1. Strategic Objectives of the Division ( in which the position is located):

1.   Provide farmers with a comprehensive and efficient extension service that fully utilises ICT technology to be the intelligence delivery unit which supports, modernises and increases agricultural production and productivity; 

2.   Promote the diversification of agriculture, and improved post harvest handling, agro-processing and livestock production to increase the value of agriculture to the national economy;

3.   Supply farmers, processors and marketers with real time market intelligence, to enhance incomes by reducing surpluses or shortages; 

4.   Maintain an up to date farmer registration database, giving full details of type of cropping patterns, type of livestock production, location and size of holdings;

5.   Discourage farming practices which lead to environmental degradation, particularly in critical watersheds where deforestation and soil erosion will quickly degrade the natural resource base;

6.   Ensure that plant and animal, health and safety standards are maintained, thereby ensuring national and international confidence in Jamaican agricultural products;

7.   Encourage farming communities through group activities to improve family health and nutrition, reinforce social cohesion and supplement household income through the development and marketing of new agro processed products;

8.   Implement national policy initiatives for food security, rural and national economic development; whilst fostering linkages with international donors, NGO’s and CBO’s and other relevant agencies; 

     9.     Implement appropriate disaster mitigation measures, ensuring a high level of preparedness within farming communities, carrying out damage surveys and developing appropriate strategies to restore productivity;

    10.  Attract more young people into agriculture by establishing and strengthening linkages with school feeding programmes and the 4-H movement;

    11.    Develop a human resource capability which will ensure officers have a clear career development path and are regularly trained and updated in the latest technologies; 

    12.    Maintain a high level of corporate governance and transparency by ensuring that all financial management, accounting, procurement, monitoring and evaluation systems satisfy the legal and managerial requirements of an effective, performance based, executive agency.

Job Purpose:

The Agricultural Assistant is considered to be the foot soldier of the Extension Officer. S/he helps to implement all agricultural development programmes, within the prescribed extension area. S/he will also liaise from time to time with the Parish Livestock and Marketing Officers, assisting them both with the identification of problems and the collection of data and information which will enable them to undertake their tasks more proficiently.

Key Outputs:

Farmer crop and livestock problems addressed promptly 

National Programmes successfully implemented

Farmer Registration updated and completed

Information on crop and livestock production provided

Farmers encouraged to form Produce Marketing Organisations (PMO’s)

Technical Advice on crop and livestock production given

Real time Market intelligence given to farmers 

All reports produced and submitted in line with agreed timetable.

Key Responsibility Areas:

Management/ Administrative

Attend Inter-Agency Meetings,

Arrange Field Days, 

Attend Ad hoc Committee meetings

Attend Farmers Meetings

Prepare weekly itinerary

Assist in the preparation of the Extension Area Monthly Progress Report

Assist in the Registration of Farmers

Assist in the formation of Produce Marketing Organisations

Collect data for special projects

Participate in group training of farmers

Arrange Career Days in Schools

Stand in for Extension Officer when he is on leave/training etc.

Serve on PC Bank Committees;

Liaise with the Police over cases involving Praedial Larceny

Technical

Advise farmers on crop and livestock production

Collect Data on Agricultural Crop and Livestock Production in Extension Area

Including projected yields and harvest dates

Identify training needs of farmers

Identify topics for field days

Carry out Pest and Disease Surveillance, monitoring outbreaks and imposing quarantine regulations

Visit farmers, especially those in the most remote rural areas

Provide help with the distribution of crop production and protection materials for government programmes

Provide technical information to PC Banks for Loans etc.,

Provide livestock (veterinary) services to farmers 

Assist in disaster management;

Marketing

Collect Data on Marketing of Crop and Livestock production in the Extension Area

Identify the crops for sale and their likely harvest dates

Ensure farmers have access to real time market intelligence

Assist farmers in finding markets for their agricultural produce, including livestock

Ensure farmers are aware of market requirements in terms of quality standards etc.,

Other

Provide ad hoc advice to farmers and farm families on a range of non-farming issues which come with being a respected member of the local community

Authority:

• Preparation and regular updating of Extension Area Profiles

Performance Standards:

Percentage Implementation of National Crop and Livestock Programmes

Percentage Implementation of other programmes, including the Constituency Development Fund, EUBSP-RDP Programme Initiatives where appropriate and other development programmes  in the EA.\

Number of PMO’s farmers groups serviced

Number of Field Days and Group Sessions held

Percentage of Farmers in the Extension Area fully Registered;

 Number of Farm Visits and Contact Hours with Farmers completed;

Encouragement of  youth into agriculture (e.g.school gardens established,

4H clubs etc.);

Internal and External Contacts  (specify purpose  of significant contacts ):

Internal (within RADA)

External

Special conditions associated with the job:

• Must be highly mobile (owner of at least a motorbike). 
• Preferably should live in the Extension Area;
• Should be prepared to be on duty 24/7;
• Needs to gain the respect of the farming community;
• Must be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions;

Required Competencies (Core and technical to be specified):

Good communication and strong customer orientation skills

Sound practical knowledge of the principles, concepts, and practices of agricultural crop and livestock production and post harvest handling;

Good understanding of  environmental practices, including soil and water conservation and legislation, particularly concerning the use of crop protection chemicals;

Ability to identify crop and animal pest and disease problems;

A good understanding of local marketing systems;

Good knowledge of information technology and the scope it offers for extension work;

Competence in data collection, including means of estimating areas, yields , potential harvest dates, etc ;

Sound personal and professional integrity.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Minimum of 4 CXCs or GCE’s
• Level II certificate in Agricultural Science from a recognized Agricultural Institution;
• Minimum of two years agricultural experience.

Specify licensing or certification necessary for the job

• Basic Training in Extension  Work;
• Full Driving Licence