About the Role
Extension Africa (EXAF) is an innovative data-driven agritech platform empowering smallholder farmers and value chain actors across Africa. We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven State-Based Program Officer to lead our donor-funded development initiatives in Gombe State. In this pivotal role, you will translate strategic work plans into high-impact field activities, train farmers and grassroots agents, and champion the adoption of climate-smart and digital agricultural practices while ensuring robust data quality and reporting.
Beyond development work, you will bridge the gap to commerce by building and certifying last-mile rural structures, including Farmer Business Associates and local vendors, for seamless integration with our commercial operations. Residency within Gombe State is compulsory for this role.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the implementation of donor-funded agricultural development projects and field activities across Gombe State.
- Train farmers, cooperative groups, and grassroots extension agents on modern, climate-smart agriculture and ICT4Ag tools.
- Monitor project progress and maintain high data quality standards, reporting effectively against the project results framework.
- Build, mobilize, and certify last-mile rural structures such as Farmer Business Associates and local agro-vendors.
- Coordinate closely with state and LGA-level government structures, stakeholders, and internal commercial teams to ensure verified handovers via Agent Processing Centres.
- Bachelor's degree or HND in Agriculture, Agricultural Extension, Agronomy, Crop/Soil Science, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Science, or a related field.
- 3 to 5 years of progressive professional experience in agricultural or rural development projects, preferably within NGO or donor-funded environments.
- Hands-on expertise in implementing climate-smart agriculture and ICT4Ag digital solutions.
- Demonstrated experience working directly with smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and local government bodies.
- Proficiency in digital data collection platforms including ODK, KoboCollect, and advanced MS Excel.
- Proven ability in recruiting, training, and managing community-level agents or decentralized field networks.
- Complete fluency in English and the predominant local language spoken in Gombe State.
- Must currently reside in Gombe State or demonstrate a strong willingness to relocate immediately.
- Competitive salary package commensurate with your qualifications and industry experience.
- One-year renewable employment contract subject to performance and funding availability.
- Valuable professional exposure to high-impact, donor-funded agricultural development programs.
- A collaborative, mission-driven work environment dedicated to tangible rural community transformation.
- Equal opportunity employment valuing diversity, with strong encouragement for qualified women and persons with disabilities to apply.