Background

The Catholic Diocese of Karonga carries out integral evangelization through preaching the Good news, development works and works of charity. It operates in the district of Karonga, Chitipa and Rumphi service approximately 800,000 people. In the provision of its services, the Diocese operates through the Pastoral and Caritas Commissions while being supported by the Chancery and the Finance Departments.

The Caritas Commission is the social development and charity arm of the Diocese. The Caritas Commission does its work through departments of Justice and Peace (CCJP), Education, Health and Development (CADECOM). Participation in, and benefciation of, projects by the Caritas Commission are open to all people regardless of their religion, gender, race or creed.

Job Description

Position Overview

The Agriculture Field Officer is responsible for providing technical support, training, and advisory services to farmers and agricultural stakeholders. The role focuses on improving farm productivity, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, monitoring field activities, and ensuring successful implementation of agricultural programs and projects.

Key Responsibilities

2.1. Farmer Support & Training

• Provide technical guidance on crop production, soil management, pest and disease control, small scale irrigation, and livestock management.
• Conduct training sessions, demonstrations, and field days to build farmers’ skills.
• Assist farmers in adopting modern and climate-smart agricultural practices.

2.2. Field Monitoring & Data Collection

• Visit farms regularly to assess crop performance, farm challenges, and compliance with project guidelines.
• Collect, record, and report field data (yields, inputs used, climate conditions, etc.).
• Identify farming risks and recommend timely solutions.

2.3. Program Implementation

• Support the roll out of agricultural programs, and NGO/community development projects.
• Distribute inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment where applicable.
• Ensure project activities align with objectives and timeline.

2.4. Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with farmers’ groups, cooperatives, local leaders, suppliers, and government departments.
• Build partnerships with agribusinesses and extension networks.
• Facilitate communication between farmers and organizations implementing projects.

2.5. Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare weekly, monthly, and seasonal reports on field activities.
• Document success stories, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Maintain accurate records of farmer outreach, training, and inputs distributed.

2.6. Extension Services & Advisory Support

• Provide ongoing advice on best practices (including Good Agricultural Practices to improve productivity and profitability.
• Promote environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture solutions.
• Support farmers in increasing markets and improving value chains.

Skills & Qualifications

3.1. Essential

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Extension, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of crop and livestock production systems.
• Ability to work independently and stay in rural areas.
• Good communication and training skills.
• Ability to collect and analyze field data.

3.2. Desirable

• Experience working with communities, NGOs, agribusinesses, or government programs.
• Knowledge of climate-smart agriculture and sustainable farming practices.
• Proficiency in using smart-phones, tablets, and basic MS Office tools.

3.3. Personal Attributes

• Good interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Good mentorship skills.
• Problem-solving mindset and proactive attitude.
• Passion for working with farmers and rural communities.
• Cultural sensitivity and professionalism.

Typical Reporting Structure

Reports to: Project Coordinator

Supervises: Lead Farmers, Agro-Entrepreneurs, Farmer Groups or Cooperatives (directly)

• Provide technical guidance on crop production, soil management, pest and disease control, small scale irrigation, and livestock management.
• Conduct training sessions, demonstrations, and field days to build farmers’ skills.
• Assist farmers in adopting modern and climate-smart agricultural practices.
• Visit farms regularly to assess crop performance, farm challenges, and compliance with project guidelines.
• Collect, record, and report field data (yields, inputs used, climate conditions, etc.).
• Identify farming risks and recommend timely solutions.
• Support the roll out of agricultural programs, and NGO/community development projects.
• Distribute inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment where applicable.
• Ensure project activities align with objectives and timeline.
• Work closely with farmers’ groups, cooperatives, local leaders, suppliers, and government departments.
• Build partnerships with agribusinesses and extension networks.
• Facilitate communication between farmers and organizations implementing projects.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and seasonal reports on field activities.
• Document success stories, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Maintain accurate records of farmer outreach, training, and inputs distributed.
• Provide ongoing advice on best practices (including Good Agricultural Practices to improve productivity and profitability.
• Promote environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture solutions.
• Support farmers in increasing markets and improving value chains.

• Strong knowledge of crop and livestock production systems.
• Ability to work independently and stay in rural areas.
• Good communication and training skills.
• Ability to collect and analyze field data.
• Experience working with communities, NGOs, agribusinesses, or government programs.
• Knowledge of climate-smart agriculture and sustainable farming practices.
• Proficiency in using smart-phones, tablets, and basic MS Office tools.
• Good interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Good mentorship skills.
• Problem-solving mindset and proactive attitude.
• Passion for working with farmers and rural communities.
• Cultural sensitivity and professionalism.

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Extension, or related field.