Officer, Agriculture

Job description

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:Career Guides

Job title:                                            Officer, Agriculture  

Site:                                                    Kansanshi Mining Plc                            

Department:                                      Foundation

Section:                                              Agriculture and Community Livelihoods     

Purpose

The Officer, Agriculture will be responsible for supporting the design, coordination, and implementation of Foundation-supported agricultural program aimed at improving household food security, income generation, and climate resilience among target communities in Solwezi district and surrounding areas.

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The role will focus on ensuring high-quality extension service delivery, effective supervision of field implementation teams, and consistent application of climate-smart and sustainable agricultural practices in line with the First Quantum Way and Kansanshi Foundation development objectives.Software

Key Responsibilities

Program Implementation and Technical Support

Lead the implementation of the agriculture program including conservation farming, vegetable production, orchard establishment, agroforestry, and irrigation-based farming initiatives.
Provide technical backstopping to field teams to ensure recommended agronomic practices are correctly applied and adapted to local conditions.
Lead the roll-out of Agriculture input support initiative, setting up demonstration plots, holding farmer field schools, and exposure visits in line with approved work plans.
Promote adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices, soil fertility management, water-efficient irrigation, and integrated pest and disease management.

Extension Services Coordination and Supervision

Work closely with the Administrator, Agriculture to coordinate and supervise the work of Field Officers, CA Trainers, and Demo Plot Workers.
Ensure extension staff deliver timely, consistent, and high-quality advisory services to farmers and community groups.
Support planning and execution of training sessions, field days, farmer learning platforms, and on-farm demonstrations.
Conduct regular field visits to monitor extension service delivery, provide mentorship, and address emerging implementation challenges.

Capacity Building and Farmer Training

Support development and delivery of farmer training curricula covering crop production, horticulture, irrigation management, post-harvest handling, and basic agribusiness skills.
Facilitate farmer learning through demonstration plots, lead farmers, and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange.
Build technical capacity of extension staff and contracted service providers through on-the-job coaching and structured learning activities.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Work with the M&E department to collect, verify, and analyze field-level data on farmer participation, adoption of practices, crop performance, and program outputs.
Support routine monitoring of demonstration plots, irrigation systems, and supported farmer enterprises.
Contribute to the preparation of progress reports, field activity reports, and technical briefs for internal management and external stakeholders.
Identify lessons learnt and practical recommendations to improve program effectiveness and sustainability.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

Engage with local community leaders, cooperatives, Agri-preneurs, and service providers to support effective program implementation.
Support coordination with government extension services, NGOs, and private sector partners to enhance impact and avoid duplication.
Participate in district, provincial and national agriculture shows, farmer days, and stakeholder forums as required.

Compliance, Safety, and Governance

Support all efforts aimed at ensuring that all agricultural activities comply with FQM policies, Foundation procedures, and relevant environmental, health, and safety standards.
Promote safe working practices among staff, contractors, and community participants during field activities.
Uphold ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability in all program operations in line with the First Quantum policies.

Qualifications

Minimum of a Grade 12 School Certificate
Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Extension, Natural Resources Management, or a related field.
A postgraduate qualification in agriculture, climate change, rural development, or livelihoods will be an added advantage.
All academic qualifications and results must be verified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).
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Experience

Minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in agricultural extension, rural development, or community-based agriculture program implementation.
Proven experience in project management, leading project implementation, stakeholder engagement, and report writing.
Demonstrated experience working with smallholder farmers and supervising field-based implementation teams.
Experience in conservation agriculture, horticulture, irrigation systems, or climate-smart agriculture is highly desirable.

Behavioral Traits

Strong technical understanding of crop production systems and smallholder farming contexts.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
Proven ability to supervise and coordinate field teams.
Excellent facilitation, communication, and report-writing skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple activities concurrently.
Ability to analyze field data and translate findings into practical improvements.
High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to community development.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
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Operational Requirements

Frequent travel to surrounding communities.
Strong understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by smallholder farmers living in mining-affected communities.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.
Ability to work in rural field conditions and interact effectively with diverse community groups.
Flexibility to work outside normal office hours when program activities require.
Ability to speak local language(s) and familiarity with the culture of North Western province to facilitate better community engagement is an asset