Job Description

The Agroforestry Training Centre Officer (ATC) will be responsible for the overall management, coordination, and operational efficiency of the ATC in Kitale Kenya. This role entails leading the implementation of agroforestry training programs, ensuring the seamless transfer of practical and technical knowledge to ATC attendants, interns, and students. The Officer will design and execute handson learning modules, incorporating innovative and climate-smart agricultural techniques to enhance learning outcomes. Additionally, the position requires close collaboration with internal teams, researchers, and external stakeholders to facilitate knowledge exchange, promote regenerative agricultural practices, and uphold the ATC as a model centre for sustainable land management and agroforestry excellence.

The role works under supervision of ECCR programme officer & partnership Coordinator.

Values

Vi Agroforestry is a human rights-based organisation. The core values of non-discrimination, meaningful participation, accountability, transparency, empowerment and continued learning guide all work – including the work with partners. People are stronger together and sustainable development requires respect for human rights, democracy and the environment. Through all actions, Vi Agroforestry therefore seeks to live by the principles of respect, transparency and together. 

General responsibilities  o Promote and support the interest of Vi Agroforestry.

• Be committed to and contribute to the fulfillment of the Vi Agroforestry Strategy  o Ensure and promote rights-based approach in all that we do. o Ensure adherence to Vi Agroforestry policies, guidelines, operating procedures and workplans. o Ensure compliance to donor requirements. o Ensure high quality in all that we do.
• Be committed to fight corruption and fraud and always report when there is any kind of suspicion. o Ensure that gender is mainstreamed, and Gender Transformation is promoted in all our operations.
• Keep abreast with the development in your area of responsibility. o Liaise with partner organisations, researchers, and other relevant stakeholders. o Contribute to effective cooperation between staff in the global organization. o Contribute to a healthy work environment at the workplace. o Support teamwork and assist each other as needs arise.
• Upon request from the manager fulfil other tasks at the country office/regional office or department level.
• Keep your manager updated on opportunities and challenges as well as on the progress on your assignments. Make sure you inform your manager well in advance if you have difficulties to meet your deadlines. o Contribute to development and implementation of risk management plans, workplans and budgets for the office.

Key responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Operations:
  • Develop and implement seasonal and routine operational schedules to ensure seamless activities within the ATC.
  • Design and execute enterprise-specific business plans, aligning with the overall sustainability and economic objectives of the ATC.
  • Identify, initiate, and oversee income-generating projects to enhance the ATC’s financial sustainability.
  • Ensure farm operations adhere to set work plans, budgets, and performance targets while optimizing resource utilization.
• Inventory & Financial Management:
  • Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all ATC assets, inputs, and outputs, ensuring accountability and efficient resource allocation.
  • Prepare, monitor, and report on cash flow for all ATC enterprises, ensuring financial transparency and sustainability.
  • Establish and maintain comprehensive farm records and data-driven reports for performance tracking and decision-making.
  • Ensure strict adherence to financial procedures, including proper accounting for farm produce and sales.
• Technical Leadership & Best Practices Implementation:
  • Identify, adopt, and integrate innovative agroforestry and Sustainable Agricultural Land Management (SALM) techniques for practical demonstrations. o            Develop and manage diverse demonstration plots, incorporating climate-smart agricultural practices and regenerative farming methods.
  • Oversee the timely implementation and maintenance of agroforestry interventions in accordance with industry best practices and Vi Agroforestry standards.
  • Ensure proper maintenance and labelling of all tree nursery sections, farm plots, and demonstration sites including the Arboretum
• Stakeholder Engagement & Knowledge Exchange:
  • Engage and collaborate with key stakeholders, including researchers, development partners, local farmers, and academic institutions, to promote knowledge-sharing and best practices in SALM and agroforestry.
  • Establish and maintain synergetic collaborations with other demonstration farms, research institutions, and agricultural training centres to enhance innovation and continuous learning.
  • Organize and coordinate scheduled visits to the ATC, ensuring a structured and efficient learning experience for stakeholders, students, interns, and visitors.
  • Maintain and regularly update exhibition materials and facilities to ensure relevance and effectiveness in knowledge dissemination.
• Event & Facility Management:
  • Develop and manage a calendar of events for ATC grounds, ensuring smooth coordination of learning sessions, exhibitions, and stakeholder engagements.
  • Oversee the maintenance and readiness of conference and training facilities, ensuring an optimal learning environment.
• Compliance & Reporting:
  • Ensure all ATC operations strictly adhere to Vi Agroforestry’s operating procedures, environmental standards, and ethical guidelines.
  • Proactively identify challenges and risks affecting ATC operations and provide timely updates and recommendations to the supervisor or Country Manager.
  • Ensure efficient utilization of farm inputs, tracking their usage and impact while maintaining full accountability.
• Additional Duties:
  • Carry out any other responsibilities assigned by the supervisor or Country Manager to support the ATC’s mission and objectives.

Required qualifications:

Education level: 

• A Bachelor’s Degree in General Agriculture, Agroforestry, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.

Other professional qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of practical experience in agroforestry, sustainable land management, farm management, or agricultural extension services.
  • Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in Sustainable Agricultural Land Management (SALM), climate-smart agriculture, and regenerative farming practices. o Expertise in tree nursery management, soil health, water conservation techniques, and agroecological practices. o Proven ability to develop and implement business plans for agricultural enterprises and identify income-generating projects.
  • Experience in demonstration farm management
  • Strong understanding of financial and resource management in agricultural enterprises, including budgeting, cash flow management, and financial reporting.
  • Knowledge of modern data collection and reporting tools for farm records and impact assessment.

Languages:  o English

• Kiswahili

Personal competencies o Accountable, honest, responsible and trust building personality o Respectful and Transparent

• Decisive o Good planning o Communication skills o Collaborative skills o Flexible and creative personality o Self-driven personality o Team-player

How to Apply 

Apply by sending your CV and cover letter indicating your salary expectation to APPLY NOW not later than 15^th April 2025 with subject heading  “Agroforestry Training Centre (ATC) Officer – Kitale Kenya”.

We look forward to receiving your thoughtful application. Your time in preparing your application is much appreciated, however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Vi Agroforestry strive for diversity in the organisation and welcome applicants regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, religious belief, or disability.

If you want to alert Vi Agroforestry on suspected discrimination, corruption or other serious misconduct during the recruitment process, do not hesitate to use our whistleblowing system: