Job Vacancies at Farmcrowdy, April 2017

Farmcrowdy,  is an agric-tech platform that gives Nigerians the opportunity to participate in Agriculture by connecting farm sponsors with real farmers for the purpose of producing high-quality farm produce. Our mandate is to empower rural farmers, contribute to food security in Nigeria and 
provide a healthy means of engaging people with Agriculture from a profit driven perspective.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Technical Field Specialist – Cassava
Location: Lagos
Contract duration: Minimum 2 years.
Reports to: VP, Operations & CEO
The Role 

• The Cassava Specialist is responsible for the Cassava Farm Operations.
• The Cassava Specialist will play a key role in planning, organizing and implementing the production and commercialization plans for all Farmcrowdy’s Cassava Project Farms.
• He/She will be managing a combined team of Farm Managers, Farm Extension Workers and also the Farmers.
• The role requires a reliable, trustworthy, conscientious, self-motivated professional who is always prepared to be a “hands on” practical farm manager when required.

Duties
Farm Management: 

• To co-ordinate management of all Cassava farm operations within the region.
• Perform long and short term project management to optimize farm profit and minimize loss
• Manage the initial set-up of the farm from bush clearing, irrigation installations and building up your team
• Manage all day-to-day operations in for cassava farming
• Manage seed acreage contract allocations to farmers
• Land management of cropping systems, nutrients, pests, tillage and other resources
• To increase yield by variety selection and soil improvement practices
• Active involvement in Selection of Farm lands, Soil tests etc
• Co-ordinate an integrated pest management system
• Coordinate financial and physical performance of the farms
• Successful implementation of short and long term business plans in cooperation with the management team and ground staff
• Develop a cost effective and environmentally sound method of enhancing yields

People Management: 

• To create a stable workforce by providing leadership for effective management of the staff and operations of the region.
• Facilitate Training programs; Develop and Deliver appropriate training to both Farm Managers and Farm Extension Workers; Coordinate training needs assessment
• Risk Assessment and Management
• Set-up agreed KPIs for the region and ensure targets are achieved
• Financial Reports on all Farming activities
• Conflict Resolution
• Compile and Control Yearly Budgets for the region
• To provide coaching and training on developing production management programmes which will enhance profitability
• Maintain the Farm Projects’ evaluation program, measuring for effectiveness and productivity of operation areas. Prepare reports as assigned.
• Maintain regular communication with the Farm Managers and the Farm Extension workers
• Liaise and interact with Farmers’ co-operatives/ Farming communities located within the region

Core Competencies
Ideal candidates for this role will have: 

• Master’s degree with specialization in Plant breeding, Agronomy or related fields with at least 5 years experience
• At least 10 years of hands-on experience in agricultural processes and farms operations with focus on Cassava Production Management and Commercialization.
• Must be able to provide evidence on a previous Cassava farm project/research work in agriculture with reference from the farm management about a successful out-come
• Must have knowledge of Irrigation Farming
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to make sound decisions and solve problems
• Effective leader and team-player receptive to feedback and willing to learn new things and share knowledge and skills; embracing continuous improvement
• Excellent organizational and negotiating skills
• Language proficiency (English & other Indigenous Languages)
• Willingness to Travel
• Must have working knowledge of other crops such as Rice; Maize; Tomato and or livestock peculiar to given regions
• Must demonstrate ownership of an Agric Support Network
• Must belong to a Professional Body (Group) that is related/affiliated to Agriculture
• Must have access to Federal (State) Ministries and or Parastatals which are responsible for Agriculture (Products, Equipment and otherwise)

Job Title: Customer Relations /Front Desk Officer
Location: Lagos
Job Description 

• Customer Relations/ Front Desk Officer is to act as a liaison in providing product information to our clientele; manage large amounts of customer enquiries, identifying and assessing customer’s needs in order to achieve satisfaction.

Responsibilities 

• Front Desk Management
• Manager customer enquiries via communication media channels (incl. of phone calls) assigned in order to provide appropriate information as directed by the Communications unit
• Build sustainable relationships and with Farmcrowdy’s clientele base
• Provide accurate, valid and complete information by using assigned software applications
• Follow Communication procedures and guidelines
• Identify and assess customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction
• Take the extra mile to engage Farmcrowdy’s clientele

Requirements 

• Customer support experience as a client service representative
• Familiarity with CRM systems and practices
• Excellent phone contact handling skills and active listening
• Excellent communication skills (both written & oral) & presentation skills
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage time effectively
• Willingness to Learn
• Goal Oriented Focus
• Attentiveness

Note: The cover letter must include a recent passport photograph attached to the top right hand corner page of your cover letter. 

How to ApplyInterested and qualified candidates should send a cover letter along with your CV to: jobs@farmcrowdy.com with Job Position you are applying for, e.g, ‘Application for Technical Field Cassava Specialist’