Regional Lead in Agroecology Extension

Location: Vihiga & Kakamega Counties

Contract Type: Full Time

Duration: 3months Initial Term, With Extension Upon Review

Job Summary

SOFDI, an NGO in Western Kenya, seeks a Regional Lead in Agroecology Extension to support farmer training programs. This practical role requires strong sustainable agriculture skills and the ability to mobilize, mentor farmer groups, and empower community leaders to drive change on the ground.

Job Description

At SOFDI (www.sofdi.com), the Regional Lead is a key, hands-on position responsible for coordinating our sustainable agriculture training pathway across a defined region. This is a highly practical role that requires someone with strong agroecological knowledge and on-the-ground experience in implementing sustainable farming practices.

The Regional Lead works directly with smallholder farmer groups, delivering training, setting up demonstration sites, and mentoring farmer leaders. They also play a vital role in mobilizing and coordinating community leadership to support program success and adoption. By bridging field realities with organizational learning, the Regional Lead contributes to SOFDI’s broader mission of sustainable, community-based development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Farmer Group Coordination

• Support, organize, and mentor farmer groups across the region
• Ensure active participation in the agroecology pathway
• Identify and nurture model farmers and group leads
• Facilitate cluster-level learning, sharing, and collaboration

1. Training & Demonstration

• Lead agroecology training and hands-on skills development
• Establish and maintain regional demonstration plots
• Roll out new research findings and innovations
• Use participatory and farmer-led approaches to encourage adoption

1. Data Collection & Monitoring

• Conduct baseline, implementation, and impact assessments
• Gather household-level data on practices, needs, and change
• Feed data into M&E systems and support reflection on progress
• Collaborate with M&E staff and contribute to learning reviews

1. Field Research & Innovation Incorporate

• Farmer Research Network (FRN) insights
• Identify promising practices for wider dissemination
• Collaborate with farmers on trials and feedback loops

1. Mentorship & Community Insight

• Serve as a regional mentor and communicator of SOFDI’s vision
• Understand and represent household-level realities and needs
• Communicate challenges and emerging priorities to program teams
• Support linkages between farmers and network services (seeds, marketing, school fees, communications)

APPLICATION PROCESS

We will ONLY consider applications that include all of the following:

1. A cover letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the role
2. CV highlighting relevant experience and qualifications
3. Short video (1–2 minutes) of yourself explaining:

• a) Your interest in agroecology, education, and community-based development;
• b) How you believe this work can benefit young people and local communities.

Please email your complete application by 31st October 2026.