Regional Forage Extension Manager

Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited has a Vision to be the market leader in the Day Old Chicks market; through exceptional quality products and services that will guarantee profitable poultry farming.

The Company produces high-quality Day-Old Chicks and Point of Cage Pullets. Over the years, we have remained focused on our main objective to produce high quality chicks, in a highly hygienic environment leveraging innovative solutions grounded in Research and Development.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Regional Forage Extension Manager

Location: Nigeria
Employment Type: Full-time
Slots: 2

Job Purpose

• The Regional Forage Extension Manager is responsible for implementing the company's forage development and extension programmes within an assigned region.
• Working under the direction of the Forage Manager, the Regional Forage Extension Manager coordinates regional extension activities, supervises field extension personnel, supports forage production initiatives, and serves as the primary liaison between the company and livestock farming communities to improve feed availability, animal productivity, and sustainable livestock production.
• The role ensures the successful adoption of improved forage production and preservation practices by pastoralists, livestock farmers.

Roles and Responsibilities
Regional Programme Implementation:

• Monitor implementation progress and recommend improvements where necessary.
• Execute all forage development programmes assigned by the Forage Manager.
• Ensure timely execution of seasonal forage production activities.
• Coordinate forage extension activities across all states within the assigned region.
• Implement the regional forage extension work plan in line with the national forage strategy.

Farmer Extension and Advisory Services:

• Guide livestock farmers on year-round feed planning and forage budgeting.
• Conduct regular farm visits to provide technical support and monitor adoption of recommended practices.
• Provide technical advisory services on forage establishment, management, harvesting, conservation and utilisation.
• Assist farmers in solving forage production and pasture management challenges.
• Promote improved forage varieties suitable for the region's ecological conditions.

Demonstration Farms and Farmer Training:

• Organise field days, farmer learning events and practical demonstrations.
• Establish and supervise forage demonstration plots and model farms within the region.
• Develop practical extension materials for farmers.

Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with pastoralist communities, livestock associations, cooperatives, and local leaders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with pastoralist communities, livestock associations, cooperatives, and local leaders.
• Address farmer concerns and facilitate timely resolution of field issues.
• Promote awareness of improved forage technologies and their benefits.
• Mobilise farmers to participate in forage development programmes.

Regional Forage Production Support

• Advise farmers on land preparation, planting, irrigation, fertilisation, and weed control.
• Monitor forage crop establishment and performance within the region.
• Encourage adoption of climate-smart forage production practices.
• Support the identification of suitable sites for forage production and demonstration.
• Monitor seasonal forage production and provide technical recommendations for improved yields.

Team Leadership

• Allocate field assignments and monitor staff productivity.
• Conduct regular coaching sessions and performance reviews.
• Identify training needs and recommend staff development initiatives.
• Supervise and mentor Forage Support/Extension Officers within the region.
• Promote teamwork and adherence to company standards.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor regional extension activities against approved work plans and KPIs.
• Collect, analyse, and validate field data on forage production and farmer adoption.

Maintain accurate records of:

• Demonstration farms
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly regional reports for the Forage Manager.
• Forage acreage established
• Farmer participation
• Farmer engagements
• Extension visits
• Training programmes

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with:
• Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs)
• Livestock associations
• State Ministries of Agriculture
• Local Government Agricultural Departments
• Research institutions
• Farmer cooperatives
• NGOs and development partners operating within the region
• Community leaders
• Represent the company at regional agricultural and livestock development meetings.

Health, Safety and Compliance:

• Promote environmentally sustainable forage production practices.
• Support implementation of quality assurance standards in demonstration activities.
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of field equipment.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, operational procedures, and safety standards.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Hectares of forage established within the region.
• Number of farmers and pastoralists reached through extension programmes.
• Achievement of regional work plan targets.
• Adoption rate of improved forage production technologies.
• Number of extension visits completed.
• Farmer satisfaction with extension services.
• Performance of supervised extension officers.
• Improvement in forage productivity among participating farmers.
• Number of demonstration plots established and maintained.
• Number of farmer training programmes conducted.
• Timeliness and quality of regional reports.

Qualifications

• A postgraduate qualification in Agricultural Extension, Agronomy, Pasture Management, or a related field is an added advantage.
• Membership of relevant professional bodies is desirable.
• Bachelor's Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Agronomy, Crop Science, Pasture and Range Management, Agricultural Extension, Animal Science, Agriculture, Soil Science, Forage Production, or a related agricultural discipline.

Experience:

• At least 2 years' experience supervising agricultural extension or field teams.
• Demonstrated experience working with livestock farmers, pastoralist communities, cooperatives, or out-grower schemes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital field data collection tools.
• Experience establishing forage demonstration plots and delivering farmer training programmes.
• Good knowledge of tropical forage species, pasture establishment, fodder conservation, and sustainable grazing systems.
• Minimum of 5–7 years' relevant experience in forage production, pasture management, agricultural extension, livestock production, or rural agricultural development.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the assigned region.

Technical Competencies:

• Climate-smart agriculture
• Project implementation
• Hay and silage production
• Stakeholder engagement
• Farmer capacity building and adult learning
• Sustainable grazing systems
• Agricultural extension methodologies
• Demonstration farm management
• Data collection and reporting
• Forage production and pasture management

Behavioural Competencies:

• Relationship management
• Strong communication and facilitation skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Leadership and team supervision
• Planning and organisational ability
• Accountability and integrity
• Results orientation
• Cultural sensitivity when working with diverse farming communities.
• Adaptability and resilience