Local Government Assistant
One Acre Fund is seeking a Local Government Assistant (LGA) to serve as a point of contact for Ministry of Agriculture and other government officials and traditional authorities in sites where we work in Southern Region, Malawi. This role would report to the Government Relations Officer and demonstrate a strong understanding of local government boundaries, whilst also having strong interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of field operations. The LGA would be based out of our office in Zomba.
The successful candidate will be a clear and confident communicator who is able to present on behalf of One Acre Fund at local level meetings, whilst having a solid understanding of the products and practices One Acre Fund supports. This role also requires strong time-keeping and organizational skills, as meeting and field visit logistics will be an important feature. Additionally, the role will involve regular trips to all current Extension Planning Areas across our areas of operation with potential travel to new districts. Due to the nature of these responsibilities, this role will require a balance of structured work planning and a level of autonomy.
Primary Duties
– Manage site level government relations, maintain positive relationships on behalf of One Acre Fund, and establish regular contact with officials at the following administrative levels:
o Extension Planning Areas (EPAs)
o Traditional Authorities (Paramount/Senior Chiefs, Group Village Heads, and Village Heads)
o Ward Councilors
o Area Development Committees (ADCs)
– Support expansion efforts through ADCs, Traditional Authorities, Group Village Head, and Village Head outreach.
– Support early local government engagement in new EPAs (at village and section level).
– Maintain key local government official contacts database and track interactions.
– Support monitoring and resolution of risks and issues affecting field operations
– Host local stakeholders for field days and field visits, and manage day-of logistics.
– Collect farmer interviews and write famer profiles.
– Coordinate One Acre Fund involvement in district shows and agricultural sector functions.
– Arrange collection and delivery of documents, reports, and invitations to officials and stakeholders.
If you have skills and experience in these areas please highlight them in your application materials.
Description of a Qualified Candidate
We are seeking motivated employees with a minimum two years of work experience. S/he will demonstrate a long-term passion for agriculture in Zomba and surrounding districts and will be familiar with the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. We are looking for extraordinary candidates that are organized and proactive; please only apply if you fit these criteria:
– Diploma and above, from a recognized academic institution (in a relevant field i.e. Agriculture, Communications, Public Administration, Political Science and Public relations)
– Knowledge of agriculture extension and crop production
– Strong computer skills in email, internet, and Microsoft Office
– Strong written and oral communicator
– Ability to plan and host events
– A willingness to commit to living in Zomba
– Proven ability to manage local level relationships
– Fluency in Chichewa and English
– Attitude:
o Positive
o Humble
– Passionate about serving smallholder farmers
To Apply
Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter by email to malawijobs@oneacrefund.org by July 10, 2015. Please include “Local Government Assistant” in the subject line.
We prefer all application documents to be submitted in PDF format.
One Acre Fund is an equal opportunity employer