Citizens In Action Southern Africa (CIASA)

DUE: 20 JUN 2025

Terms of Reference (ToR) for Agricultural Extension Expert – Smart Agriculture Toolkit Development

Position Title: Agricultural Extension Expert – Smart Agriculture Toolkit Developer
Project: Chilonga Community Resilience Project
Location: Chilonga, Chiredzi District, Zimbabwe
Duration: 7 working days
Reports to: Project Manager – Citizens In Action Southern Africa (CIASA)
Languages Required: English and Local Language (Shangani/Chilonga dialect)

Background
The Chilonga region faces climate-related agricultural challenges that threaten food security and livelihoods. CIASA is establishing Agricultural Field Schools to introduce climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices that are sustainable, indigenous-friendly, and adaptive.

Purpose of the Assignment
To develop a Smart Agriculture Toolkit/manual tailored to the agro-ecological and cultural realities of Chilonga, and usable for field training sessions. This toolkit will serve as the core manual for building climate-resilient farming knowledge.

Scope of Work

Conduct a rapid participatory assessment of local agricultural practices and climate vulnerabilities.
Liaise with Agritex, traditional leaders, and farmers to document indigenous farming practices and climate adaptation needs.
Design a comprehensive Smart Agriculture Toolkit/manual covering:
o Conservation farming
o Agroforestry and permaculture
o Water harvesting and soil management
o Crop and livestock diversification
o Post-harvest handling and value addition
Integrate gender-sensitive and youth-inclusive approaches.
Develop training content for community-level Agricultural Field Schools.
Translate key sections into the Chilonga local language for use in field demonstrations.
Train CIASA staff and local facilitators on the toolkit application.

Deliverables

Inception report with methodology and stakeholder engagement plan.
Draft Smart Agriculture Toolkit/manual.
Final version incorporating feedback from CIASA and community validation.
Translated guide in the Chilonga language (summary version for field use).
Training-of-trainers (ToT) session for CIASA and local field facilitators.
Provide a comprehensive report for the sessions facilitated.

Qualifications

Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Natural Resources Management, or related field.
Minimum 5 years’ experience in agricultural extension services and CSA programming.
Demonstrated experience working with smallholder farmers and indigenous communities.
Knowledge of Zimbabwe’s agro-ecological zones, particularly Region V.
Proficiency in participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools.
Ability to communicate effectively in English and the Chilonga dialect preferred.
Must have a recommendation from the Chilonga community with a long history of previous work in support of the community climate smart agricultural initiatives.

TO APPLY
Send an email with your cover letter and profile to [email protected] on or before 20 June 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further processes.