Job Description –Coordinator Diploma in Agroecology Programme

Duration: I-year contract renewable. To start immediately.

Location: Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre (KATC) offices at Kasisi, travel for business visits on one-on-one discussions. Considerable communication by internet

Reporting to: Training and Research Coordinator

Purpose of the job:
To coordinate the diploma program in agroecology at KATC and plan its further development.

Since 2022 Kasisi Agricultural Training Center (KATC) has offered besides other training modules a Diploma Programme in Agroecology. The 2 to 3 years are designed as a blended learning program with online lecturers, self-study, and 3 weeks residential per semester. The course is accredited by the University of Zambia. Modules cover all relevant topics of Agriculture with a special focus on sustainable organic practices.

Responsibilities:

• To liaise with the Executive Director, Programme Manager, Training and Research Coordinator, and Bread for the World Germany continuously, verbally and in writing
• To liaise and maintain the relations with UNZA, especially the School of Agriculture and the academic office
• To liaise and maintain linkages with the Ministry of Agriculture especially but also other Ministries
• To liaise with the commercial farming community/the employing industry.
• To liaise with potential students of this new program and advertise the new program.
• To maintain relations with graduates from the program.
• To lead in the continuous review and improvement of the courses and the program as a whole.
• In liaison with the Business Development officer to ensure the program operates on an economically, financially, environmentally, and socially sound BUSINESS PLAN.
• Ensure the institution is up to date and that management is kept up to date and advised on all applicable regulatory and statutory obligations
• Ensure all applicable statutory obligations are adhered to and met at all times.
• Facilitate and advise students during their studies.
• Encourage and accompany students in student research on organic topics.

Duties:

• Maintain the curriculum acceptable by the School of Agriculture UNZA so that the program will continue to be affiliated/accredited to UNZA.
• Develop regular and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the program.
• Identify which areas of study that need to be included in the program to keep contents updated and relevant including new research findings and developments in education.
• Coordinate and guide processes of student application and admission.
• Liaise with lecturers in the program and ensure timely and qualitative delivery of lectures, assignments, tests, and exams.
• Organize the semestrial residentials and practical exercises at KATC.
• Encourage and guide students in research within the area of Agroecology.
• Develop a business plan for this new diploma in agroecology to ensure that it will be financially self-sustaining
• Identify capital and human resources investments required to develop this program further.
• Meet with the Executive Director, Programme Manager, and Training & Research Coordinator weekly for de-briefing and produce weekly progress reports
• Maintain good links with the coordinator of the youth empowerment program to ensure that youths are receiving the best possible facilitation.
• Spot interesting personalities to invite for guest lectures and workshop
• Prepare Graduation Celebration for the Students.
• Facilitate students during the time of residential and attachments.
• Take over a certain deputation of lectures within the program.

Qualifications, experience, and requirements:

• Minimum a Bachelors Degree, preferably Masters Degree
• Work experience in an academic institution will be advantageous.
• Good communication skills especially on social media and the internet
• Excellent writing and reporting skills in English
• Able to work with minimum supervision
• Knowledge of teaching methodology will be an added advantage
• Be a self-starter
• Strong people management skills
• Strong planning, budgeting monitoring, and evaluation skills
• Hardworking, honest, and reliable willing to work long sometimes awkward hours
• Driving license B