Role overview
What you'll be stepping into
EXTENSION OFFICER
Organization: Bulimi
Number of Positions: 5
Duty Station: Kyenjojo District, with frequent travel to farming communities
Reports to: Agronomist
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Extension Officer will mobilize, register, train, and support smallholder cocoa farmers participating in Bulimi programmes. The role will serve as the primary link between Bulimi and farming communities, ensuring that farmers receive timely information, practical technical guidance, agricultural inputs, and continuous field support to establish productive and sustainable cocoa farms.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Farmer Mobilization and Registration
Mobilize and sensitise farmers, community leaders, and farmer groups about Bulimi services and products.
Identify, screen, register, and onboard eligible smallholder farmers.
Support the formation and strengthening of parish and community-level farmer groups.
Maintain accurate farmer profiles and registration records.
Farmer Training and Extension Support
Conduct farmer training sessions and practical field demonstrations.
Guide farmers on land preparation, cocoa planting, shade management, soil fertility, pruning, and general farm maintenance.
Promote practical adoption of recommended cocoa production practices.
Provide continuous technical guidance during farm establishment and maintenance.
Farm Monitoring and Technical Support
Conduct regular farm visits and monitor implementation of recommended agricultural practices.
Assess farmer progress and identify challenges affecting cocoa production.
Identify and report cases of cocoa pests, diseases, and other production challenges.
Monitor seedling survival rates and farmer compliance with agreed production standards.
Agricultural Inputs and Sustainable Farming
Support the distribution and proper use of seedlings, organic fertilizers, organic pesticides, and other agricultural inputs.
Promote agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, and environmentally responsible farming practices.
Provide farmers with practical guidance on appropriate use and management of agricultural inputs.
Farmer Data, Reporting and Feedback
Maintain accurate attendance records, farm data, farmer profiles, and field activity reports.
Gather farmer feedback and promptly escalate concerns requiring technical or management attention.
Support cocoa production forecasting, traceability, and aggregation activities.
Document field-level observations, challenges, and emerging farmer needs.
Community Engagement and Programme Support
Maintain positive relationships with farmers, farmer groups, community leaders, and other local stakeholders.
Support Bulimi's farmer programmes and community-based activities.
Perform any other duties assigned in support of Bulimi's farmer programmes.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Diploma or bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Social Works, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least one year of relevant experience in farmer mobilisation, agricultural extension, community development, or agribusiness field operations.
Experience working with smallholder farmers and farmer groups is highly desirable.
Practical knowledge of cocoa production will be an added advantage.
Ability and willingness to travel extensively within rural communities.
Ability to use a smartphone, Microsoft Office applications, and digital data-collection tools.
Ability to ride a motorcycle and possession of a valid riding permit will be an added advantage.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Strong communication, facilitation, and community-mobilisation skills.
Ability to communicate in local languages spoken in the target communities.
Good recordkeeping and report-writing skills.
Integrity, patience, adaptability, and respect for farmers.
Ability to work independently and as part of a field-based team.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit their application following this link https://forms.gle/HVefq5dtbhBgfkmn6
A 2-paged and updated curriculum vitae.
A one-page application or cover letter clearly indicating the position applied for.
Copies of relevant academic and professional qualifications attached to the CV.
Contact details for at least three professional referees.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Bulimi is an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications from qualified women, young professionals, persons with disabilities and candidates from the programme communities are strongly encouraged.
Bulimi does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants should not make any payment to any person claiming to represent Bulimi in exchange for employment or preferential consideration.
How to apply