Agricultural Sustainability Officer – National Employment Fund (NEF)

The **National Employment Fund (NEF), South West Branch** is accepting applications for a highly qualified **Agricultural Sustainability Officer**. This critical position is designed for an agronomy and conservation professional dedicated to driving climate-smart farming solutions across rural communities in the **South West Region**.

*Please note: The application deadline for this position is **17 September 2026**.*

### Why Join the National Employment Fund (NEF)?
By joining the NEF network, you will step into a pivotal role that bridges institutional support with grassroots agricultural development. This position offers a dynamic environment where your technical expertise in sustainable farming will directly impact regional food security, environmental conservation, and the livelihoods of local farmers.

### Core Responsibilities of the Sustainability Officer
The successful candidate will lead field-level environmental initiatives and farmer support programs, focusing on the following key impact areas:
* **Strategic Planning:** Collaborate actively with regional teams to design, refine, and execute comprehensive agricultural work plans.
* **Field Training & Coaching:** Deliver hands-on field training and technical coaching to farmers regarding soil health management, sustainable forestry, agroforestry integration, and optimal post-harvest practices.
* **Practice Monitoring:** Regularly follow up with farming clusters to monitor, evaluate, and track the adoption rates of advanced agricultural practices.
* **Service Supervision:** Oversee and quality-assess localized agricultural services to ensure they align with international environmental benchmarks.
* **Data & Reporting:** Manage field data collection, handle rigorous monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks, and compile detailed progress reports.
* **Stakeholder Management:** Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with local farmers, community leaders, and agricultural stakeholders.

### Key Qualifications and Candidate Profile
We are seeking an mobile, field-ready professional who meets the following criteria:
* **Education:** Minimum of a **GCE Ordinary Level** certificate paired with a formal **Vocational Training Certificate in Agriculture** (or an equivalent agronomic qualification).
* **Professional Experience:** A minimum of **3 years of professional experience** working directly within the agricultural sector or supporting agricultural extension services.
* **Industry Advantage:** Prior technical experience in **cocoa production** and cocoa supply chains is highly advantageous.
* **Age Range:** Candidates must be between **25 and 45 years old** to align with program demographics.
* **Mobility Requirement:** Must hold a valid **Category A driving licence** and possess the physical readiness to **travel up to 80% of the time** across remote, rural communities.

### Technical Skills Required
* Deep understanding of **Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)** frameworks.
* Proven knowledge of **Integrated Pest Management (IPM)** methodologies.
* Mastery of modern **Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)** and soil conservation.

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### How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application files directly to the **National Employment Fund (NEF), South West Branch** before the close of business on **17 September 2026**.

*(Note: Salary details and specific application documents can be verified directly with the NEF South West regional office upon submission.)*