About the Role
Extension Africa (EXAF) is a pioneering data-driven agritech platform delivering private extension services to agricultural value chain actors across the continent. We are seeking a dedicated and dynamic State-Based Program Officer to spearhead our donor-funded development projects in Bauchi State. In this pivotal role, you will translate strategic work plans into high-impact field activities, train smallholder farmers and grassroots agents, and champion the adoption of climate-smart and digital agricultural practices while ensuring rigorous data quality and project reporting.
Beyond development work, you will bridge the gap between agriculture and commerce by building and certifying last-mile rural structures, including Farmer Business Associates and local vendors, for seamless handover to our commercial sales team. Please note that residency within Bauchi State is compulsory for this position.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the implementation of donor-funded agricultural development projects, transforming work plans into measurable field activities in Bauchi State.
- Train smallholder farmers and grassroots extension agents on climate-smart agriculture and ICT4Ag digital tools.
- Maintain high standards of data quality, monitoring, and reporting against project results frameworks using digital collection platforms.
- Build, develop, and certify last-mile rural structures involving Farmer Business Associates, cooperatives, and input vendors.
- Collaborate effectively with state and Local Government Area (LGA) structures, community leaders, and agricultural stakeholders.
- Facilitate the verified handover of matured rural networks to the Commercial Arm's State Sales Team through the Agent Processing Centre.
- Bachelor's degree or HND in Agriculture, Agricultural Extension, Agronomy, Crop or Soil Science, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Science, or a related field.
- Three to five years of progressive hands-on experience in agricultural or rural development projects, with NGO or donor-funded project experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in climate-smart agriculture methodologies and ICT4Ag digital extension tools.
- Proven track record of direct engagement with smallholder farmers, rural cooperatives, and government bodies at state or LGA levels.
- Proficiency in utilizing digital data collection instruments such as ODK, KoboCollect, and advanced MS Excel.
- Experience in recruiting, training, and managing community-level agents or decentralized field networks.
- Fluency in English and the predominant local language spoken in Bauchi State.
- Must be a resident of Bauchi State or fully willing to relocate prior to resumption.
- Competitive salary package commensurate with professional qualifications and relevant field experience.
- One-year renewable contract, subject to performance evaluations and continued project funding.
- Valuable exposure to high-level donor-funded agricultural development programming and agritech innovations.
- Mission-driven, collaborative work environment offering opportunities for tangible community impact.
- Equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, strongly encouraging qualified women and persons with disabilities to apply.