Role Summary

The Senior Technical Officer (Agronomy & Development) will play a pivotal role in the development, management, and growth of Duapa Agri’s farmer cooperatives and unions. This role demands strong technical expertise in agronomy, particularly in the cultivation of cashew, soy, and maize, coupled with the leadership skills required to mobilize and train large farmer communities. The individual will be responsible for establishing cooperative structures that empower farmers, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and enhance productivity and profitability across Duapa Agri’s key crops. Additionally, the role will ensure that farmers receive continuous support through comprehensive training programs aimed at improving crop yields, market access, and income.

Key Responsibilities

1. Cooperative Development and Management

– Lead the formation, governance, and management of farmer cooperatives and unions across multiple regions.
– Develop and implement cooperative governance frameworks that align with local laws and global best practices, ensuring transparency, democratic participation, and accountability.
– Support cooperatives in creating sustainable business models that foster collective bargaining, efficient input supply, and access to markets.
– Collaborate with local government, NGOs, and international organizations to strengthen cooperative networks and facilitate technical and logistical support.
– Ensure cooperative structures promote inclusive participation, especially focusing on smallholder farmers, women, and underrepresented groups.

2. Agronomy and Crop Development

– Serve as the technical lead on agronomic best practices for cashew, soy, and maize.
– Develop and implement comprehensive agronomy training programs tailored to the specific needs of different farmer groups.
– Conduct field trials and demonstrations to promote innovative farming techniques and introduce advanced technologies.
– Lead research initiatives aimed at improving crop varieties, enhancing resistance to pests and diseases, and promoting efficient resource use.

3. Farmer Capacity Building & Training

– Design and deliver targeted training programs on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for cashew, soy, and maize.
– Provide leadership training and capacity-building initiatives that empower farmers to manage cooperatives effectively.
– Develop educational materials, manuals, and multimedia content to facilitate farmer learning and encourage sustainable farming practices.
– Facilitate peer-to-peer learning opportunities within cooperatives, enabling experienced farmers to mentor others.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Assessment

– Establish robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track the progress and performance of farmer cooperatives and training programs.
– Regularly assess the impact of agronomic interventions, identifying areas for improvement and scaling up successful practices.
– Collect and analyze data on key performance indicators such as crop yields, production efficiency, farmer income, and cooperative participation rates.
– Provide comprehensive reports and insights to senior management to enable data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement of programs.

5. Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

– Foster partnerships with government institutions, research bodies, financial institutions, and development organizations to support farmer cooperatives.
– Represent Duapa Agri in relevant stakeholder forums, workshops, and conferences to build relationships and advocate for farmers’ interests.
– Lead efforts to identify and secure funding opportunities from international donors and private investors to expand cooperative initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Education

– A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, or related fields. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience

– At least 5 years of experience in agricultural development, cooperative management, or agronomy, with a focus on cashew, soy, and maize.
– Extensive experience in establishing and managing farmer cooperatives or unions, particularly in rural settings.
– Experience in designing and delivering training programs within agricultural extension or capacity-building contexts.

– Proficiency in computer software, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and collaboration tools such as Slack or Asana.

Technical Skills

– Deep knowledge of agronomy, especially for cashew, soy, and maize cultivation, including sustainable practices and pest management.
– Proven ability to implement Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and comply with international agricultural standards.
– Familiarity with cooperative laws and regulations in West Africa or similar agricultural contexts.

Leadership and Communication Skills

– Strong leadership skills to inspire and mobilize farmers, cooperative leaders, and stakeholders.
– Excellent communication skills, with proficiency in English and local languages being advantageous.

Other Attributes

– Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
– Analytical mindset with the ability to collect, interpret, and apply data to improve project outcomes.
– Commitment to sustainability, inclusive development, and gender equity in agricultural systems.

Preferred Qualifications

– Experience working with international donor-funded projects or development agencies.
– Experience in West Africa or similar regions with a deep understanding of local agricultural systems.

Conclusion

The Senior Technical Officer (Agronomy & Development) is a critical role that will shape Duapa Agri’s mission of empowering smallholder farmers and building resilient cooperative systems. This role integrates the technical expertise needed to improve productivity with leadership skills to mobilize communities. Through the successful implementation of cooperative networks and sustainable agricultural practices, this position will drive both commercial success and socio-economic impact across Duapa Agri’s key crops: cashew, soy, and maize.

NB.

Duapa Agri is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other classification protected by law.