vegetables;
• Fluency in English, both verbal and written (shortlisted candidates will be tested on these skills);
• Fluency in Venda, Sipedi and Northern Sisotho preferable
• Excellent report writing skills;
• Demonstrated competence in handling administrative and financial responsibilities;
• Facilitation of skills development sessions a must
• Strong interpersonal skills; excellent oral and written communication skills
• Driver’s license, own vehicle an added advantage.
• Applicants who are based in Limpopo or willing to relocate to Limpopo are encouraged to apply.

To apply, send your cover letter, detailed CV (with references) and qualifications to [email protected] .Put Agricultural Consultant in the subject line. If you do not hear from us after three weeks of closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.