Job Description

• Project Or Division: Agriculture
• Reports To: National Farm Business Advisor Manager
• Location: Based in Tamale, Wale Wale, Bolgatanga, Bawku West, Wa, Lambusie, Navrongo, West Mamprusi, Tolon, Yendi, Funsi, Jirapa
• Reporting Relationships: Reports directly to the FBA National Manager and receives Agronomical backstopping from Agronomist.

Purpose:

• The Farm Business Advisor (FBA) is the last mile connection for iDE farmers, it is imperative that communication with the farmer and from the farmer is regular—the FBA will ensure farmers are cultivating targeted crops profitably as agreed upon between iDE and each farmer.
• FBA Managers will train FBAs and Farmers on Good Agriculture Practices on selected vegetables.
• They will be the main communication line between iDE and FBAs.
• FBAs will transmit agronomical knowledge to increase productivity and quality to meet market standards, including special market niches.
• They will provide backstopping to farmers through FBAs whenever new agronomical challenges are faced.

Responsibilities:

• Identify and recruit Vegetable Farm Communities with water access, for the Ag. Productivity and Marketing Program
• Conduct Training or Trainers to FBAs to conduct group development training to farmer groups
• Provide training in Conservation Agriculture to FBAs and farmers based on iDE’s protocols
• Implement the production plan of iDE with farmers for production activities.
• Liaise with the Supply Chain Manager to distribute inputs to farmers for production
• Understand irrigation deeply and promote it to farmers
• Conduct training on irrigation – drip laying, watering frequency, trouble shooting, maintenance based on iDE’s protocols
• Conduct training in Good Agriculture Practices – bed preparation, transplanting, pest and diseases, Postharvest handling (sorting, grading, transportation etc.) based on iDE’s protocols
• Scout farms for disease and/or pest presence and propose solutions to farmers based on Integrated Pest Management
• Train and facilitate farmers to learn about produce aggregation and marketing
• Supervise farm cultivation at every stage of the crop cycle and report it in Salesforce weekly, if not every other week.
• Monitor activities and outcomes, keep appropriate records in writing and/or digitally, and submit weekly/biweekly reports through Salesforce and any other method accepted by iDE
• Analyze and organize reports in such a way that it will lead to a proper program design and plan
• Cooperate with government agencies like MoFA, PPRSD and local NGOs
• Report any challenges immediately to line supervisor, if an appropriate response is not received within a week, follow up with the supervisor’s supervisor.

Required Skills or Experience

• Graduated from university with degree in Agriculture or Agribusiness
• At least 2 years’ work experience in vegetable crop production and 2 more on other branches of agriculture
• Has a valid driver’s license and owns a mode of transportation (motorbike)
• Experience working in rural areas and with rural communities is an asset
• Knowledge of user-centered design methodologies is an asset
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Good spoken Waali, Dagaare, Sisaala Dagbani, Gonja, Gruni, Kusal, Kasim, Buli language, depending on the region/district of performance
• Microsoft Word and Excel proficient

Attributes We Look For:

• Collaborative and thrives in a team environment where ideas build on one another
• Excited by and open to new ideas and new ways of doing things
• Driven to achieve results
• Able to work under pressure without complaining
• Able to work in a multi-cultural team
• High level of empathy and patience
• Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and strong work ethic
• Confident, organized, and good communication skills
• Willingness to take on additional areas of responsibility relevant to the role
• A high level of commitment to IDE’s values and objectives
• A highly responsible approach to all tasks