Senior Extension Worker – Climate Resilient Livelihoods, Smart Agriculture & VSLA

ABOUT THE JOB: 

The Senior Extension Worker will provide technical leadership and direct supervision to community extension workers delivering climate-resilient livelihoods programming in Shani and Konduga LGAs. The role ensures high-quality delivery of climate-smart agriculture, organic fertilizer/pesticide production, agrosilvopastoral, and VSLA activities that improve food security, income, and resilience for women, youth, PWDs, and IDP/returnee households. 

The senior extension worker is the technical bridge between the project team and communities. He/ She will coach staff, ensure quality, and represent the project to community structures.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senior Extension worker has the following responsibilities;

• Supervise 4 Extension Workers and VSLA Facilitators across Shani and Konduga. Conduct regular field accompaniment and spot checks.
• Ensure correct delivery of training modules: Climate Smart Agriculture [CSA], organic fertilizer & pesticide production, zai pits, water conservation, drought-resistant crops.
• Ensure VSLA groups follow methodology: savings discipline, loan management, record keeping, leadership rotation, and linkages to community structures.
• Monitor adoption rates and troubleshoot technical problems in demo plots and VSLA groups.
• Lead seasonal planning of activities to match the farming calendar for Borno.
• Train and coach extension workers monthly on technical topics, facilitation skills, safeguarding, and Do No Harm.
• Facilitate the development of simple pictorial training aids in Hausa/Kanuri for low-literacy farmers.
• Conduct Training of Trainers for lead farmers and VSLA Executive Committee members.
• Build the capacity of groups to link to WDC, Traditional Rulers, and Cooperatives for sustainability. [ToT].
• Review and validate weekly activity reports, attendance sheets, and VSLA record books from all extension workers.
• Compile and consolidate monthly narrative reports and timely submission to the program coordinator for review.
• Collect data using Kobo/ODK: # of demo plots, # of VSLAs formed, % loan repayment, adoption of CSA practices.
• Document success stories, lessons learned, and challenges. Contribute to monthly donor reports.
• Facilitate community feedback sessions and ensure complaints are logged and resolved.
• Liaise with Ward Development Committees, Traditional Leaders, LGA Agriculture Departments, and Cooperative Officers.
• Represent the organization in community meetings, field days, and LGA coordination forums.
• Ensure inclusion targets are met: women, youth, people with disabilities (PWDs) in all activities.
• Ensure all activities are conflict-sensitive and climate-informed.

Skills:

• Language: Fluent in English, Hausa, and Kanuri. Ability to train in local languages.
• Community Relations: Proven ability to work with traditional leaders, women groups, and youth associations.
• Integrity: High level of honesty in handling cash, data, and community trust.
• Resilience: Willing to travel to remote communities in Shani and Konduga, sometimes on a motorcycle.
• Inclusion: Commitment to reaching women, youth, IDPs, returnees, and PWDs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Education: Minimum HND / B.Sc. in Agriculture, Agronomy, Community Development, or related field.
• Experience: At least 4 years of field experience in livelihoods, agriculture extension, or VSLA programming. At least 2 years supervising field staff.

Technical Knowledge:  

• Practical knowledge of Climate Smart Agriculture: conservation agriculture, organic inputs, water harvesting, drought-tolerant seeds.
• Full mastery of VSLA methodology: 9 tools, record keeping, cycle management.
• Experience with organic fertilizer and pesticide production is a strong advantag

Skills: Training facilitation, coaching, data collection on Kobo, basic Excel, report writing.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Local Context: Fluency in English, Hausa, and Kanuri. Good understanding of Shani and Konduga culture and conflict dynamics.
• Leadership: Ability to supervise, motivate, and manage remote field teams.
• Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to gender, youth, and disability inclusion.
• Integrity: Strong ethics around cash, data, and community resources.
• Resilience: Willing to travel to hard-to-reach areas and work in challenging conditions.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

This is a field-based role. You will spend most of your time in communities, farms, and VSLA meetings. 

Candidates from Shani LGA are strongly encouraged to apply.w

For the application to be valid, EYN Projects only accepts applications with a cover letter. All applications should include a functional Email address, Mobile numbers, and detailed curriculum vitae (CV). 

NOTE: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Multiple submissions will be automatically disqualified

EYN Projects is an equal opportunity employer. Women, PWDs, and candidates from Shani LGA are strongly encouraged to apply. 

If you are not reached upon the submission of your application, it means you did not meet the criteria for selection. 

EYN Projects does not ask for any form of payment/compensation at any stage of recruitment

Our Safeguarding policy prevents physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect of any member of our community. The welfare of these individuals is paramount. All our communities without exception have the right to protection from abuse regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or belief. It is the responsibility of everyone to ensure safeguarding.