Agriculture Extension Officer

Canaan Center for Organic Research and Extension

الوصف الوظيفي

Canaan Center for Organic Research & Extension (CORE)

“Agriculture Extension Officer”

About us

The Canaan Center for Organic Research and Extension (CORE), is a not-for-profit research and extension center located in the rich agricultural region of Jenin in Northern Palestine. CORE will serve as a national center for research and extension activities to research and further develop sustainable value chains, promote organic production and marketing of fruits, vegetables and grains in Palestine and abroad. The establishment of this Center represents a unique opportunity for Palestine and Palestinians to engage in and benefit from research and education that will provide new agronomic and marketing opportunities for small producers and their families by conducting essential training and extension activities in ecological farming systems, building community organizations, and reviving the authentic traditions of organic farming in Palestine while enriching them with modern organic farming knowledge.

Background

CORE is looking for a candidate to occupy a position of “Agriculture Extension Officer“, this position is a full- time job and located in CORE's office in Jenin (Palestine). The incumbent will work with the Training & Extension services department and will be responsible for extension services, trainings, and daily interaction with farmers.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Prepare strategic plans & structured extension services programs on organic farming practices & techniques that lead to achieving CORE's strategic goals.
Plan, prepare and implement group extension sessions, workshops and field visits to farmers in different locations in the north WB on seasonal basis.
Provide advice and technical consultation to farmers whenever needed.
Timely respond to farmers’ inquiries and problems through means of communications and field visits.
Implement extension visits to follow up farmers' needs and CORE's activities/projects.
Deal with daily farming problems and act fast to provide practical/ organic methods of dealing with these problems.
Identify issues and problems facing farmers in their work, prioritize, analyse, & relay information to CORE research team to work on finding solutions.
Transfer knowledge, findings, and technology of CORE's researchers to the farmers and vice versa.
Schedule and conduct regular monitoring visits to targeted farmers.
Conduct training sessions to farmers on related topics, presentations and demonstrations.
Prepare and distribute leaflets, booklets and visual materials for educational purposes.
Maintain and document records and create a data base (e.g. services provided to farmers, list of targeted farmers in all activities, issues identified during visit, provided solutions, impact on farmers, etc), prepare technical reports and undertake general administrative duties.

Required Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

Bachelor's degree in agricultural science, agriculture engineering or related field is a must, graduate level degree is preferable.
At least three years of practical experience in organic agricultural extension
Familiarity with regenerative agriculture, agro-ecology and traditional Palestinian farming systems.
Excellent experience & knowledge in Olive, Almond and Wheat production and protection.
Must be aware of research and able to reflect research findings in a farmers' friendly language.
Very good written & oral skills in Arabic and English.
Analytical thinking and problem solving skills; to be able to provide creative as well as practical solutions.
Ability to work & perform well under stress.
Ability to work & perform well within a team as well as individually.
Must have a valid driving license and a good driving record.

Work conditions

Working hours are from 8:00 AM to 16:30 PM including lunch break.
This job require both field and office commitments.
CORE is an equal opportunity organization.

CORE offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, plus exciting and stimulating work environment. Qualified candidates can send their CV and cover letter to