AGRICULTURE FIELD OFFICER

AGRICULTURE FIELD OFFICER ( 2 POSITIONS) AT CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF KARONGA 

Location: Rumphi and Chitipa 

Background  

The Catholic Diocese of Karonga carries out integral evangelization through preaching the Good news, development works and works of charity. It operates in the district of Karonga, Chitipa and Rumphi service approximately 800,000 people. In the provision of its services, the Diocese operates through the Pastoral and Caritas Commissions while being supported by the Chancery and the Finance Departments. The Caritas Commission is the social development and charity arm of the Diocese. The Caritas Commission does its work through departments of Justice and Peace (CCJP), Education, Health and Development (CADECOM). Participation in, and benefciation of, projects by the Caritas Commission are open to all people regardless of their religion, gender, race or creed.

Job opportunities have meanwhile arisen in the departments of Development (CADECOM) and Lands and Construction for which the Diocese would like to fill as below:

Development Department (CADECOM)

Position 1: Agriculture Field Officer  

Project: Community Transformation  

Reports to: The Project Coordinator  

Station: Jalawe, Rumphi District

Position 2: Agriculture Field Officer  

Project: Integrated Rural Development  

Reports to: The Project Coordinator  

Station: Mwamkumbwa, Chitipa District

Job Description

Position Overview  

The Agriculture Field Officer is responsible for providing technical support, training, and advisory services to farmers and agricultural stakeholders. The role focuses on improving farm productivity, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, monitoring field activities, and ensuring successful implementation of agricultural programs and projects.

Key Responsibilities  

2.1. Farmer Support & Training  

Provide technical guidance on crop production, soil management, pest and disease control, small scale irrigation, and livestock management.  

Conduct training sessions, demonstrations, and field days to build farmers’ skills.  

Assist farmers in adopting modern and climate-smart agricultural practices.

2.2. Field Monitoring & Data Collection

 Visit farms regularly to assess crop performance, farm challenges, and compliance with project guidelines.

 Collect, record, and report field data (yields, inputs used, climate conditions, etc.).

 Identify farming risks and recommend timely solutions.

2.3. Program Implementation

 Support the roll out of agricultural programs, and NGO/community development projects.

 Distribute inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment where applicable.

 Ensure project activities align with objectives and timeline.

2.4. Stakeholder Engagement

 Work closely with farmers' groups, cooperatives, local leaders, suppliers, and government departments.

 Build partnerships with agribusinesses and extension networks.

 Facilitate communication between farmers and organizations implementing projects.

2.5. Reporting & Documentation

 Prepare weekly, monthly, and seasonal reports on field activities.

 Document success stories, challenges, and lessons learned.

 Maintain accurate records of farmer outreach, training, and inputs distributed.

2.6. Extension Services & Advisory Support

 Provide ongoing advice on best practices (including Good Agricultural Practices to improve productivity and profitability.

 Promote environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture solutions.

 Support farmers in increasing markets and improving value chains.

3. Skills & Qualifications

3.1. Essential

 Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Extension, or related field.

 Strong knowledge of crop and livestock production systems.

 Ability to work independently and stay in rural areas.

 Good communication and training skills.

 Ability to collect and analyze field data.

3.2. Desirable

 Experience working with communities, NGOs, agribusinesses, or government programs.

 Knowledge of climate-smart agriculture and sustainable farming practices.

 Proficiency in using smart-phones, tablets, and basic MS Office tools.

3.3. Personal Attributes

 Good interpersonal and teamwork skills.

 Good mentorship skills.

 Problem-solving mindset and proactive attitude.

 Passion for working with farmers and rural communities.

 Cultural sensitivity and professionalism.

4. Typical Reporting Structure

 Reports to: Project Coordinator

 Supervises: Lead Farmers, Agro-Entrepreneurs, Farmer Groups or Cooperatives (directly)

LAND AND CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT

 Position: Land & Construction Intern

 Reports to: The Land & Construction Officer (LaCPO)

 Station: Chancery/Curia

1. Main Purpose of the Job

There are two main purposes of the LaCPO Intern, namely:

(1) To assist in planning, implementing and manage the entire process of acquiring land for Karonga Diocese

(2) To assist in planning, implementing and managing the entire process of constructing building of the Diocese; which includes all major construction works in diocesan institutions.

2. Key Responsibilities

a) To initiate and complete land lease process

b) Architectural/Structural designing

c) Costing of all diocesan construction projects

d) Ensure that the Construction projects are submitted and registered to the planning authority and Construction Industry Regulatory Authority (CIRA) for approval before commencement

e) Supervise construction works in relation to architectural and engineering details.

f) Support LaCPO with technical reports

3. Key Performance Indicators

The Land and Construction Project Officer shall conduct performance review of the Land and Construction Officer Intern in line with the provisions of the overall Human Resources Policy Manual of the Diocese by monitoring some of these indicators. The indicators/measurements will be reviewed and communicated to the LaCPO Intern from time to time in line with the growing and changing needs of the Diocese.

3.1. Technical Performance

i. Increase in the number of pieces of land of the Diocese having duly completed Chief Consultation Forms and relevant maps.

ii. Timely completion of construction works

iii. Timely submission of technical documents

4. Knowledge, Experience and Personal Competencies

a) A first degree in Land Management, Quantity Surveying, Architectural Studies and Civil Engineering.

b) At least 1 year post qualification experience in Land Management, Quantity Surveying, Architectural Studies or Construction.

c) Conceptual understanding of the process of leasing land

d) Ability to design, cost and implement a construction project. This is a must

e) Proven ability to effectively manage partner relationships with religious and private sector institutions.

f) He or she must be socially and spiritually confident, self-assured, enjoys meeting people, creates a good impression in all situations, is good with words and knows what to say (even when communicating disagreeable information).

Application Instructions

Please send your cover letter, CV and Copies of Certificates in a single PDF attachment to hr@karongadiocese.org not later than Wednesday 11th March, 2026.

Please title the file with your full name.

THE DIOCESE OF KARONGA

P.O. BOX 140, KARONGA

MALAWI