Agri-impact Malawi
FIELD OFFICER
Reporting to: Project Coordinator
Duty Station: Agri-Impact Malawi – Lilongwe Office, with regular travel to project sites within Lilongwe
A. About Us
Agri Impact Malawi (AIM) is a non-profit organization focused on advancing social justice by empowering marginalized rural communities through sustainable food systems and improved livelihoods. AIM promotes climate-smart practices, nutritious crops, and alternative income opportunities while integrating environmental conservation and water sanitation initiatives to enhance food security, nutrition, and long-term economic growth.
Guided by equity, innovation, and sustainability, AIM works to strengthen local capacities and align efforts with national development goals, fostering inclusive rural development and a resilient future for rural populations.
B. Summary of the role
The Field Officer will be responsible for mobilising and engaging rural communities in project activities, coordinating the distribution and use of agricultural inputs, and supporting interventions in nutrition, climate-smart agriculture, Markets, and trade. The incumbent will lead capacity-building efforts through training sessions, farmer field schools, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. The role involves collecting field data, maintaining accurate records, and submitting regular reports that align with the project’s monitoring and evaluation system. Additionally, the Field Officer will foster strong stakeholder relationships, facilitate market linkages and financial access for farmers, and promote inclusive community participation, ensuring the active involvement of women, youth, and vulnerable groups in building local ownership and resilience.
As a Field Officer at Agri-Impact Malawi, the successful candidate will play a crucial role in implementing agricultural development initiatives that aim to enhance food security, improve nutrition, promote sustainable farming practices, and increase income-generating opportunities for smallholder farmers.
The specific responsibilities include:
Facilitation of Food Security Initiatives
o Support and promote the implementation of food security programs, ensuring that smallholder farmers are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to enhance their food production.
o Conduct assessments to identify food security gaps in rural communities and recommend appropriate interventions.
o Monitor food security trends and provide regular updates to management for decision-making.
Nutrition Enhancement initiatives
o Lead community outreach and training on improved nutrition practices, including promoting balanced diets, sustainable agriculture, and the benefits of nutritious food through cookery demonstrations.
o Work with local communities and partners to introduce and encourage the cultivation of nutrient-rich crops (e.g., vegetables, legumes) and their integration into daily diets through home gardening
o Facilitate nutrition education workshops for farmers and families, focusing on the health benefits of diverse crops.
Promotion of Sustainable Farming Practices
o Provide technical support to farmers on sustainable farming techniques, including agro-ecology, conservation agriculture, and organic farming.
o Promote the use of climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance resilience to climate change.
o Assist in implementing soil health management programs, ensuring farmers utilise environmentally friendly methods.
Seed Resilient Scheme
o Facilitate the distribution of high-quality, climate-resilient seeds to farmers in the community.
o Educate farmers on the benefits of using improved seeds and proper planting techniques to achieve increased yields and sustainable farming practices.
o Monitor and evaluate the performance of the seed schemes to ensure that farmers have long-term access to viable planting materials.
Market Access and Trade Facilitation
o Assist farmers in identifying and accessing new markets for their produce, improving the profitability of their farming activities.
o Facilitate linkages between smallholder farmers, buyers, cooperatives, and other market actors, thereby enhancing trade opportunities.
o Organize and support farmers’ participation in local and regional trade fairs, expos, and markets.
o Provide training on post-harvest handling, packaging, and marketing techniques to improve product quality and marketability.
Promotion of Small-Scale Irrigation Technology
o Promote the adoption of small-scale irrigation technologies to help farmers increase productivity during the dry season.
o Provide technical support for the installation and maintenance of irrigation systems, including drip irrigation, treadle pumps, and other water-efficient technologies.
o Train farmers on efficient water management practices and the benefits of irrigation for consistent crop production.
Off-Farm Enterprise Development
o Support the development and growth of off-farm income-generating activities, such as small-scale agro-processing, handicrafts, and other value-added enterprises.
o Provide training on business skills, including financial literacy, marketing, and business management, to ensure the sustainability of off-farm enterprises.
o Facilitate access to financial resources and credit for smallholder farmers seeking to invest in off-farm ventures.
Monitoring and Reporting
o Regularly monitor the progress of field activities and report on the status of food security, nutrition, farming practices, irrigation systems, and market access programs.
o Prepare and submit detailed reports on field activities, providing recommendations for improvements or changes to program strategies.
Community Engagement and Capacity Building
o Build strong relationships with local community members, farmers, and key stakeholders to foster collaboration and active participation in Agri-Impact’s programs.
o Facilitate regular community meetings and feedback sessions to ensure programs are meeting the needs of target groups.
o Provide training on agricultural best practices, financial management, and business development to empower farmers and their communities.
C. Desirable Qualifications and Qualities
Qualifications:
• A bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Rural Development, Community Development, Nutrition, or a related field from a recognised institution.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role, preferably working with rural communities, smallholder farmers, or within agriculture and livelihood projects.
• Strong understanding of sustainable agriculture practices, climate-smart farming, nutrition-sensitive programming, and community empowerment.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting community training, facilitating farmer field schools, and working with Village Savings and Loan (VSL) groups.
• Familiarity with data collection tools, basic M&E concepts, and experience contributing to project reporting and evaluations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data collection tools (ODK/Kobo Toolbox is an added advantage).
• A valid motorcycle license (Class A) with the ability and willingness to travel extensively to rural field sites.
Desirable Qualities:
• Passion for community development and social justice, particularly in rural and low-resource settings.
• Excellent facilitation, interpersonal, and communication skills, including fluency in English and local languages spoken in Lilongwe rural.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines under minimal supervision.
• Ability to build trust and maintain strong relationships with local stakeholders, including traditional leaders, farmer groups, and government extension staff.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and personal accountability.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a strong team spirit.
Method Of Application
• Submit your application (CV, cover letter, certificates) to aimrecruitment2022@gmail.com by April 13, 2025. Please ensure that you indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line.